Glenn Hoddle joins QPR: Former England manager links up with Harry Redknapp

The former Tottenham boss will take up a role among the backroom staff

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle (Getty Images)

Glenn Hoddle has been appointed to QPR's backroom staff, the Barclays Premier League club have announced.

Hoddle is to join coaches Kevin Bond and Joe Jordan in working beneath boss Harry Redknapp in what will be his first tracksuit role since stepping down as Wolves manager in 2006.

"After winning promotion last season, the first aim at QPR is to stay in the Premier League and I'm looking forward to helping play my part as we try to achieve that," Hoddle said.

Hoddle has been seeking a return to football and was linked with a second spell at Tottenham when Andre Villas-Boas was axed last season, only to lose out to Tim Sherwood.

The 56-year-old former England boss has been working as a pundit during in his absence from the game and in 2008 opened an academy in Spain to improve players released by English clubs.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp (Getty Images)

"I'm really pleased to take up Harry's offer to come in and work with him, Kevin and Joe," Hoddle said.

"I have always loved coaching, and I can't wait to meet the players, get on the training pitch and get to work."

Hoddle guided England to the last 16 of the 1998 World Cup, losing to Argentina on penalties, but his contract was terminated the following January after he made comments that were offensive to disabled people.

Managerial spells at Swindon, Tottenham and Wolves followed for one of England's most naturally gifted footballers and Redknapp is backing him to be a useful addition at Loftus Road.

"I'm really pleased to bring Glenn in," Redknapp said

"I have been really lucky in the last couple of years to have had Steve Cotterill, Steve McClaren and Wally Downes work with us. They all did a fantastic job here.

"I spoke with the chairman about the possibility of bringing Glenn in and he thought it was a great idea.

"Glenn will be great. He has a brilliant knowledge of the game and will be fantastic out on the training ground with the players.

"He is a hugely-respected coach and, like Steve, has managed his country.

"I decided that if I was going to bring somebody in, I was going to go for somebody who was top class and that's what Glenn is."

PA