Stéphane Henchoz

Stéphane Henchoz (French pronunciation: ​[ɑ̃ʃo]; born 7 September 1974 in Billens) is a former Swiss international footballer who played as a defender, most notably for the English club Liverpool. He was capped 72 times and played for his country from his debut in 1993, and played at Euro 1996 and Euro 2004.

Early career

Henchoz first came to notice playing in the German Bundesliga for Hamburger SV.

Blackburn Rovers

In June 1997, he turned down an opportunity to join Manchester United, instead signing for Blackburn Rovers for a fee of £3 million. Henchoz enjoyed a very successful debut Premiership season as Rovers finished sixth in 1997-98, although they were then relegated at the end of the 1998–99 season. Henchoz remained a Premiership player after being purchased for £3.5 million by Liverpool.

Liverpool

At Liverpool, Henchoz became a regular member of the first team during his five-and-a-half year stay at Anfield. Henchoz proved to be an inspirational signing and was popular with the Liverpool fans. He formed an effective central defensive partnership with Sami Hyypiä. This partnership played an important part in Liverpool's historic cup treble in 2001, although it was Henchoz's handball in the 90th minute of the League Cup Final against Birmingham City that led to extra time (the match itself was only settled on penalties). Henchoz is also remembered for inadvertently blocking a goalbound Thierry Henry shot with his arm in the 17th minute of that year's FA Cup Final, Liverpool then went on to win the match with two sublime Michael Owen finishes.

His last two seasons were interrupted due to spells of injury but he still surpassed the 200 mark of games for Liverpool in 2003–04.

With injury problems and Gerard Houllier preferring Igor Bišćan at centre half, Henchoz became something of a bit part player appearing as an occasional right back. Eventually, the Henchoz-Hyypiä partnership was rekindled in 2003–04, helping Liverpool to fourth place in the league.

Celtic

When Rafael Benítez replaced Gérard Houllier as manager, his decision to try versatile English defender Jamie Carragher in partnership with Hyypiä spelled an end to Henchoz's Anfield career. Carragher, previously employed as a full-back, was a revelation at centre back and Henchoz consequently joined Celtic on a six-month contract in January 2005.

Wigan Athletic

Upon the expiration of his Celtic contract, Henchoz opted to move back to the Premier League, signing a one-year contract with newly promoted Wigan Athletic. He made 26 league appearances during the 2005–06 season as the club exceeded expectations with a top half finish. Henchoz also started for Wigan in the 2006 Football League Cup Final.

Return to Blackburn Rovers

Henchoz left Wigan after only a year, signing a contract until the end of the 2006–07 season back with Blackburn Rovers. He was used sparingly during the season to fill in for injuries, but performed suitably. His second spell at Blackburn Rovers came to an end on 19 May, when he was released by Mark Hughes.

Henchoz ended his career on 13 October 2008, he is currently looking into football coaching and is studying for his coaching badges.

Henchoz earned 72 caps for Switzerland from his debut in 1993. He played for the country at Euro 96 and Euro 2004. He was expected to play in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, but due to health problems he retired from international football on 31 March 2006.

Liverpool

• FA Cup: 2000–01
• League Cup: 2000–01, 2002–03
• FA Charity Shield: 2001
• UEFA Cup: 2000–01
• UEFA Super Cup: 2001

Celtic

• Scottish Cup: 2004–05