GREAT SHOT, SON! HODDLE AND GOUGH IN MCC SQUAD
PAUL NEWMAN speaks to Tottenham legend, and his childhood hero, Glenn Hoddle, and former England cricketer Darren Gough about their sons who are making a big impression on the cricket field
THERE are two famous names among the new intake of MCC Young Cricketers, one familiar to the sport, the other associated with a different one. Liam Gough and Jamie Hoddle are in the 19-man squad making their way in professional cricket at Lord’s. The former is the son of one of England’s most famous bowlers, Darren Gough, the latter the offspring of one of the nation’s most gifted footballers, Glenn Hoddle. They will be taking their first steps towards emulating their fathers in gaining international recognition under the guidance of ex-england one-day all-rounder Mark Alleyne. Gough, 17, (below, right) was a fast bowler like his dad (below, left) but, also like the Yorkshireman, has suffered knee problems, leading to him switching to a top-order batsman and off-spinner. Bowling all-rounder Hoddle, 19, has progressed in a different sport to his father, who both played for and managed England. The younger Hoddle did not start playing cricket properly until he was 14 when he went along to his local club, but now finds himself in with a chance of a professional career while he pursues his other great love, music. ‘Jamie has always been a talented sportsman and has a sweet left foot as a footballer but it’s been cricket for the last few years,’ Hoddle Snr told Sportsmail. ‘He is a left-arm bowler who has always been able to swing the ball and I’m told that’s quite rare and is a valuable talent.’ Hoddle Jnr is another who has had injury problems, in his case with his ankle and knee which hindered his time with Middlesex, but he now plays for Berkshire and Reading ahead of his opportunity with the MCC in March. ‘He will find out for himself what he can or cannot do now,’ said Glenn. ‘It’s an exciting time for him.’ Gough Snr was also enthused. He said: ‘This is a great opportunity for Liam. I’m not a pushy parent. If he’s good enough he’ll make it but he loves the game. He’s part of the Northants academy and this move allows him to play full-time.’ Gough says he reminds his son regularly that he was born in Yorkshire but, as a former pupil at Stowe School and a cricketer with Buckinghamshire, he has southern connections now. ‘Liam damaged his knee falling over and I know all about knee problems,’ added Gough. ‘It took some fixing and put him out of the game for a year but he may go back to fast bowling at some point. For now he is doing well and if he gets into the MCC side his first three games might be against the Lancashire, Durham and Sussex first teams so that should be interesting.’ And Gough’s boy will line up alongside his father’s hero’s son. ‘Yes Hoddle was my hero as a kid and I love football as much as cricket,’ said Gough Snr. ‘I look forward to seeing how they both get on.’