EXCLUSIVE: HOW I BROUGHT HODDLE BACK FROM THE DEAD
Sound-man tells how he used CPR on football legend
A QUICK-THINKING sound-man leapt into action to save the life of football legend Glenn Hoddle.
The ex-England and Spurs star collapsed with a suspected heart attack in a BT Sport studio on Saturday.
Simon Daniels, 47, a trained first-aider and a special police constable, rushed forward as Hoddle lay unconscious.
He performed CPR and used a defibrillator on the stricken pundit before paramedics arrived.
Hoddle was last night recovering from his ordeal in hospital in London. His family and friends have thanked Simon and the medics who saved his life.
But the technician yesterday played down his heroics as he told of the dramatic moment Hoddle fell ill.
He said: “The live programme had just come off air. I was in the sound control room. Glenn was there with other presenters. I heard a bit of commotion. My
natural instinct was to help. Glenn had collapsed and was clearly unwell.
“I did the standard ABC [airway, breathing, circulation] checks. I immediately started CPR and a defibrillator was brought to me. I continued CPR and used the defib. The paramedics then turned up and I continued CPR until he was taken to hospital.”
Mr Daniels, of Aylesbury, Bucks, said that his police training had immediately “kicked in”. He said. “Our number-one priority is always preservation of life and so my training just kicked in. It wasn’t stressful but it was hard work. It wasn’t a matter of feeling stressed it was purely a question of his wellbeing.
“I don’t see myself as a hero but I am very touched by all of the comments, both from Glenn’s family and the wider football and television community.
“My thoughts are with Glenn Hoddle and his family and I hope he continues his recovery. I look forward to seeing him make a full recovery.
“I would also like to praise the medical
professionals, the ambulance service and doctors who worked on him.”
The former England manager, who was celebrating his 61st birthday, had been filming Saturday Morning Savage with Mirror football columnist Robbie Savage when he fell ill.
Other guests included Paul Ince, Steve Sidwell and Harry Redknapp.
Robbie later said: “Worst experience of my life today – thoughts and prayers with Glenn and his family. So proud of our BT Sport team today. All heroes, especially Simon.” And Harry Redknapp, speaking about his old friend Hoddle, said: “He was fine one second and then the next second he was on the floor.
“I don’t know what caused it but it was obviously very serious right away.
“One guy from BT Sport was fantastic – he was first aid-trained and he was excellent.
“It was a desperate situation – you just think, ‘please God, he will be OK’. You won’t meet a nicer guy than Glenn. It was a great day, it was his
birthday, we were all having fun and a laugh, and without warning, he was on the floor. It was really upsetting to see. We all wish him and his family well, and I hope he can make a speedy and full recovery.”
Hoddle, who won 53 caps for his country, was said to be in a serious condition yesterday.
A spokesman said: “Glenn remains in a serious condition in hospital after suffering a heart attack. He continues to respond well to treatment.
“The family are grateful to everyone in the football family and beyond who 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.” It is believed Hoddle has had surgery to fit three stents – small mesh tubes – in his arteries. Current England manager Gareth Southgate, who played under Hoddle for England, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Glenn Hoddle and those closest to him following today’s distressing news. Everybody across the game is right behind one of English football’s greats and we are willing him to pull through.”
Former England team-mate Gary Lineker wished him well, saying: “Hugely worrying news that Glenn Hoddle collapsed at the BT studios earlier. Thoughts are with him and his family. Come on, Glenn.”
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea also sent their best wishes to their former player and manager, as did England captain Harry Kane.
Midfielder Hoddle scored eight goals for England and also played for Monaco and Swindon Town.
After becoming player-manager of Swindon and leading them to promotion to the Premier League in 1993, he took the same role at Chelsea.
He led England to the 1998 World Cup but lost the job the next year after making controversial comments about disabled people. He later took charge of Southampton, Spurs and Wolves until 2006, when he became a respected TV pundit.
Hoddle has twice been married, first to Christine Stirling, with whom he has three children, and later to Vanessa Colbourn, who he spent 15 years with, before splitting in 2015.
His younger brother Carl, who was on Tottenham’s books and played for Leyton Orient and Barnet, died from a brain aneurysm in 2008, aged 40.
He was fine one second, then the next second, he was on the floor HARRY REDKNAPP ON PUNDIT’S COLLAPSE