It was a real surprise when he rocked up in the second tier at Swindon he was light-years ahead of others and we were in awe of his technical ability': Former Robins midfielder reveals what it was REALLY like playing alongside Glenn Hoddle

'Hoddle had just been playing for Monaco under Arsene Wenger, so it was a real surprise to us when he rocked up in the second tier,' Nicky Summerbee recalls. Hoddle's arrival came after a tough season for Swindon, who had faced financial issues and were striving to improve their status in English football. With Hoddle's technical skills and experience, the team was able to make tangible progress. His impact was immediate, showcasing not only his prowess as a player but also as a leader on the pitch.'

'He was still a sublime player,' Nicky Summerbee continues. 'He could’ve played now, in the modern game, comfortably. He was light-years ahead of others - we were in awe of his technical ability, even towards the end of his playing days.' This reveals Hoddle's timeless talent, highlighting that his skills transcended the era he played in, illustrating his exceptional ability to adapt to different styles of play.'

'He managed us and also played sweeper, where he could control games. He wanted us playing proper football,' noted Summerbee. This emphasizes Hoddle's dual role, both as a player and a manager, exemplifying his strategic thinking and commitment to elevating Swindon's level of play towards a more technical, ball-oriented game.'

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