Reading eye up Hoddle

Glenn Hoddle could make a dramatic return to football at Reading.

As Leicester's Micky Adams and Klaus Toppmoller were added to the list of his potential successors at White Hart Lane, and others such as David Ginola threw their hat in the ring, it emerged that the former Tottenham manager is on a shortlist to take over at the First Division club.

Hoddle, sacked by Spurs on Sunday, confirmed yesterday that he wants to return to football.

"I am shocked and disappointed to have parted company with Tottenham only six matches into the new season. This is the first time in my managerial career it has happened to me for football reasons," he said.

"I have been a dedicated professional and a life-long Spurs fan, and no one could have tried harder to turn things round. I've built a great squad that when fully fit can go on to do very well this season. I feel sure this turning point will happen very soon.

"When the time is right I look forward to continuing my managerial career at the highest level. I am now going to take stock and put in some quality time with my family who have also stood by me during this difficult period."

A move to the Madejski Stadium would geographically suit Hoddle who lives in Ascot although the type of salary on offer would be a lot less than the £1.2million he earned at Spurs.

Nicky Hammond, who worked under Hoddle during his time as player-manager at Swindon, has been made director of football at Reading and given the task of finding Alan Pardew's successor. But Hoddle may take a short break from football before resuming his career and that could rule him out.