Sam leaves door open for Hendry

Hendry: Staying?
By Matt Lawton
August 19 2002

Bolton Wanderers manager has admitted defeat in his battle to sign Real Madrid defender Ivan Campo but in turn opened the door for veteran defender Colin Hendry to return to first team action at the Reebok.

It had seemed that Hendry was on his way out following interest from Preston North End. North End manager Craig Brown is a known admirer of Hendry's abilities as Hendry was Scotland captain at the time of Brown being Scotland manager.
However, Allardyce has given up on signing Campo after the transfer saga dragged on for one week too many which means that Hendry could return for Bolton instead of Campo arriving.
Hendry is returning to full fitness after taking a period out of football this summer to take care of his wife who was suffering from a life threatening disease after an operation went wrong. Hendry's wife, Denise, has pulled through the traumatic period and Colin is now enjoying life and his football again which has been capped off by the possibility of a Wanderers return.
It is good news for Allardyce that Hendry is returning to fitness as there is a lack of quality and communication in the back four which was brutally highlighted in the 4-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday. Hendry started his Bolton career with a series of superb performances but since lost his place in the team with the signing of Bruno N'Gotty coupled with the excellent form of fellow veterans Gudni Bergsson and Mike Whitlow at the heart of the Wanderers defence.