Hoddle decides to quit Wolves over 'drift'

Glenn Hoddle has resigned as manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers. The former England coach joined Wolves in December 2004 but, despite an impressive end to that season, failed to steer the Championship club to promotion last term.

Wolves finished eight points off the play-offs in seventh position and, after the parachute payments which followed relegation from the Premiership in 2004 ended, the club announced they would have to make stringent cutbacks. Central defender Joleon Lescott has joined Everton, while several other first-teamers have left or have yet to sign new deals, including veteran midfielder Paul Ince.

Hoddle said pre-season expectations had failed to match his own. In a statement released by his representatives he said: "It has been a very difficult decision but I feel that my expectations and the club's expectations have drifted too far apart in recent weeks. This decision has been made early in pre-season for the benefit of the club. I would like to thank the board, players, staff and fans for their support and efforts."

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey, who towards the end of last season claimed the campaign had been "a complete disaster", asked Hoddle to reconsider. He told the club's website yesterday: "I had an unexpected call from the manager at about 3 o'clock. He told me he was resigning with immediate effect. I asked him to reconsider but he said his mind was made up. How-ever, he did agree to meet with me on Monday. We will issue a further statement in due course."