Stockton Town midfielder calls time on career

Affectionately known as ‘the Bull’, Henry enjoyed four years with his hometown club and made 90 appearances in all competitions, scoring five times.

His most productive campaign came in 2021/22, when he made 36 appearances during the Anchors' debut campaign in the Northern Premier League.

Prior to joining Stockton, Henry played a pivotal role in Spennymoor Town’s rise to the National League North.

After arriving from Whitby in 2014, he twice won the Manager’s Player of the Season award as Spennymoor won the play-offs in 2016 and 2017 on their way to Step 2 of the non-league pyramid.

Stockton Town boss Michael Dunwell said: “Shane has been excellent for us and has played a huge part in why we are playing at Step 3.

“He will be a huge miss, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room with his dry sense of humour and stories.

"We wish him all the best in the future, and I am sure we will still see him on matchdays.”

Henry had featured 12 times for the club in all competitions this season, the most recent of which came at the start of November as they fell to defeat against Shildon in the Durham Senior Cup.

However, the 33-year-old made just two league starts for the club this term and has been hampered by injury in recent times.

He has cited work and family commitments as other factors contributing to the decision to hang up his boots.

"Football takes up a lot of time - It is a huge commitment, and I have been playing non-league since I was 18," Henry said.

"I feel it is time to look after the people around me and be more present.

"I have been in some incredible, tight knit changing rooms over the years and shared many successes.

"I have loved my time playing for my hometown club, and the changing room at Stockton Town is right up there."