Wendy WilliamsEXCLUSIVE by Troy Shaheen
A LAST minute agreement between the Glenn Hoddle Academy and Jerez Industrial might just have saved the football club from extinction.
It comes after the football legend withdrew all his players from the club a week ago due to a row over money.
The former England manager pulled out his 12 academy players after the struggling club failed to pay back 174,000 euros he lent it last year.
It ended a five year agreement which showcased British youngsters in the Spanish third division team. It led to Jerez being forced to field a makeshift team of teenagers, who lost 5-0.
Now, after a last ditch appeal, the dozen players have returned to Jerez to finish the season.
Last weekend, with the British players back on the pitch, the club managed to draw 1-1 with Los Barrios.
Hoddle told the Olive Press: “The academy has once again saved the club from extinction, despite not being repaid its loan of more than 174,000 euros.
“It shows our commitment to the club.”
Under an agreement signed by both the team and the local city council, Hoddle was expecting to receive the first installment of the loan paid back in October.
But when no money was returned by the March 7 deadline, the former Spurs midfielder – who played for England 44 times – returned to England with his players.
The Glenn Hoddle Academy set up near Jerez, three years ago.
The ructions have led to the academy relocating to the National Sports Centre in the UK.
a fantastic opportunity for some of the kids to get back into the game. Glen if you want a hand with your efforts let me know (ex player )
Dear Olive Press, Did he really use the word ‘Saviour’? If he did not, and it does not say that in the text, then given the circumstances around his departure from the England job, that is irresponsible of you. If indeed he did not, you should change the headline. I do not like the man particularly, but this really is sensationalist.