"I wasn't picked for Scotland because I joined Arsenal" | Charlie Nicholas' Greatest 80s Icons

[@drwho9802]

Hoddle was as intelligent a player as anyone ive seen in football. He was years ahead of his time. He had everything his vision and technique was unbelievable

[@stephenturner6075]

Charlie Nicholas was a brilliant footballer...from a Rangers supporter.

[@1gerard47]

And he liked his champaign 😂

[@Ruda-n4h]

I'm a Chelsea fan but I really like him when he played right up at Celtic and got goals but when he went to Arsenal he went backwards. If he'd gone to Liverpool though I don't think it would have worked, as he was never going to usurp Rush, but maybe he might have taken over from Dalglish and played 'in the hole' behind him.

[@CARLIN4737]

yeah. well Ian Wright was the man.

[@BeatPoet67]

Charlie Nicholas was an incredible player. Velvet touch. Great skill and vision. Had the ball under control immediately. He'd take you one way or another and then score. I was gutted when he didn't go to Liverpool. The Arsenal/London lifestyle was the worst choice he could have made for his career. He had the ability to be Kenny Dalglish's successor.

[@brapmanbrap5188]

I saw Glenn Hoddle playing for spurs at Oldham in the late 70s I followed him all the way he was magnificent both footed and his passing was outrageous and it was criminal how he got 53 caps for England he had it all just wonderful memories of a true great and there's no comparison with gazza as they where completely different players but both where absolute class acts we will never see again playing on shocking pitches as well ...Charlie was also a brilliant player and we all miss players like this they where proper legends

[@RobertDore-w4l]

Very well put mate.

[@titleinislington]

A true gunner a true red

[@Iamevlhmr]

Good to hear some respect for Kenny and Hoddle. Pre premiership fans dont appreciate there were great players before.

[@pato2200]

I remember ember the headline "hoddle finds God." I thought, that was some pass.

[@philipgage4143]

Gazza didn't have to think he just did, can't teach that.

[@PatrickKelly-lz3pv]

Problem is he didnt think about the consequences of anything.

[@eric934]

​@@PatrickKelly-lz3pvIncluding his two atrocious tackles against Nottingham Forests in the 1991 FA Cup final. Cynical and deliberate. Anyone who thinks dear old Gazza was a lovable Gordie teddy bear should take the trouble to watch them.

[@PatrickKelly-lz3pv]

@@eric934 I remember those tackles he was willing to cripple a fellow pro he was disgraceful

[@eric934]

@@PatrickKelly-lz3pv Crocked himself in the second and was out for a year ( cruciate ligament ). I re watched them recently and they still make me wince. I don't dislike Gazza, but I read somewhere that he was hyper before the game even started. Loved his England goal & celebration though of course. It coloured my judgement of his personality though.

[@PatrickKelly-lz3pv]

@@eric934 Every thing that happened to him he brought on himself he was supremely gifted but he had to be the centre of attention all the time and he was willing to cripple a fellow pro to remain in the lime light.

[@topgazza]

Hoddle had so much natural talent it was ridiculous. Of British players only Greaves, Best and Dalglish had something similar but importantly delivered it time and time again. I went home and away to watch Spurs during Hoddle’s time. Sheer joy to watch

[@RobertDore-w4l]

I concur. That man wasn't a Rolls Royce more of a 'BESPOKE Rolls Royce'.

[@140rware]

He was a lazy lazy lazy player… he had a fantastic touch and a wonderful pass but he was never in gazza’s class I’ve seen em all but most of you have not

[@topgazza]

@@140rware Tut tut tut go troll elsewhere

[@kipp1231]

Beardsley was better than them all!

[@RobertDore-w4l]

@@140rware Absolute TOSH. This is typical of a very arcane attitude and partly the reason we haven't won a single trophy as a nation since 1966.

[@chriscolton6329]

Had a poster of Ray Wilkins on my wall, when I was a kid. He was one of my heroes, bless him (RIP)... ❤

[@CarlinConnolly]

Great Shout 4 Kevin Ratcliffe... he was the silk and steel of an excellent defence but one that relied on physicality with his notable exception. The more Charlie talked the more i think of Paul McGrath - another great CB with everything... silk and steel

[@drwho9802]

Gazza was a different animal he played off the cuff and was a genuis. He played like he was in the school playground. Both different types of players. Hoddle Gasgoinge Bryan Robson Were all top players but different types.

