COLIN Hendry is Blackburn Rovers' greatest player in the last 25 years.

You the readers put him up there alongside legends Bryan Douglas (pictured) and Ronnie Clayton in our search to find Rovers best player since the war.

And it is an accolade the big Scot ranks alongside his Rovers Player of the Year award - an award he has scooped for the second time in four years.

A surprised Hendry said: "I can't believe it. To be named amongst such great players past and present is a great honour for me. I am Rovers through and through and this means so much to me. I had no idea I was so highly thought of."

But the 30-year-old centre back, who this week put pen to paper to keep him at Ewood Park until the year 2001, deserves the recognition - although he would be the last to admit it.

In a season that started off with so much promise, Hendry has been the solid rock in Rovers crumbling foundations.

But he added: "You could say we have had a disappointing season but it just goes to show how far we have come in recent years. There are not too many teams who would say finishing in the top six is disappointing."

Now well into his seventh season at Ewood Park, which has been interrupted by a two year stint at Manchester City, Big Col is sure Rovers will be back mounting a serious challenge for the title.

"This season has been tough for us," he admitted. "Defending a championship is a lot harder than winning one. It's also been a bit of a transitional period for Ray Harford. But we will be back."

And he joked: "I sure Ray will be looking to strengthen the squad this summer but I hope he is not looking for a new centre half!"

Depending on Arsenal's midweek result, Rovers Euro dreams could be dead come Sunday's trip to Chelsea for the last game of the season.

But typically, Hendry is looking to go out with a bang - and maintain Rovers' unbeaten record in the capital this season.

"Considering our poor away form we have done very well in London and we'll be going all out to end up the season on a win."

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