Hoddle thanks BT engineer who saved his life
Defibrillator gave Spurs great a ‘fighting chance’ Condition is still serious following heart attack
‘We are behind one of English football’s greats and willing him to pull through’
Glenn Hoddle thanked the BT Sport crew yesterday for saving his life as he recovered in hospital after suffering a heart attack on set.
Quick-thinking Simon Daniels, a freelance sound engineer, is understood to have used a defibrillator to revive the former England and Tottenham Hotspur star after he collapsed and lost consciousness.
A spokesman for Hoddle said he remained in a “serious condition” last night but “continues to respond well to treatment”. Journalist and author Norman Giller wrote online that Hoddle is “alert and aware”, but has had three stents inserted after “a massive heart attack”.
Hoddle, who turned 61 on Saturday, was taken ill shortly before he was due to appear as a pundit on the BT Sport Score show.
A statement from Hoddle’s family said: “The family are grateful to everyone in the football family – and beyond – that have sent kind messages of support, they are very much appreciated.
“In particular, Glenn and his family would like to publicly thank the BT Sport staff that treated him immediately on set following his collapse. Glenn is now in the care of the professional NHS medical services, who have also been exemplary in helping him and the family during the last 24 hours.”
Hoddle collapsed shortly after being photographed playing “football table tennis”. He received life-saving treatment in the studio before being transferred. The programme was cancelled.
Daniels, who was hailed as a “hero” by Robbie Savage, credited his training as a special constable with Thames Valley police for equipping him with the skills to help Hoddle.
Daniels tweeted that he was “so pleased that Glenn is now getting the best care possible in hospital”, adding he “just did what was necessary to give him a fighting chance”.
Daniels’ wife, Joanne, confirmed her husband had performed CPR “for quite a long time”.
Meanwhile, the football world continued to send a flood of support to the former Spurs midfielder, who won 53 caps for England.
England manager Gareth 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.”
Greg Clarke, the FA chairman, added: “All of us at Wembley and St George’s Park are thinking of Glenn and hoping for positive news. Our thoughts are also with his family and friends at what will be an extremely difficult time.”
Former England team-mate Gary Lineker wished Hoddle well, writing on Twitter: “Hugely worrying news that Glenn Hoddle collapsed at the BT studios earlier. Thoughts are with him and his family. Come on Glenn.”
Tottenham and Chelsea also sent their best wishes to their former player and manager, as did England captain Harry Kane.
Graeme Souness referred to Hoddle as a “class act” when speaking on Sky Sports. “He is genuinely one of life’s good guys,” the former Liverpool midfielder added.
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson, a friend of Hoddle, said after his side’s draw with Arsenal: “I think it’s something which puts the game of football into perspective.”
Hoddle made his name with his boyhood club, Tottenham, where he spent 12 years in the first team, winning the FA Cup in 1981 and 1982 as well as the 1984 Uefa Cup.
He went on to win the Ligue 1 title with Monaco, under Arsene Wenger, and played for Chelsea.
As a young manager, Hoddle led Swindon Town to the Premier League and took Chelsea to the 1994 FA Cup final. He managed England between 1996 and 1999, including at the 1998 World Cup.