Hendrie may move on from Midlands
Lee Hendrie admits his future may lie away from the Midlands -
despite the interest of three clubs in the area - after leaving
Aston Villa.The 30-year-old midfielder is wanted by Leicester,
Coventry and Stoke, where he spent much of last season on
loan.
But Hendrie, who won a single England cap nine years ago under
Glenn Hoddle, will select the best option to extend his career and
believes he is still capable of playing in the Premiership.
Hendrie said: "I would love to stay local but now may be the time
for me to go somewhere else. I know Midlands clubs are interested
in me but I want to get the best move for me.
"I would love to play for a Premiership club, or at least a
Championship side who are serious about promotion.
"I am still only 30 and have at least another three or four seasons
ahead of me - and I want top-flight football.
"I am sad to end my association with Villa. I would have loved to
see out my career at the club and been one of those people who
played for only one club in their career.
"But this is a new year of changes and challenges ahead of me and I
still feel I can make a meaningful contribution to some
club."
Hendrie has been granted a testimonial season by Villa, whom he
joined as a schoolboy in preference to local rivals Birmingham and
Derby.
Martin O'Neill continues to make plans for next season with the
Liverpool duo of Craig Bellamy and Harry Kewell and West Ham's
Nigel Reo-Coker the latest players to be linked with a move to
Villa.
