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Hoddle denies bust-up with players

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR manager Glenn Hoddle has denied that he was involved in a training ground bust-up with his players after their recent poor run of form which saw them beaten again at Bolton Wanderers on Monday night.

Several stars including skipper Teddy Sheringham are believed to have exchanged angry words with the former England boss after he accused them of ignoring his orders and tactics.

Rumours have been echoing through the White Hart Lane corridors of power that several of the first-team squad have become frustrated at Hoddle's man-management skills, following rumours that there is also a rift between him and director of football David Pleat as well.

Tim Sherwood revealed earlier in the season that Pleat told him Hoddle held a personal vendetta against him which signalled the end of his spurs career, prompting chairman Daniel Levy to intervene and plead for them to heal their differences for the good of the club.

Hoddle said on the training ground matter: "I can categorically state that these stories are not true. They are 100 per cent lies.

"Yes, we did have a meeting after the Liverpool match, but it was a very positive one which ended with all of us looking forward to the next game."

Spurs captain Sheringham, also denied there was any rift at their Chigwell training headquarters:  "There was no conflict between anyone.

"We know we are not going through a difficult time but the players and the coaching staff are all working together to put that right.

"But these sort of stories do us no help at all."

The club have now suffered three consecutive defeats and appear out of the running for a Uefa Cup berth next term.

In other news, Spurs have agreed to let promising youngster John Jackson extend his loan spell at Essex based side Colchester United until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old is making good progress at Layer Road after also being loaned out to Luton Town earlier in the season.

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