My training just kicked in and I gave Glenn CPR
Telly soundman rushed to legend’s aid
A QUICK-THINKING soundman leapt into action to save the life of football legend Glenn Hoddle.
The ex-Spurs and England star collapsed with a suspected heart attack in a BT Sport studio on Saturday.
Simon Daniels, 47, a trained first-aider and also a special police constable, rushed forward as Hoddle lay unconscious.
He performed CPR and used a defibrillator on the stricken soccer pundit before paramedics arrived.
Hoddle was last night recovering from his ordeal in hospital in London. He and his family and friends have thanked Simon and the medics who saved his life.
Simon yesterday played down his heroics and said he performed what he has been trained to do.
He added: “It is part of our standard training to administer CPR. Our number one priority is always preservation of life, so my training just kicked in.
“It wasn’t stressful but it was hard work. I don’t see myself as a hero and I’m very touched by all of the comments – both from Glenn’s family and the wider football and television community. My thoughts are with Glenn and his family and I hope he continues his recovery.”
Former England manager Hoddle, who was celebrating his 61st birthday, had been filming Saturday Morning Savage with ex-footballer Robbie Savage when he fell ill.
Hoddle, who won 53 caps for England, was said to be in a serious condition yesterday but is responding well to treatment. It is believed he has had surgery to fit three stents – small mesh tubes – in his arteries.
England manager Gareth Southgate sent his best wishes yesterday.
Southgate, who played under Hoddle for England, said: “Everybody across the game is right behind one of English football’s greats and we are willing him to pull through.”
Hoddle has twice been married, first to Christine Ann Stirling, with whom he had three children, and later to Vanessa Colbourn, who he spent 15 years with before splitting in 2015.
His younger brother Carl, who played for Leyton Orient and Barnet, died from a brain aneurysm in 2008, aged 40.