[@brentinnes5151]

saw Hoddle play his 3rd game in 76, Akl, NZ and followed him obviously...saw Gazza play for Eng at Wem...Hoddle didnt have the injury problems...so overall I would take Hoddle...on his day however, Gazza could be best in the world (except for Maradona of course)..such a bummer Gazza really did not show his best

[@gooner73clark88]

As an Arsenal fan, almost 10 years of age, I was delighted when Charlie signed in 1983! He was like a superstar and the only signing I remember being as excited about since was Dennis Bergkamp 🙌🏻 Charlie was the crowd favourite in his time with us and treated us to some magical moments so I don’t see him as a failure. Not at all. I agree he didn’t fulfill his potential but that’s the case for a lot of players. In fact it was the case for Paul Walsh, who DID join Liverpool around that time. Also, in 1983, Kenny Dalglish still had a few years left in him so I suspect Charlie wouldn’t have got straight into the team and would probably have had the kind of Liverpool career that Walsh did (not bad but not brilliant). Walsh ended up at Tottenham and you can’t wish a worse fate on a player than that 😅 Thanks for the memories Charlie, especially Wembley ‘87 🙌🏻👍🏻 P.S. agree about Hoddle!

[@RFED2O]

Im Arsenal... Hoddle just gravy, he was just so class to watch

[@gentleken7864]

Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle sang a song that got to number 12 in the charts in 1987. That's why he'll always be a legend.

[@123macks]

Better of singing because there 💩💩at fitbaw

[@johncully4699]

Diamond lights, I bought it 😂

[@kipp1231]

I came home one night tripping bollox when I 1st heard this song on top of the pops. It sent me into a 4 hour giggle fit. 😂

[@keepitreal3301]

Great song

[@leeemery8099]

@@johncully4699I heard somebody did 😄

[@seaniek9175]

Hoddle was a genius. Pure talent. Laughable that he struggled to make the England team. Always the fall guy when he should have been the main man.

[@r4h4al]

Le Tissier had the same problem.

[@Evemeister12]

​@@r4h4alironically under hoddle's regime.

[@privatecoachingchannel4818]

For some reason England have a history of not getting the best out of the most creative players. I was only a little kid when hoddle still played in England, so you don’t know too much at that age. But I remember watching hoddle with my jaw wide open totally mesmerised. There was no other player that made football look so easy. Platini said if he was French he would have won 150 caps and had the team built around him for a decade. Some accolade that❤

[@damien1351]

Still got 53 caps in an era where they weren't playing many friendlies.

[@gerardtoner9191]

Absolutely Sean

[@The_Blueyonder]

Enjoying your interviews Jeff, excellent. Only you with your experience can extract such interesting interviews.

[@mileymarielow3850]

Amazing poscast,I hope it really takes off. Jeff Stelling is an amazing host/interviewer!!

[@stud105]

Champagne Charlie was great. Good times being a football fan in that era. Im a Spurs fan.

[@charleslyall4911]

Charlie,was a great player ,the 2 freekicks against Peter Shilton superb COYG 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️👍

[@charleslittledale7991]

Brian Clough said that Hoddle would be first name on the England team sheet & build a team around him

[@andrew-id9ls]

Charlie was a joy to watch at celtic

[@BillyWhiz]

Great seeing you boys back together!! Really good pod 👏

[@stevenbannister7286]

Hoddle was Gazza with finesse, I see both players week in week out at spurs, Hoddle for me was better, Gazza was outrageous with some of the things he was capable of but Hoddle was class, elegant, a perfectionist, He belongs up there with platini, zidane ect… you had to be a spurs fan to witness he’s class, one weakness was he would go missing in games, we excepted that because he was class.

[@iaincathro3373]

Nicholas was sheer class.

[@Ruda-n4h]

A talented attacking midfield player, who was afraid to go too near the enemy goal as he showed in the 1986 World Cup.

