Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe has confirmed that Glenn Hoddle is being considered as a possible replacement for Gordon Strachan, who last month announced he would step down as Saints boss at the end of the season.

Speculation linking Hoddle with a return to the club has provoked an angry response from Southampton fans, many of whom have not forgiven the former England coach for walking out on them two years ago to take up the-then vacant managerial position at Tottenham.

However, Lowe remains unrepentant about employing Hoddle a second time.

“He is a tremendous coach,” said Lowe.

“Yes he left this club under a cloud but if anyone should be bearing a grudge it is me as he put me through the mill.

“It took me some time to find a solution and when we appointed Gordon Strachan we had a similar response from fans because of what had happened at Coventry.

“Glenn Hoddle remains an option. We have not done a U-turn – he could still be appointed manager.

“But I am not ruling anything in and I am not ruling anything out.

“But regardless of whether he is the popular choice we will do what is right for this club.”