Hoddle ‘recovering well’ after collapse in TV studio
Former England manager is in ‘serious condition’ BT Sport pundit taken to hospital before live show
The football world was last night sending its messages of support to Glenn Hoddle, the former England manager, who was said to be in a serious condition but “responding well” to treatment after collapsing in a TV studio.
Hoddle was taken to hospital after falling ill shortly before he was due to appear as a pundit on the BT Sport
Score show yesterday afternoon. He received treatment in the studio before being transferred. The programme was cancelled.
England manager Gareth Southgate led the messages of support and goodwill for Hoddle, who had been photographed playing “football table tennis” in the BT studio before he fell ill.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Glenn Hoddle and those closest to him following today’s distressing news,” said Southgate. “Everybody across the game is right behind one of English football’s greats and we are willing him to pull through.”
That message was echoed by many within football, and it seemed that Hoddle was showing signs of recovery last night, with his spokesman saying: “The condition is serious but Glenn is receiving specialist treatment and responding well.”
Chris Hughton, the Brighton manager who was a team-mate of Hoddle at Tottenham, led the well-wishers. He said: “It’s very sad news. Glenn’s somebody I’ve known from the age of 12 or 13. He was a schoolboy when I was there and the star player we all looked up to – and could never get near.
“So certainly my thoughts and my prayers are with him. But he’s got a strong character and I’m sure he’ll battle through it.”
Hoddle is regarded as one of the most talented English players of his generation, having won 53 caps and played at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups.
Micky Hazard, who played alongside Hoddle in the Spurs midfield, said: “Just seen the news about my hero, my prayers are with you @GlennHoddle. In shock. Come on Ghod get those magic feet moving, the football world is with you every step of the way.”
Graham Roberts, another ex-Spurs team-mate, wrote: “Thinking of the greatest player I have ever played with.” Tottenham, Chelsea and England all sent their own message of good will.
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.