Tottenham fans will hope Thomas Frank shows as much ambition as Glenn Hoddle when he was appointed their manager in 2001.
Frank is set to replace Ange Postecoglou as Spurs manager despite the Australian winning the Europa League.
Hoddle was appointed as Tottenham’s manager in 2001 after he stepped down at SouthamptonGetty Frank is set to be Postecoglou’s replacement at SpursGettyHuge expectation will come with joining the north London club, but he is not the first to swap Premier League clubs to take on the challenge at Tottenham.
Hoddle sealed an emotional to White Hart Lane in 2001 to become their new boss – 14 years after he left to link up with future Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger at Monaco.
One of the club’s biggest legends, Hoddle scored 110 goals in 490 matches in all appearances after coming up through the club’s academy.
A two-time FA Cup winner, Hoddle also scooped the UEFA Cup and the Charity Shield with Spurs after breaking into the team during the 1975/76 season.
After hanging up his boots in 1995 having been appointed as Chelsea‘s player-manager two years prior, Hoddle departed Stamford Bridge for England in 1996, before being dismissed in 1999.
He returned to the dugout at Southampton in January 2000, where he guided the south coast outfit to safety by finishing in 15th spot.
And he was on course to help Southampton seal a top ten finish the following campaign, but he shocked the board by resigning in March 2001.
His dream job in managing Tottenham had become available following the sacking of George Graham.
Southampton were in eighth spot after 29 games played, while Spurs were languishing in 11th spot – five points behind the Saints having played one extra match.
The Saints were also in the middle of a five-match winning run – leaving club chiefs fuming by his decision to stand down.
Spurs swiftly announced his appointment – the first manager since Daniel Levy became chairman – just four days after Hoddle departed Southampton, where he immediately set his sights on winning the league title.
Speaking at his press conference unveiling, he said: “The potential is there to do well and there’s lots of hard work to be done.
Hoddle was public enemy number one in the eyes of Southampton fans following his resignationGetty Only four players have featured in more games for Spurs than HoddleGetty“The fact that the contract is five years means the club are looking to the future.
“We want to win the Premiership, of course we do, and that is my ultimate goal, but it’s early doors to be talking about that.”
On his return, he remarked: “It’s emotional and exciting. I’ve spent many years here and the supporters have given me a superb reception.
“I walked through the gates of this club at age eight as a supporter and left when I was 29. That’s a huge part of my life.”
And Hoddle was also unapologetic by leaving Saints midway through the season for their top-flight rivals.
He insisted: “I don’t feel guilty. The timing was right to come back.
Hoddle spent two-and-a-half-years in charge at White Hart Lane“It’s a fantastic club. I’m very surprised to be here and when I was offered the chance to talk to Spurs it was something I wanted to pursue.
“There was only one club I would have left Southampton for and that was Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.”
Before adding: “I have heard there is some bitterness and resentment towards me from the Southampton fans, but I have left them in a very strong position.
“I could understand it if they were at the bottom.”
Hoddle’s impact at Spurs was immediate – winning his opening two league matches.
As for Saints, they fell to three consecutive defeats, and would win just two of their remaining nine games.
But it was Southampton who had the last laugh come the end of the season, as they finished in tenth – two places ahead of Spurs.
The following campaign saw Spurs finish in ninth – two places ahead of Southampton – while also reaching the League Cup final, where they lost to Blackburn.
A stunning start to the 2002/03 term saw Tottenham end August top of the pile – earning Hoddle his second Manager of the Month award – as he looked to fulfil his goal of ending the club’s 42-year wait for the league championship.
But they soon began to fall down the table, and having lost seven of their last ten fixtures, they ended in tenth spot, with pressure starting to build on the fan favourite.
And in a cruel twist of fate, Hoddle’s time at Spurs came to an end just six games into the 2003/04 season following a 3-1 home defeat to Southampton, which left them in the relegation zone.
Hoddle dared to dream, but in the end, his time at his beloved club turned into a nightmare.
Spurs fans will be hoping Frank sets his stall out immediately and he can finally fire the club to more glory.
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