Bolton tribute for Real Madrid legend Hierro

Bolton Wanderers capped off a fine season with a 3-2 win over Everton yesterday.
The game marked the last in Fernando Hierro's glittering career after the ex-Real Madrid captain had announced his retirement last week.

 
In extraordinary scenes, Hierro, 37, was embraced by his team-mates and given a rousing reception by the supporters, when he came off at the Reebok Stadium in the second half.

Boss Sam Allardyce said: "I wish Fernando all the best in the future.

"He has been immense in the back half of the season and even at 37 he is still one of the best in the world at what he has done.

"Very few can match him and I am disappointed he has decided not to carry on."

Bolton fought back after being a man down and a goal down at half-time. Defender Bruno N'Gotty was sent off by referee Neale Barry after clipping the back of the head of Tim Cahill, who had opened the scoring for Everton.

While Allardyce had no quarrel about the decision to dismiss the Frenchman, he was angered Cahill had stayed on the pitch.

Instead he was handed a yellow card and the Bolton boss said: "He should have been sent down the tunnel as he threw the first one.

"The only disappointing part of the day was that Bruno was sent off.

"The rest of it was just what I wanted - a victory on the final day of the season."

Radhi Jaidi equalised for 10-man Bolton following a deep free-kick from Hierro and Kevin Davies then edged them ahead, his effort taking a deflection off David Weir.