Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Prayers for Glenn Hoddle as he collapses in TV studio
ENGLAND and Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle was rushed to hospital yesterday after collapsing in a TV studio on his 61st birthday.
The Spurs legend had been laughing and playing with a football shortly before being taken ill.
He was given lifesaving emergency treatment with a defibrillator at BT Sport’s HQ before being taken to a specialist heart hospital.
Last night he was said to be responding well to treatment, surrounded by his family, amid a flood of messages from wellwishers. Hoddle, who played 53 times for England before becoming manager in 1996, had been larking around with ex-Man United star-turned-pundit Paul Ince before collapsing.
The dad of three was taken to hospital from the channel’s base at the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London. Last night a spokesman for him said: “The condition is serious but Glenn is currently receiving specialist treatment and responding well.”
Hoddle’s brother Carl, who was also involved in football, died of a brain aneurysm a decade ago aged just 40.
Hoddle collapsed soon after filming Saturday Morning Savage with Ince, Robbie Savage and Harry Redknapp and being presented with a cake. The news of his illness was broken by BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey, who wrote online: “Every one of us is right with you Glenn, sending strength.”
Last night there was huge support for Hoddle, who also played for Monaco and Chelsea. Gary Lineker, another Tottenham and England hero, tweeted: “Hugely worrying news. Thoughts are with him and his family. Come on Glenn.” Tottenham said: “Everybody at the Club sends their best wishes to @GlennHoddle for a full and speedy recovery.” A tweet from England read: “Get well soon – we’re all behind you.”
A spokesman for Hoddle’s family said: “They would like to thank everyone who sent support.” Hoddle’s reign as England boss ended in controversy after he suggested disabled people were being made to pay for sins in a past life.