With names such as Pavel Nedved, Milan Baros, Thomas Rosicky and Jan Koller all gracing some of Europe’s top clubs, it’s clear that Czech defenders don’t swing with the same weight as their more attacking compatriots when it comes to landing that lucrative overseas deal. But when it comes to finding talent Auxerre Coach Guy Roux isn’t one for following trends and over a year after first laying eyes on René Bolf, the veteran international signed on the dotted line for a paltry £600,000 in June 2004.

Bolf had played almost all his professional career with Banik Ostrava, from the city of his birth. Making his professional debut in the 1995-96 season, the defender started out at right back, but played a mere nine matches in two seasons before making the switch to the centre of the defence.

It wasn’t until the 1997-98 that Bolf finally imposed himself at Banik and it was this extended run in the first team that brought him to the attention of Czech glamour club Sparta Prague, whom he signed for in 1999. Twelve months later Bolf and his Sparta teammates were crowned champions of the Czech Republic and the central defender earned his first cap in August of that year.

His debut match, as with much of his career with the national team, was not plain sailing. The Czech’s loss to Slovenia was a huge disappointment and much of the blame found its way to Bolf’s doorstep. He would not wear his county’s colours again for nearly two years.

Bolf returned to Banik in January 2001 where he remained until Auxerre came calling, signing off with a second championship medal, and establishing himself as the country’s most consistent defender in the interim.

A member of the Czech Republic team that crashed out of qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, Bolf was the only defender to escape the axe and was quickly established as the foundation upon which Coach Karel Bruckner would rebuild his defence. Another national team disappointment was waiting in the form of Euro 2004, but despite conceding five goals in as many games – once again – Bolf emerged with his reputation intact.