IF anyone is qualified to prevent Spain’s World Cup disruption descending into crisis, it’s Fernando Hierro.

Bolton Wanderers fans were privileged to see a galaxy of stars pass through the club in their Premier League peak under Sam Allardyce.

However, only a very small selection are still held in as high regard as the Real Madrid legend, who because national team coach on Wednesday in light of the surprise sacking of Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the tournament.

Spanish commentators believe the 50-year-old could actually be the person to unite a dressing room which has traditionally suffered from deep-rooted factions, not least between the two major clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

And if his impact during a brief but eventful stay at Bolton between 2004 and 2005 is anything to go by, he is exactly the right character for the job.

Wanderers had tried to sign Hierro in 2003 when he left Real under a cloud. The defender, then 33, had voiced his disapproval of Vicente Del Bosque’s departure, just months after his team had won the La Liga and Champions League double. Controversial club president Florentino Perez – whose Galacticos policy had also irked the veteran - took exception and levered the legend out of the club.

Hierro expected to retire after a brief stint in the Middle East but Allardyce sold him an opportunity of one last swansong. And that is precisely what he got.

Billed as a “Spanish hero” on his arrival by Allardyce, he deliberately set about playing down his superstar status.

Hierro refused to dwell on past glories at the Bernabeu. He had come to England to sample the kind of atmosphere he had enjoyed in Euro 96 playing for Spain, and in Champions League nights against Manchester United and Leeds.

“England not only has great atmospheres and grounds,” he told The Bolton News through an interpreter, “it also is one of the last enclaves in football where not everything is about the commercial and marketing aspects of the sport.”

What he would have made of today’s Premier League is anyone’s guess – but back then he struck a chord with Bolton fans, even though he did not get into Allardyce’s team until the second half of the season.

Hierro did have to bite his tongue somewhat as the possibility of selling him at Christmas suddenly hit the headlines, as Allardyce used the media to his advantage in trying to rustle up some funds from Eddie Davies.

But history shows that Hierro found his true niche as a holding midfielder, displacing compatriot Ivan Campo for a spell in a role which allowed his incredible range of passing to shine through.

Team-mates were equally prepared to praise his character.

“It’s a privilege to play in the same team as such a good player and a good guy,” said the late Gary Speed – another man held in such high esteem to those who knew him. “He’s brought a lot on and off the pitch.”

“Watching Fernando in training and being able to talk to him has been a genuine privilege,” said Kevin Nolan.

“What a player,” added Kevin Davies. “I can’t imagine what he was like at his peak. On the field and off. He’s always giving players advice.”

Hierro made only 21 starts in his solitary season at Bolton, six of which were in the cup competitions. He played at Yeovil Town and Oldham Athletic in what were essentially reserve teams but kept his composure, and when experience was needed in the final stretch of the Premier League campaign, his presence helped guide the club into Europe for the first time ever.

When 27,701 people rose to their feet to applaud him off the field in the 3-2 victory over Everton on the final day at the Reebok, it said everything about the impact he had made in his short tenure. Much of that was based on reputation - and every single member of the Spanish dressing room will know the name Fernando Hierro.

Even Real Madrid, who set events rolling with their announcement of Lopetegui as their new manager, showed their respect yesterday by refusing to hold their press conference at the same time as their former hero.

Spain may lack the star power they had in 2010 but still have a depth of squad to rival anyone. Hierro could be the galvanising force for success.