Carl Hoddle RIP

CARL Hoddle always took it in good spirits when he was referred to as the "BBC man".

Yes, putting out the Bibs, Balls and Cones to help older brother Glenn when he was Wolves boss.

That was just one of the tasks that Hoddle junior carried out, and just one of the areas of banter in which he was always heavily involved.

And when news emerged on Sunday that such a lively and colourful personality had tragically passed away at the age of just 40, the reaction from everyone connected with Wolves was complete shock.

Less than a week before his death from an apparent heart attack at his home on Saturday night, Carl was jumping up and down in the street celebrating Spurs' Carling Cup success against Chelsea.

A trusted confidante of Glenn throughout his 18 months as Wolves boss, Carl assisted with training as well as fulfilling scouting duties.

A former Tottenham trainee and then player with Barnet and Leyton Orient, the fact that he came back into football from working as a car salesman was another source of much repartee, but again banter which was taken in good heart.

More naturally bubbly and effusive than his more reserved and analytical brother, Carl's presence was clearly one which made Glenn more comfortable and he undoubtedly acted as a valuable sounding board.

And apparently whilst on tour with Wolves Carl was infectious company, regaling all and sundry with entertaining stories to leave observers in fits of giggles.

Whatever any Wolves fans think about Hoddle senior's Wolves tenure, clearly this tragedy goes beyond all this and quite clearly he will be devastated.

All thoughts emanating from Molineux will be with him, and Carl's wife Dawn and step-daughter Robyn who live in Sawbridgeworth in Hertfordshire.

Wolves players will wear black armbands against Southampton tomorrow night as a sign of respect.