COLIN Hendry today scotched fears that he may leave Blackburn Rovers.

The central defender and Lancashire Evening Telegraph player of the year was yesterday locked in clear-the-air talks with chairman Rob Coar.

The meeting followed the Scotland international's concerns with the Ewood exodus and an apparent lack of ambition shown in the transfer market.

That alerted a number of top British clubs including Rangers, Celtic, Liverpool, Newcastle and German giants Werder Bremen.

And I can also reveal that Manchester United have tried desperately to contact Hendry since he returned early from a family holiday in St Lucia this week.

But Hendry emerged from the meeting reassured and confirmed his loyalty to the club.

"The club didn't want to lose me and I didn't want to leave the club.

"They reiterated that I was part of their plans when the new manager comes.

"My contract has not changed and I still have four years to run.

"At my age I wanted to be reassured that there was going to be a genuine attempt to be successful again.

"The chairman is trying desperately to get things right.

"When Alan Shearer wasn't replaced, it did concern me and last season more than concerned me. But anyone who has a grievance goes to see their boss and that's all I have done.

"They made their point that they needed me on board.

"The appointment of Roy Hodgson has been a big plus and has been a major factor for us all.

"I would think his appointment will set the club back on the road to success.

"I will be here for the rest of my career as long as Blackburn Rovers want me.

"I'm sick to the back teeth of hearing speculation.

"There was never any contact made by another club.

"I felt that at this time last year the fans felt uncertain because Alan Shearer didn't say anything about his future.

"I know my future and it's at Blackburn Rovers."

Hendry first signed for Rovers in £30,000 in 1987.

After two years at Manchester City he was brought back to Ewood by Kenny Dalglish in 1991 for £700,000.

The Dalglish link sparked reports that Hendry was set to link up again with his former boss at Newcastle United.

Next year he is due a testimonial for 10 years' service and there is every chance Hendry will play a major part at Ewood when his playing days are over.

But today's news will come as a massive relief as new boss Roy Hodgson attempts to piece together his squad for the new campaign.

Rovers are expected to sign Stephane Henchoz from Hamburg, despite repeated denials from the Germans that the central defender will report back for training this week.

And Hodgson is hot on the trail of Swedish midfield playmaker Anders Andersson in a deal reported to be worth £500,000 - as we revealed on Thursday.

Right-sided wing back Patrick Valery of French club Bastia is also considering an offer from Rovers, having already visited Brockhall for a medical examination this week.

He has one year to run on his contract and would cost in the region of £1.5 million.

Hodgson will also be desperate to hang onto the services of unsettled England international left back Graeme Le Saux despite a growing number of reports linking him with a move away from Ewood.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.