Hoddle withdraws from Saints managerial race

Glenn Hoddle has withdrawn his bid to become the new manager of Southampton.

Hoddle had been hoping to return to the south coast club, which he left to become boss of Tottenham in March 2001, following the departure of Gordon Strachan last month but feels he does not have the full backing of the Southampton board.

Chairman Rupert Lowe had made Hoddle his first choice even though there was opposition from a section of the fans because both he and Hoddle felt the former England coach could win them over.

However, Hoddle today made it clear he was not prepared to go back without the full backing of the board, which he currently feels he does not have.

Hoddle said: "As has been widely reported in the media, I have been in active discussions regarding the position of manager at Southampton Football Club.

“I have been particularly heartened by the level of support shown to me by the chairman and large sections of the club – including many players and supporters.

“However, whilst it is clear that there has been a great deal of support for me on the board, it has not been 100%. Therefore I have reluctantly decided to withdraw my name from consideration for the post.

“My position would have been untenable without the full support of the club’s directors. That situation would also have been very damaging to Southampton Football Club – which is something, above all else, I want to avoid.

“This has been a very difficult decision for me and my family as I have great respect for the club. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there as manager and would have loved the opportunity to have taken the club on to the next level.

“I wish Rupert Lowe, who as chairman has done a magnificent job of progressing the club, every success for the future. Southampton is a great club and I am sure they will do well with their excellent players and fantastic supporters behind them.”