Former Chelsea player-manager Glenn Hoddle seriously ill and in hospital after collapsing

Glenn Hoddle, one of Chelsea’s most famous player-managers (along with the man who replaced him, Ruud Gullit, and the man who replaced him, Gianluca Vialli) fell seriously ill while preparing for his BT Sport show on Saturday morning.

He is currently in hospital and getting treatment. In keeping with patient confidentiality, no further details of his condition have yet been made available. Broadcaster Jake Humphrey read a statement on-air, which said that Hoddle was in serious condition but responding well to specialist treatment.

A spokesperson later issued the following statement;

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

“The condition is serious but Glenn is currently receiving specialist treatment and responding well.

“Glenn’s family are with him and would like to thank everyone that has sent their support. They have also asked for their privacy to be respected at this time.”

Chelsea quickly issued a statement of support, wishing Hoddle well on the day of his 61st birthday.

Former Chelsea player and youth team coach Jody Morris, now with Derby County, shared his sentiments as well.

Hoddle was player-manager of Chelsea from 1993 to 1995 and manager for another season afterwards, playing in 39 matches in all competitions. He guided the Blues to an FA Cup Final (losing 4-0 to double-winning Manchester United) in his first season. That earned Chelsea a place in the Cup Winner’s Cup the following season, where Hoddle took us to the semifinals, losing by just the one goal to Real Zaragoza. Another (losing) semifinal beckoned in the 1995-96 FA Cup. Hoddle’s Premier League results weren’t as inspiring, finishing 14th, 11th and 11th, but it was he who made Chelsea’s football attractive to foreign superstars, including the aforementioned Ballon d’Or winner Ruud Gullit. The chain of events leading to Abramovich to Mourinho to Munich and beyond began with Hoddle.

As a player, Glenn Hoddle is rightly regarded as a Tottenham legend. He also managed England for a few years, generating plenty of controversy amid the usual standard of results (i.e. losing on penalties to Argentina in the Round of 16 at France 98). His last job in management was at Wolves in 2006; he’s worked in football media since.

But he has a significant history with Chelsea FC and we at We Ain’t Got No History wish him a complete and speedy recovery.