[@colingeddes2172]

Charlie was a real maverik of a player and i loved him as pundit on GSS, always spoke constructively.

[@jbs9231]

I remember Seeing G hoddle play a pass way in side Spurs defence and Straight / diagonal along the touch line to the a Spurs players boot. Never seen ball pass Similar Since..

[@harryb1429]

Good to see some of the classic Soccer Saturday lineup back talking about the game again

[@keithrichardsom1898]

Brilliant love Charlie s views, stories and a very good player

[@brianstubberfield2116]

Kenny Sampson was awesome. To mention the name Neville in the same conversation is ridiculous.

[@DannyG-cv8so]

Hoddle was fantastic, but I saw Brian Robson play Maradona off the park, at OT, in 1984. If only Robson wasn’t injured in 86?

[@MohammedZarak-gj7uh]

Ray Wilkins played for QPR too. He was brilliant!!

[@philipritson8821]

Ray Wilkins had a bad habit that made him ill-suited to English football in the 70s and 80s. He liked to pass the ball to someone who wore the same colour shirt as him. So unforgivable they called him "the crab."

[@Ruda-n4h]

@@philipritson8821He showed his ability at Milan.

[@philipritson8821]

@@Ruda-n4h Ah yes AC Milan just before Sacchi and the three Dutchmen (Van Basten, Rijkaard and Gullit). Google "England 1 Belgium 1 1980" and you'll see Ray defeat one of the most aggressive offside traps in international football single handed. Butch Wilkins was a genius.

[@Ruda-n4h]

@@philipritson8821 Indeed I remember it at the time - I am also a Chelsea supporter. I remember him playing alongside Charlie Cooke for a short time in 1977 when he played more forward - that was a good duo!

[@michaelinkster4977]

Gillhaus at Aberdeen was mentioned - great player!

[@2strong2cool]

Charlie played against Denmark in 86. Laudrup was playing. Laudrup was leagues ahead of anyone listed here

[@markruddle5136]

Saw Hoddle in a pre season friendly in Limerick (Thomond Park that day?) Early 80s, when Limerick were a decent side. Spurs won 6-2, and Hoddle got 4 goals, I think. Completely dominated the game, and I'm an Arsenal fan.

[@reeco355]

Would have been nice to hear a few words about the home grown Arsenal lads that went on to win two league titles. Adams, Merson, Rocastle and Thomas. 👍🏽

[@RobertDore-w4l]

Let's not forget Paul Davis, Glenn Cockerill won't 🙂

[@gcarm76]

Met Ray at an England Rugby International. What a nice guy. Made time to speak with me and other people.

[@no_soy_rubio]

Wait, when did Jeff start a podcast?!! Quickest I've ever clicked the subscribe button!

[@RobertDore-w4l]

He's very talented interviewer indeed.

[@nicholacousins8563]

Hoddle was pure Genius from an Arsenal supporter

[@stevebloomer7027]

Sansom was an incredible full back. Never ever landed on his arse. Made one mistake (Portugal, 1986) but otherwise sound as a pound.

[@redmed10]

Maradona taking a testimonial so seriously is just brilliant.

[@Chongo_657]

Bonnie Prince Charlie. helluva player.

[@philipritson8821]

Charlie had one great season at Celtic, where he scored goals for fun. Truth be told, he never lived up to that season at Arsenal. He failed to "kick on."

[@chriscolton6329]

David Moyes once said the two best teenagers he had ever seen were Wayne Rooney and Charlie Nicholas. 'Champagne Charlie' was probably undone by the distractions of London.

[@stanadams5541]

Yep you are right

[@glasgowrangersyouletyourcl5032]

Had more than one good season at celtic

[@TheJpf79]

@@chriscolton6329 Was just about to type this when I read your comment "If "Champagne Charlie" had put as much effort into his footballing carreer as he did into his modelling career and social life, he would have a far greater career than he has" Wasn't the distractions of London he went right up his own backside. I used to think he was great when I was a kid, wasn't until recently he had a go about Stilian Petrov commentating on Celtic giving it "Why not some folk who are involved in Scottish football what do they know about the current Celtic team" meaning why not him and any time it was him he done nothing but slate Celtic, he's not been "involved" in football up here for decades and Stilian played in a European final for Celtic, his own ego was the problem.

