John James Henderson - the interview
Saturday, 27th Feb 2016"When they come in the first team always interact with the young boys, they help you out as much as you can."
John James Henderson is a sixteen year old (04/12/99) from Whitburn, West Lothian but he claims that the regular travelling to Dunfermline is well worth it even for one so young.
"I am part time at school and come in to train on a Monday and Thursday. I attend Whitburn Academy on the other days with a half day on a Friday and if there is a game on a Tuesday I can take that off too. When at school I take English, Sports Leader, Personal Finance and PE."
Getting to Dunfermline must be a challenge for you, tell us how you travel?
"I get the train at quarter to eight from Bathgate to Edinburgh Park where I meet Cammy Gill, he picks up me and James Thomas and brings us in. Same going back.
"I am a central midfielder currently playing on the left hand side of the three just because of the formation we play here at Dunfermline. It is a good formation, very attacking. It is not something that I have played before and quite enjoy it.
"I left Fife Elite about four months ago and instead of letting me go to other clubs John Potter decided to bring me in here. It was good for me because Dunfermline is where I want to be, I enjoy the club and it is also a step up from playing 17s football to 20s football. In the end I feel that it has worked out well for me and hopefully for Potts as well."
What had you noticed in training at Dunfermline after coming from Fife Elite?
"Straight away, the intensity of the training is on a different planet. It is more physical, there are bigger stronger players, better players as well. When they come in the first team always interact with the young boys, help you out as much as you can.
"Rhys McCabe ,David Hopkirk and Jason Talbot have been particularly encouraging. Rhys is from West Lothian as well and he has been one of my mates. David Hopkirk gives you advice about how to talk to people, even off the park he keeps you on your toes doing your gym work. All the boys are willing to help you though."
So you now have a taste of what a full time footballer's life is like, how much do you want to achieve that?
"I love it here. With my dad being involved in football I have seen from a young age what it takes if you want to be a football player. I have always known that there have to be sacrifices and that it is not going to be easy but hopefully it will be worth it in the end. I don't want to be stacking shelves at Tesco, I want to be lying on a beach somewhere with my money - that's the dream."
What is your father's involvement in football?
"My dad is the manager of Armadale Thistle, the junior team we played in a pre season friendly. He previously worked in youth football with Hibs, Falkirk and West Brom. He had the age group that included Scott Brown, Steven Whittaker, Kevin Thomson, Darren Fletcher so he knows a bit about what he is talking about.
"Even when I was a young boy I was getting talks about eating and drinking. I am grateful to my dad for the experiences and always trying to keep me on the right path. It is now up to me, at the season I hope I have done enough to earn a contract.
"If I am unsuccessful I will have the experience at other clubs of what they are looking for. Even wee things like the jobs the youths have to do rather than sitting about. Right now along with Johnny Galloway and James Thomas we are on the kit, making sure that everything is there - balls, bibs, cones and whatever is needed for warm ups."
How has it felt getting game time in the 20s?
"I have played a lot more than I expected this season. I have really enjoyed it and feel that I am learning, improving in games. Now I hope that the players see me as one of their squad. I want to impress John Potter and Allan Johnston."
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