Colin Hendry faces financial ruin over massive internet gambling debts, it emerged yesterday.
The former international footballer and ex-Blackburn player is to suffer fresh anguish after the death of his wife from complications caused by botched plastic surgery.
Spreadex, an online sports betting firm, has filed a bankruptcy petition against the former Scotland World Cup captain at Blackpool County Court. He is understood to owe the company £35,000.
Colin Hendry and his late wife Denise. The former Scottish international footballer has run up huge gambling debts
Yesterday the extent of Hendry's financial freefall was revealed - as he was forced to accept an undisclosed bid for his £1.7million Georgian home on the seafront at Lytham St Annes, Lancashire.
It is understood there is an outstanding re-mortgage debt of nearly £1million on the house, which he bought outright for £750,000 in 2001.
Hendry's legal advisers hinted the taxman was 'circling' for an Inland Revenue bill which friends estimate may be as high as £800,000.
Hector McFarlane (far left) at the funeral of Denise Hendry last year
And Blackburn County Court has ordered him to pay more than £90,000 to his former friend and neighbour, businessman Hector McFarlane.
Hendry does not dispute that he owes Mr McFarlane, 61, the money and accepts the debt. But it was the legal dispute over the original loan of £85,000 that revealed Hendry's financial 'house of cards'.
Colin Hendry on international duty before his retirement. He is said to bet heavily on football
He has been sinking in a sea of debt since the tragic death last year of his wife Denise, 44. The mother of four had suffered serious ill health since 2002 after a botched 'tummy tuck' operation.
She underwent a series of operations but died from a brain infection.
Until yesterday, Hendry's friends claimed he had been left penniless because his devotion to his wife had prevented him from working.