Southampton attacker Jo Tessem feels Glenn Hoddle was the club's first choice.
Southampton attacker Jo Tessem feels Glenn Hoddle was the club's first choice of manager, rather than the departed Paul Sturrock.The former Scotland international parted company with Saints on Monday after less than six months at the helm.
He took over in March following the exit of Gordon Strachan and left Plymouth Argyle for the post at St Mary's.
But ex-England coach, and former Saints boss, Hoddle was widely tipped to be the club's prime target to succeed Strachan.
Hoddle withdrew from the race after lengthy discussions with chairman Rupert Lowe and Tessem wonders if Sturrock suffered from not being the number one target.
"It's probably only chairman Rupert Lowe that knows that (why Sturrock has left)," Tessem told VG.
"It's strange that it is happening now as we won our last game.
"Football is a business and sometimes it can be cynical.
"Paul Sturrock was probably not the first choice when he came to the club. It was Glenn Hoddle."
Tessem was overlooked during Sturrock's tenure and had appeared poised to return to Norway to sign for Lyn.
But he is now waiting to discover who replaces Sturrock as he admits he would rather play out the remaining year of his contract at St Mary's.
The 32-year-old added: "Perhaps things can be sorted out for me now.
"I have got one year left on my contract. I would like to play the last year in Southampton.
"I have nothing negative to say about the club."
