So Close, Yet So Far

Glenn Hoddle reportedly chose to spend his rare Saturday off catching up with an old colleague at East End Park, Graham Rix who as youth team coach at Chelsea when Hoddle was manager.

Speculation has arisen that Hoddle could have been keeping tabs on Hearts Paul Hartley or Czech striker Michal Pospisil, but while he was one one side of the city, someone else was being watched on the other.

Many Wolves fans have long called for Glenn Hoddle to run his eye over Hibs striker Derk Riordan. The 22 year old striker has so far score 11 goals this season, and was voted SPL Young Player Of The Year last term.

Riordan's future at Hibs has been uncertain for some time afterhe refused offers of a new contract last summer. Since then the Tynecastle side have decided to cash in on their young star, putting him up for sale.

But any hopes fans might have had that Riordan would wear Old Gold and Black this season seem to have been dashed after Budesliga club Nurnberg once again watched him at the weekend, and are now said to be considering an offer.

Hibs are awaiting a firm offer, and should that meet their valuation of the young striker, a move to Germany could well be on the cards.

Unless Glenn Hoddle's appearance at East End Park was an elaborate smokescreen, and he's been known to do that in the past, Nurnberg look to be in pole position to sign a player that would appear to fit Glenn Hoddle's requirement to a tee. Although it has to be said, Wolves have never shown a public interest in the player.

Many would say more's the pity