[@Stewart-o8g]

He was class . So was mcavennie. Better than today's strikers who play for mediocre premier league clubs . Dalglish was better than the lot

[@phil19852010]

Jeff, I ADORE your podcasts more than ANY others & loved your live show with the lads in Wolverhampton. Please, please, PLEASE consider doing a podcast with the likes of Charlie, Tommo & Tiss. Maybe on a Saturday - even if it was only once a month. You guys are missed SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!

[@phil19852010]

Chatting about the days games & maybe even watching them....with the safe knowledge that you're able to drop in the odd naughty word ;-)

[@ChrisEscott]

I cant quite remember who said it but, It i think it was Wenger , if Hoddle was French He would have 100.caps +, and the team built around him. I only really saw him at swindon, chelsea as a player, he was still beautiful to watch.. Gazza was different, its a tough call that.

[@RobertDore-w4l]

I'd have chosen them both with a solid holding player behind them.

[@anthonymcken6050]

Hoddle was just born in the wrong country. Any other country they would have built the team around him.

[@Ruda-n4h]

@@anthonymcken6050 Hoddle could not impose himself due to a lack of stamina and character and played as though his job was to wait until someone else gave him the ball, when he would do his stuff. With his team under pressure, the supply of the ball to him could easily be cut off, and he wasn’t the kind of player who would go back and get mixed up in the rough and tumble to get it for himself as a really good player would. But he was not alone amongst British players. There were others who thought that just because they had skill no one could teach them anything and they didn't have to adapt. There were other players around Hoddle's era who also didn't like 'rough and tumble' but they were able (or the manager was) to whip up a bit of devil and impose themselves like Deyna, Panenka and Michel Platini. If you read 'Soccer Coaching: The European Way,' published in 1980, you will see why other well respected and successful foreign coaches wouldn't have bothered with him either. Rinus Michels: ‘In the old game the players could afford to show off their skill and think only a little. But modern football has changed all that and brought a new set of problems. So, the players have to change because unless they do, they will never escape from their opponents tight-marking, quick tackling and good coverage. So, the players have to change because unless they do, they will never escape from their opponents tight-marking, quick tackling and good coverage. The ones who can’t do it look for excuses, trying to blame others.’ Hennes Weisweiler: 'I do not like the kind of midfield player who works hard but cannot go forward and shoot. Neither do I like a midfield player who is not strong in defence.’ Lajos Baroti: ‘Stamina is so important today, for the players must be able to run at varying speeds for the whole 90 minutes if necessary. The ability to outnumber the opposition in the area around the ball, determines the difference between success and failure.’ ‘Every good player must be able to beat an opponent, but it is only effective and necessary at the right time and if it is in the interests of the team as a whole. You cannot achieve numerical advantage if someone keeps losing the ball through trying unsuccessfully to beat a man. That only leads to a lot of hard and unnecessary running for the entire team.’

[@Ruda-n4h]

@@anthonymcken6050 What that saying really means is that the player concerned is lacking, and the others have to fit in around him to the detriment of the team.

[@undersoundproductions1915]

The story is. Charlie was the best Scottish forward in a long time. London was the bright lights choice. In Scotland it was widely thought that Liverpool were all about football first. The famous European experts. Thats what some wanted for Charlie. We all thought he would improve. Truth is. He didn't. We still believe in Scotland that the city of London has a lot of distractions. Frank at west ham for example. Kenny chose well. As did Hansen Souness and many more.

[@marcusclark5330]

Kieran Tierney could control himself couldnt he

[@theangryscotsman5174]

Yup. Never the player down south he could have been.

[@jemjema3]

good video, good chat very easy to listen to

[@terryomara9403]

Kenny was world class

[@RobertDore-w4l]

Superb player, great temperament considering he was kicked all over the place.

[@timvella1817]

Nigel Winterburn was better and should have been England left back since 1988.

[@CarlinConnolly]

Glenn Hoddle, Kevin Ratcliffe, Kenny Sansom, Ian Rush and Ray Wilkins... tasty!

