I'll Show Spain How Good English Players Can Be, Says Hoddle Academy Graduate

After the report below about a player considered not good enough by English league clubs being signed up by a leading Spanish club after signing on at Glenn Hoddle's academy, more success for the former Tottenham and England manager.

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Two young footballers who were told they would not make it as professionals have sealed a dream move to Recre - and now have set goals in mind...

Dave Cowley and Lino Goncalves have today joined Recreativo de Huelva on two-year contracts with a further two year option.

Released from their pro clubs in 2008, both Cowley and Goncalves were offered trials with Glenn Hoddle’s academy and impressed enough to be offered full-time contracts, which saw them move to Spain for unique professional football development supervised personally by Glenn Hoddle.

Hoddle’s academy hit the headlines only last week with Sevilla’s much publicised signing of Ikechi Anya,

When asked about signing for Recre, both Cowley and Goncalves were understandably delighted. Cowley said, “I am over the moon to get a contract with Huelva. This is a huge opportunity for me and I am definitely going to take it and show the Spanish clubs just how good English players can be on foreign soil.

Goncalves commented, “This is really a dream come true for me to play for Huelva. When I left Fulham I really had no options, I was looking to find some work to support my family and maybe play semi-pro or amateur football. Only six weeks ago I was supplementing my income as a waiter and contemplating my future and then Glenn got me back here for a tournament.

“After spending this time with Glenn I now have the chance to really make it at the highest levels as a professional, in the game that I love and this would not have been possible without my time at the academy.”

Former England manager Glen Hoddle believes amateur footballers, such as Anya, Cowley and Goncalves, given the right development, can play at the highest level.

Glenn Hoddle said, “It’s been a busy week this week, we had Ikechi Anya moving to Sevilla on Tuesday and now Dave and Lino are on the way to Huelva. This is a very proud day for me.

“It also vindicates my belief in the concept of giving players released too soon a second chance. With the right mental approach, the right development, in the right surroundings, what we are doing in Spain really works. The proof here is in the four lads we’ve got back so far in only our first year.

“Both the lads have come on so much this past year. I have been really impressed with their attitude and willingness to develop. We’ve worked hard getting them playing with both feet, improving their observation and touch and really developing them in to all-round players ready for the professional game.”