Ignorance won't be bliss, says Hoddle
THE reputation of the Hong Kong League XI is spreading.
Just ask Glenn Hoddle, player-manager of English Premiership club Chelsea, who arrived with his team yesterday for tomorrow's exhibition match against the Hong Kong League XI at the Hong Kong Stadium.
When the Chelsea contingent were asked if they knew anything about Hong Kong, Chelsea chairman Ken Bates turned to Hoddle and quipped: ''Have we had them watched?'' ''No, we haven't,'' replied Hoddle, ''and obviously we don't know too much about the opposition.
''But we do know there are a few clubs who have come here and been given a very tough time, so we are expecting a hard game.'' Hoddle, now 36, brought himself on as a second-half substitute in last Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester United, which United won 4-0.
Chelsea coach Peter Shreeves said Hoddle had been nowhere near fit enough to start the game because of injury.
''We knew before the game that he had an hour in the tank at the most,'' Shreeves said.
''Bearing in mind the match could have gone into extra-time, he was planning to go on after an hour, just after Manchester United's first goal.
''At 1-0 down he could have changed things round but before he could come on they were awarded their second penalty.'' Chelsea will train at the Hong Kong Sports Institute in Sha Tin this morning before Hoddle names his line-up - but Shreeves said Hoddle would most likely start the game.
Other players from the Cup final team are Frank Sinclair, Craig Burley, John Spencer, Mark Stein, Gavin Peacock and Eddie Newton.