[@slowerthinker]

As Scotland manager Jock Stein may have prefered picking Liverpool players to Arsenal players, his successor however.... I still cannot believe that Alan Hansen didn't go to the world cup in 1986. The best Liverpool defender of all time, the captain of the side that had won the English league and the FA Cup that season; and he didn't even make the 22 man squad.

[@philipritson8821]

S'Alex punished Big Al for putting club before country. He must have learned something from it though. How often was Ryan Giggs fit for Wales?

[@D_B_Cooper]

I read We Made Them Angry abour our 82 campaign and I've rarely seen anybody come across worse in a football book than Stein. Petty, thin skinned, stubborn... an all round child.

[@RichardSmith-ew3xz]

@@philipritson8821 Stein and Ferguson both blamed Hansen for the goal the USSR scored against Scotland that knocked Scotland out of the 1982 WC. When Dalglish found out his mate Hansen was not going to be selected for Mexico 86 he pulled out injured.

[@erniescullion8452]

I like Nicholas Generally You will find the Scots will be more direct and not mind you if your not liking their opinions 😂

[@dahsellsavon113]

Funnily enough I don't know a single scot who likes him

[@MisAnnThorpe]

@@dahsellsavon113 He seems like a pretty likeable bloke, even if he does look a lot like Tommy Docherty, now!

[@harrycarr4267]

"Charlie, Charlie, "Charlie, Charlie."

[@alexcull9379]

I liked Charlie miss him on sky along with Phil Thompson &the rest of them

[@pjoseph5950]

I think we all do

[@RobertDore-w4l]

The media are too busy 'force feeding' us female presenters as opposed to tremendous players with huge achievements in the game.

[@johnmitchell2269]

Greame Souness and Kenny Dalglish both played for Scotland throughout their time at Liverpool.

[@ScottishAd]

I remember Charlie when he played for Clyde FC

[@fargodavilleitnotd6729]

What a player Charlie was brilliant!

[@BOATSkeepcoming]

Pat Jennings simply the best!

[@paulleech2968]

HODDLE WÀS A AWESOME PLAYER. SCORE A FABULOUS GOAL AT WATFORD AWAY OBE OF THE BEST GOALS IVE EVER SEEN. FOLLOW SPURS ALL THROUGH HIS CAREER. THEIR WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE HODDLE THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES COYS COME ON CITY😁😂🤣😜🤞🙏👍

[@brentinnes5151]

saw him play his 3rd game for spurs in NZ!!!!! 18 year old comes on and wins game!!

[@csnelling4]

A great podcast Jeff 🥇

[@tixomayarn6730]

Hoddle was a genius❤❤

[@brianstubberfield2116]

Butch Wilkins was a gentleman without a doubt. He had time for anyone.

[@del8boy]

Good to listen to the experts, hopefully Stelling can keep his opinions to himself. COYI

[@chrismattravers5434]

Great to see Kevin Ratcliffe getting such praise!

[@Nedchilvs]

Respect to Charley, Hoddle was the King

[@billcole3287]

Hoddle THE Best english player ever true genius and legend so so gifted.

[@MikeM-n1v]

He wasn't a patch on Gazza

[@rogerwredford]

@@MikeM-n1v Oh, indeed he was, and better than him. Saw them both live and in their prime and Hoddle was a more complete player, equally as mercurial as Gazza in a more understated way, more intelligent a footballer and far less of a liability as a result. Hoddle was 20 years ahead of the game in English terms, and had he had his breakthrough as a player in the 90s, he’d have been the central player in a legacy continental club, no doubt, à la Zidane.

[@itsinthetreesitscoming7431]

behave yourfuckingself best English player ever.... Bobby Charlton was worth ten of him.

[@itsinthetreesitscoming7431]

@@rogerwredford just how the fuck was he more complete? He couldn't run faster than his Missus, had good feet but could never get away from anyone. All he excelled at was passing and shooting and he had loads of bad days. Gazza easily his equal at Hoddle's strengths and much quicker, stronger and vastly superior dribbler. Glenn Hoddle was 'complete' ffs stroll on...

