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Glenn Hoddle "responding well" after collapsing at TV studios

Glenn Hoddle collapsed at a TV studio this morning and is “seriously ill” but “responding well” to hospital treatment
Glenn Hoddle collapsed at a TV studio this morning and is “seriously ill” but “responding well” to hospital treatment

Former England and Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle is “responding well” to treatment after being taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Hoddle, who turned 61 on Saturday, was preparing for work in his role as a television pundit for BT Sport when he collapsed.

“The condition is serious but Glenn is receiving specialist treatment and responding well,” a spokesman said.

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“Earlier today Glenn collapsed at the BT Sport studios – he received immediate medical attention on set and was transferred by paramedics to a hospital in London.

“His family are with him and would like to thank everyone for their support. They have also asked to respect their privacy at this time.”

Broadcaster Jake Humphrey, who works alongside Hoddle for BT, broke the news of the Tottenham legend’s collapse on Twitter earlier in the day.

He wrote: “Our friend & colleague Glenn Hoddle was taken seriously ill at the BT Sport studio this morning. For that reason there will be no @btsportscore – but we will be live as usual for the 5.30 ko at Leicester. Everyone of us is right with you Glenn, sending love & strength.”

Earlier on Saturday Hoddle had appeared on Saturday Morning Sav with Robbie Savage, Paul Ince, Steve Sidwell and Harry Redknapp.

His brother, Carl, also a former footballer, died at the age of 40 from what was initially thought to be a heart attack, but was later found to be a brain aneurysm.

A club hero at Tottenham, where he played for the majority of a celebrated playing career before later becoming manager in 2001, Glenn Hoddle was capped 53 times by England and scored eight international goals.

The stylish midfielder also represented Monaco under Arsene Wenger before operating as player/manager at Swindon Town and Chelsea.

Hoddle’s work at Stamford Bridge saw him appointed as Terry Venables’ successor with England and he led a Three Lions side featuring David Beckham and Michael Owen to the last 16 of the 1998 World Cup.

Hoddle married second wife Vanessa Colbourn since 2000. He has three children: Zara Marie, Jamie Glenn and Zoe Ann.

One of the most respected pundits and one of the best players England ever produced, the news of Hoddle’s collapse saw plenty of immediate support from the football world.

His England teammate and BT Sport colleague Gary Linker tweeted: “Hugely worrying news that Glenn Hoddle collapsed at the BT studios earlier. Thoughts are with him and his family. Come on Glenn.”

Des Kelly, another of Hoddle’s colleagues on BT Sport Score, said: “Glenn Hoddle has been taken ill and he’s being cared for in hospital. Everyone at BT Sport and, I’m sure, right across football, will wish the lovely fella the very, very best.”

Tottenham tweeted: “Everybody at the Club sends their best wishes to @GlennHoddle for a full and speedy recovery after he was taken ill this morning.”

Chelsea, who Hoddle made 39 appearances for as a player and took over as player-manager in 1993, tweeted: “Our thoughts are with former Blues boss Glenn Hoddle, who has been taken seriously ill on his 61st birthday. We’re right with you, Glenn.”

The Football Association, via the England team account, wrote: “Worrying news. Get well soon, Glenn Hoddle, we’re all behind you.”

According to Hoddle’s official Twitter feed, he was scheduled to analyse the 3pm kick-off between Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolves for BT Sport as part of their live Score show.

BT Sport presenter Mark Pougatch said: “You will understand why there’s no BT Sport Score this afternoon. All our thoughts are with Glenn Hoddle and his family.”