Hoddle dangerous under crosses

There is a theosophical theory that we are all put on this earth to learn our lessons and emerge as better people from the experience. It should be no surprise, therefore, to find someone with Glenn Hoddle's detailed knowledge of the theological handbook applying this holy law to the footballers under his charge.

The main difference between God and Hod, though, is that only the former's powers of forgiveness are unlimited. Cross the England coach and you can look forward to spending bleak days in the wilderness.

Ask Dennis Wise, Chris Sutton and now Paul Gascoigne. Each was offered the road to redemption by Hoddle but all took a different turning. As a result, none of them will be playing for England in France '98.

The young coach's ruthless ways were noticeable from early in his tracksuited career. At Chelsea he banished John Spencer, David Lee, Robert Fleck and Gareth Hall to the reserves for lengthy spells without any explanation.

It is unclear exactly what happened between Hoddle and Wise during their time together at Stamford Bridge. But certainly Wise's refusal to do something about his poor disciplinary record was a continual annoyance to Hoddle. And the upshot of this challenge to Hoddle's supremacy was that the national coach could not even find a place on the England B bench for one of the best midfielders in the country last season.

Sutton did get into the B squad, for the game against Chile in February, but pulled put on the grounds that he was in better form than some of the strikers in the A squad and that B games are largely meaningless. He too was summarily banished from consideration. Now Gascoigne has angered the dispenser of World Cup dreams and finds himself awake in a nightmare. After being given "one last chance" following his wife-beating incident, Gazza was on parole. But two weeks ago Hoddle expressed concern that the conditions were being breached after more stories emerged about the Middlesbrough man's ability to hit the bottle as well as Sheryl.

"I said I was going to give Paul an opportunity to learn and open his mind a little bit," said Hoddle. "I think he did take that opportunity and I think he has now fallen back a bit."

A few days later the coach handed Gascoigne another "last-chance" ultimatum, telling the midfielder that he must get fit. One drink or one kebab does not make me a worse player, argued Gascoigne. "There is plenty of time to get fit for the World Cup."

Hoddle disagreed. To acquire match-fitness now requires more than completing a few laps and a few push-ups, but Gascoigne refused to see it. Hoddle had tried to be understanding but his best advice was ignored. And so, in the end, was Gazza.

Gascoigne's problem was that he always wants to do things his way. "It's my life," he had said recently. It may be his life, but it is one Hoddle has now pronounced upon from a great height.