[@rogerwredford]

@@itsinthetreesitscoming7431 So using that yardstick, Gazza was better than Zidane because he could run faster? You don’t need to be able to run fast when your brain is so far ahead of everyone else on the pitch that it is almost in a different decade.

[@dougc5880]

Brilliant 👏

[@peterh1353]

Nicholas scored two goals in one match direct from a freekick. Against Newcastle as I remember it. Never seen that before or since. Would love anyone to point out another example.

[@bernienicol5669]

Leigh Griffiths, Scotland v England, June 2017

[@alexcull9379]

Bang on

[@ianmcdonald1538]

Charlie should have went to Liverpool. I don't believe he truly fulfilled his potential

[@raytanner4138]

When you join "The Arsenal" you have to accept the jealousy and hatred that comes your way from all the lesser clubs and that includes not getting picked for your country.🤔Charlie was great yet my fave Scot was Joe Baker.

[@johnbarclay5964]

Joe could have played for either England or Scotland remember him well and his brother , great to see his name popping up

[@frankmcconnellogue3351]

I wasn’t picked for my school team because they wanted to win the match.

[@chrisferns5352]

Champagne Charlie frank mcavennie finished second highest scorer in league behind lineker

[@robsmith8024]

Take away Hoddle’s passing ability (which was phenomenal) and he had nothing else to offer. Gazza, worked,tackled, dribbled and put the opposition on the back foot and could pass long or short as good as Hoddle. No contest really

[@archiewalls9351]

Gazza was a numpty who couldn't be trusted. Rake away his dribbling ability he was nothing.

[@MrCheswickMusic]

Hey, I remember that guy from my Panini football sticker collection, I had him about 20 times ha ha

[@JimDuggan-tq2lv]

Can you prove your claim?

[@CarlinConnolly]

If Chelsea had a young Ray Wilkins, captain of the team... they'd sell him!

[@AB-kx4nc]

Hoddle literally was God on the pitch and Charlie was the scourge of tottenham.

[@JasonGray-pb9uq]

Charlie was brilliant at Celtic

[@drwho9802]

Sansom was again ahead of his time a technically silky full back class act

[@Ruda-n4h]

You're having a larf.

[@FutebolRei]

I made a video of Marc Ross talks about the fastest man at the draft combine in history

[@drwho9802]

Ian Rush was a deadly finisher

[@fredloose7895]

Charlie would have been great at Man United under Fergie

[@RobertDore-w4l]

Imagine him with Mark Hughes?

[@stuartjamieson9096]

Charlie Nicholas should have a lot more Scotland caps than he has, I believe if he went to Liverpool or Man UTD instead of Arsenal he would definitely have more caps..

[@desmoran2049]

As an Arsenal fan Jock Stein was right he would have been managed by the boot room and probably had a better career away from the bright lights.

[@johnomahony8391]

Gazza was naturally gifted but wer talking moments. If you go into a huge match theres a lot more players id trust than gazza. He had 2 good international tournaments. Bang average club career compared to charlton, gerrard, scholes, lampard

[@dalian1993]

Glen Hoddle was a skilfull player,but hugely overrated by the London press. When the going was good,he was a good player to have on your side. But when the games were tough,he disappeared. Never had a good game for England either,a bit like John Barnes.

[@gurney2931]

Charlie is not wrong re Hoddle. I don't understand why so many folk seem to dislike him ?

[@Iamevlhmr]

The England manager fiasco and the God bothering I assume

[@johnbarclay5964]

Putting everything into perspective footballers in general have never been picked for their intelligence,Baxter, gazza best all sublime players yes but intelligent no

[@pauloneill914]

Samson was unbelievable

[@raytanner4138]

He was when he killed a thousand Philestines with the jawbone of an ass.

[@garyewins2858]

Ray wilkins played more times for QPR than anyone and was brilliant but of course yet again they don't mention that!..

[@r4h4al]

Thought this series had ended last week.

[@clario2178]

Gazza was another level .Could have been Zidane level had he lived well .

[@RobertThomson-y4m]

Hoddle was superb but grew up in a period where flare players were disliked. The 86 Scotland squad was oretty decent and should have done better. Ferguson wasn't a great national manager.

