Glenn Hoddle: The Unsung Hero
Glenn Hoddle is one of the most talented and creative English footballers of his generation. He was a player whose style would have seamlessly fit into the modern era, with his excellent passing range, vision, and ability to score goals from midfield.
Hoddle began his career at Tottenham Hotspur, where he quickly established himself as one of the best young players in the country. He made his debut for England in 1979 and went on to win 53 caps for his country. He played in two World Cups and two European Championships, and was a key member of the England team that reached the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup.
After leaving Tottenham, Hoddle had spells at AS Monaco, Swindon Town and Chelsea. He finished his playing career at Chelsea in 1995, and immediately moved into management.
Hoddle's managerial career began at Chelsea, where he led the club to FA Cup glory in 1997. He was appointed manager of England in 1996, and led the team to the semi-finals of Euro 96. He was sacked in 1999 after making controversial comments about disabled people.
After leaving England, Hoddle managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers. He has also worked as a television pundit and commentator for ITV and BT Sport.
Hoddle is a hugely popular figure in English football. He is remembered as one of the best midfielders of his generation, and his managerial career has been a mixed bag. He is a passionate and outspoken character, and his opinions are always listened to with interest.
Despite his successes, Hoddle is often overlooked when discussing the greatest English footballers of all time. This is perhaps because he never quite reached the heights of his contemporaries, such as Paul Gascoigne and Bryan Robson. However, there is no doubt that Hoddle was a truly world-class player. He was a key member of the England team for over a decade, and he played a major role in their success during that time.
Hoddle is a true footballing legend. He is a player who should be remembered for his brilliance on the pitch, rather than for his controversial comments off it.