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Campo Profile
 Bolton Wanderers Ivan Campo celebrates scoring his sides first goal of the game

Ivan Campo Ramos

Born: San Sebastien, Spain, 21st February 1974

International Honours: Spain Full

Position: Defensive Midfielder/Defender

Squad Number: 8

Former Clubs: Deportivo Alaves (Spain), Valladolid (Spain), Valencia (Spain), Real Mallorca (Spain), Real Madrid (Spain)

Often eccentric midfielder who has been a firm favourite with the Bolton Wanderers supporters over the past couple of seasons.

The signing of Champions League winner Campo in August 2002 was met with an element of surprise by football followers and pundits alike as he had given up a privelaged position in the squad at Real Madrid.

Initially, Campo didn't seem keen to come to a then struggling Wanderers team, but a conversation with then Madrid team mate Steve McManaman helped change his mind. The former Liverpool player McManaman had advised Campo to go to Bolton as his career would flourish in England with a good club.

A year long loan deal was agreed with the former Valencia and Real Mallorca player just before the closure of the transfer window, and it was certainly a year that was met with both the good and the bad.

Inevitably it took Campo a short while to get used to his new club and the new country, but he won't be forgetting his first month as a Bolton player in a hurry as it was packed with almost everything imaginable. Firstly, he made his debut in the heroic Wanderers win against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, then three days later he scored with his first touch in the thrilling home game with Liverpool.

A week later he was contraversially sent off in the final minute of the defeat to Arsenal at Highbury. Fortunately for Bolton this decision was later overturned by the Football Association panel.

His performances in the centre of defence often proved heart stopping as he would show that little extra bit of flamboyance when it was easier to keep things simple. This prompted outspoken ex-pundit Rodney Marsh to describe the Spaniard as an overweight pub player with no ability during a live broadcast on SKY television.

The New Year brought about a change of fortune for Campo, as an injury to holding midfielder Paul Warhurst created an opportunity of a place further upfield. This was a chance that Campo grabbed with both hands, performing admireably in the away game against Newcastle United.

His long range passing, niggling tackles and cavalier approach seemed more suited to the centre of midfield as he became one of the clubs star performers towards the end of the 2002-2003 season.

The big question on everyone's lips was "Would he stay permanently?", the answer being a simple yes after Wanderers had avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth in the final day clash against Middlesbrough.

He signed up for keeps from Madrid in the summer of 2003, and carried on where he had left of into season 2003-2004. He formed useful partnerships with the likes of Jay-Jay Okocha and Kevin Nolan as Bolton reached the Final of the Carling Cup and finished in the top half of the Premiership

He chipped in with four vital goals in that successful season, including a couple of fine long range efforts against Manchester City and Leicester City which where worthy of the applause that they received.

Unfortunately season 2004-2005 was not a good one, he started off reasonably well but was ruled out of contention in the autumn following a nasty collision of heads with team mate Gary Speed during the 1-0 win against Crystal Palace and later lost his place to good friend and Spanish legend Fernando Hierro

2005-2006 was also a bad season for him as he suffered a broken foot on two seperate occasions to miss out on the clubs first ever European campaign. However, he was to regain his place in the side towards the end of the season and a new contract offer was put to him in the summer following a string of good performances.

Season 2006-2007 began in fine fettle for the experienced midfielder as he scored a superb long distance winner in the opening day win over Tottenham Hotspur and followed this up with goals in the wins over Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth.

This colourful and popular member of the Bolton squad will be hoping for a good season in the coming campaign. His experience will certainly be a key issue, that is for certain.

BOLTON RECORD: 145 appearances, 12 goals

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