Steve Hodge

Nottingham Forest

A left-footed midfielder who was comfortable in a central or wide position, Hodge was born in Nottingham and joined his boyhood club Nottingham Forest as an apprentice in 1980; he made his debut against Ipswich Town on the final day of the 1981–82 season. Hodge became a first-team regular the following season as Forest's manager Brian Clough tried to build a new young team after the side which won two European Cups began to age and disintegrate. Hodge was a frequent goalscorer from midfield as Forest consolidated their League position but were unable to push for trophies other than a semi-final in the UEFA Cup in 1984, where they lost in controversial circumstances to Anderlecht. In the summer of 1985, Forest accepted an offer of £450,000 from Aston Villa and Hodge – whose nickname was Harry – made his move from the East Midlands to the West Midlands.

Aston Villa

Hodge scored 12 goals in 53 league appearances for Aston Villa. He was sold to Tottenham in December 1986 for £650,000.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager David Pleat selected Hodge for a position on the wide left of a vibrant, attacking five-man midfield which also included England teammates Hoddle and Chris Waddle, Argentinian veteran Osvaldo Ardiles and hardworking ballwinner Paul Allen. Each were expected to contribute goals and assists behind one main centre forward, Clive Allen, and it worked. Hodge scored on his debut on Boxing Day 1986 in a 4–0 win against West…

Having gained a coaching licence Hodge worked with Roy McFarland at Chesterfield. He had brief roles at Notts County as development squad manager, and as caretaker manager of the first team.

Tottenham Hotspur

FA Cup runner-up: 1986–87 Nottingham Forest

Football League Cup: 1988–89, 1989–90 Full Members' Cup: 1988–89 FA Cup runner-up: 1990–91 Leeds United

Football League First Division: 1991–92 FA Charity Shield: 1992 England U21

UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 1984 Individual

Nottingham Forest Player of the Year: 1982–83 PFA Team of the Year: 1989–90 First Division