Hoddle wants second chance

Glenn Hoddle has paved the way for his return to Southampton by asking fans to give him a second chance.

Hours after the club's chairman Rupert Lowe admitted that he would be happy to have the former Tottenham manager back, Hoddle urged supporters to forget about his controversial departure three years ago.

He said: 'I would be very keen to go back because I believe I have unfinished business, and I very much hope the fans would allow me to try and take the club on to the next level.

'I understand their frustrations at the way my managership of the club ended last time, but I hope they can understand that the lure of Tottenham was too great for me to turn down.

'They were the only club I would have left Southampton for because they were close to my heart since the age of eight.

'I feel I did a good job for Southampton and I would welcome the chance to take them on to the next level now that there may be an opportunity there.'

Lowe had hoped to appoint Hoddle this week as the successor to Gordon Strachan, who has decided not to extend his contract beyond the end of the season.

But the chairman has delayed the plan because of the furious reaction of fans to the prospect of the former England coach's return.

In a clear attempt to win over the St Mary's faithful, Lowe admitted he had spoken to Hoddle about him returning to the club but stressed that no decision had yet been made.

'He is a tremendous coach. Yes, Glenn left this club under a cloud but if anyone should be bearing a grudge it is me as he put me through the mill.

'It took me some time to find a solution and when we appointed Gordon Strachan we had a similar response from fans because of what had happened at Coventry.

'Glenn Hoddle remains an option. We have not done a U-turn - he could still be appointed manager. Regardless of whether he is the popular choice we will do what is right for this club.'

When 46-year-old Hoddle left Southampton to join Spurs in March 2001, the club were seventh in the Premiership and enjoying a five-match unbeaten run.