Hoddle pleased to be a Saints 'option'

Glenn Hoddle has revealed his surprise at receiving a telephone call from Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe to discuss the possibility of him returning to manage the club.

Hoddle is in the frame to replace Gordon Strachan – who left St Mary’s yesterday – despite the ill-feeling among fans over the way he walked out on Saints to join Spurs three years ago.

“I have spoken to Rupert and I am pleased to be part of the options,” said Hoddle.

“But let me emphasise I am an option – I know he is talking to other people.

“I was surprised there could be a possibility of us getting back together. He wants success and progress for the club.

“Rupert understood more than anyone why I left – and he has thought ‘Look at what he did while he was here. We were third from bottom when he came and when he left we were in our strongest position for a long time’.”