[@paulw3765]

Thought Hoddle was an exceptional player, loved watching him live when he came to play against Man City. Two goals that always spring to mind when you mention Hoddle are the goals against Forest where the ball doesn’t touch the ground from the goal keeper kicking it plus his chip against Watford. Don’t think he excelled playing for England maybe team could have been built more round him, but for Spurs he was outstanding. As for Gazza seen him a few times live and every time he was a genius, stupid challenge in fa cup final that obviously didn’t help his career, but some of the goals he scored for spurs, rangers, and England. We’re just out of this world.. In my opinion I thought Gazza was a better player, but not much in it..

[@leedsunitedoldschool2837]

Tony Currie was just as good as Glenn Hoddle. Great Mavericks.

[@stevestannard6004]

Derek Statham anyone? 🤔

[@MisAnnThorpe]

@@anglotim Excellent player but not better than Sansom.

[@timvella1817]

Nigel Winterburn,the best left back in Britain for a decade.

[@douglasgreen437]

Wasn't he in action films? 😂

[@jimfyfe4015]

Hoddle couldn’t lace Gazza’s boots , Gazza was born with more talent in his big toe than hoddle and Nicolas had in their whole body

[@terryomara9403]

Brady was in another league to hoddle and wilkins Charlie oleary was a great world class for sure

[@pjoseph5950]

You need learn how to spell!

[@raytanner4138]

Brady was pure class.

[@Rob-v3q3q]

Hoddle only turn up for England in the easy match’s never seen him in the hard match’s use to disappear

[@raytanner4138]

Hoddle never turned up against Arsenal no goals either, Charlie however always turned up against the spuds and often scored against Liverpool.

[@Ruda-n4h]

@@raytanner4138 Arsene Wenger was not impressed with Hoddle's fitness when he went to Monaco.

[@davidbrooks187]

Arsene Wenger states to this day that Hoddle was the most skilful player he ever managed. In France he is idolised. Johan Cruyff gave him his shirt in 1984 calling him the new Master. Platini stated that if Hoddle was French he would’ve got 150 caps. Hoddle got 53 for England with over 30 of them as sub and frequently been played out of position, and the only run he got in the team was in the 1986 through qualifying & into the World Cup where he excelled & got Lineker the golden boot, we were robbed by the hand of God despite dominating the second half in the quarter final. Hoddle was always highly praised by Maradona. He then went to Monaco in 1987 winning the league and the cup under Arsene Wenger and becoming French player of the year but still could not get a run in the England team which is disgraceful. Hoddle was a genius and admired around the world by the football greats, exactly like Charlie Nicholas said but sadly wasted by England.

[@Ruda-n4h]

​@@davidbrooks187Wenger was not impressed with Hoddle's fitness (which was one reason why he couldn't impose himself as well as a lack of character) and the 1986 World Cup was a personal disaster for him - he was anonymous against Argentina. No matter what others might say (who I think indulged in a bit of hyberbole) he was one of the players who would not or could not adapt his play to the changes in the game in the late 70's as early 80's as Rinus Michels and Hennes Weisweiler alluded to - the two best managers of the 70's. 53 caps is more than enough chances to show what you can do. Although undoubtably talented, Hoddle played as though his job was to wait until someone else gave him the ball, when he would do his stuff. With his team under pressure, the supply of the ball to him could easily be cut off, and he wasn’t the kind of player who would go back and get mixed up in the rough and tumble to get it for himself as a really good player would. He if had had anything about him he would have looked at the example of the Brazilian midfielders of 1982 e.g. Cerezo and Falcao who worked as hard as any less skilful player and taken that on but he preferred to shrug his shoulders on the pitch when things were not going his way. As for Charlie Nicholas he was another misfit - a talented attacking midfielder to scared to go near the opposition goal and I would never hang my hat on anything that twerp from Beunos Aires ever said.

[@colwilson5156]

Picks Kevin Ratcliffe over Willie Miller , mad shout that.

[@MichaelWilliams-fd7nj]

Not really Ratters was class

[@BEN-oi5zu]

Rats was electric for everton

[@terrymoore5154]

Played with Adams and O’Leary yet picks ratcliffe?

[@MisAnnThorpe]

That should tell you just how good Ratcliffe was.