PLAYER PROFILE

Ramos Ivan Campo

Position: Midfield

Height: 6'1

Weight: 12st 7lbs

Date of Birth: 1974-02-21 San Sebastian, Spain

Ramos Ivan Campo

The ex-Real Madrid defender first signed for the Trotters in August 2002 on a one-year loan deal. It was a shock signing, as Campo was an established Spanish international and a Champions League winner, but Allardyce's audacity paid off.

Having played 34 games, he proved to be a vital part of Allardyce’s Premiership side that escaped relegation with just one game to go.

At the end of the 2002/03 campaign his contract expired, much to the sadness of everyone at the Reebok. There was a general feeling that in many ways Campo would be irreplaceable, with Allardyce’s transfer budget being so limited.

However, after leaving the North West, Campo decided it was far nicer than the Spanish city of Madrid and in July 2003 returned to sign a three-year contract with the Wanderers.

Upon completion of the deal, manager Alardyce said: "Both parties have reached an agreement and we are happy to have agreed Ivan's services for the next three years.

"He was a key figure for us last season and will be vital for us next season."

The Spanish international has a wealth of experience and has played with 6 different clubs over the course of his career, Valencia and Real Madrid being amongst them. Campo was praised by his manager as being "a good all-round defender". "He is very strong, very quick and good in the air."

The re-signing of Campo was a real coup for Allardyce, who had struggled to line up a replacement since the Spaniard left the club. He adds experience and ability to Bolton’s continental side and has received much admiration from the Bolton players and fans alike.

Bolton stayed in the Premiership for the 2003/04 season, and instead of being among those battling to remain in the top flight, they had a great season and finished 8th. It was not all down to Campo, but his experience and skill have certainly got something to do with it.

Bolton improved on this succes in the 2004/05 campaign, as Sam Allardyce guided them to a fantastic 6th place finish, level on 58 points with Liverpool.

Although Campo's season was hampered slightly by suspension and injury, his input to the team was vital as he played 29 times in the Wanderers' defence.

A broken foot ruled Campo out for much of the 2005/06 season, although he did manage to score twice in eighteen games. Gladly, he enjoyed an inury-free season in 2006/07 as he played 34 games and scored five goals.