Hendrie’s 24 hour clause?

Reports are circulating that there is a clause in Lee Hendrie’s contract that could allow him to be recalled by Aston Villa with only 24 hours notice. He arrived at the Britannia at the start of October on a three month loan that should see him here until Christmas.

Hendrie has arguably been the most influential player in the Potters’ recent improvement in form, scoring three goals himself and having a hand in many more of the twelve goals Stoke scored in October. Fans would be concerned at any prospect that their most popular player could return to Villa Park earlier than expected.

Hendrie has said that he does not know if there is such a clause in the contract but told BBC Radio Stoke that his main preoccupation at the moment was just playing football for Stoke City.

Many fans would like him signed up permanently, but that seems to be wishful thinking at the moment as Hendrie has made it clear that he still regards his future to be at Villa Park – or at least in the Premiership.

Stoke’s very own celebrity fan, Nick Hancock interviewed Lee on last night’s “Hancock’s Half Time” on ITV and he was, again, not going to be drawn as where his future lay despite some direct questions.