The BT Sport sound technician whose quick thinking saved the life of Glenn Hoddle insists he does not see himself as a hero.
Hoddle collapsed suddenly as he suffered a heart attack in a BT Sport studio after recording a TV programme on Saturday, sparking panic among his co-workers.
Simon Daniels, 47, was in the sound control room and immediately rushed to Hoddle’s side, where he made use of the first aid training he received on his way to becoming a special police constable in his spare time.
As well as performing CPR on the former England manager, Daniels used a defibrillator before paramedics arrived and rushed Hoddle to hospital, where his family have since confirmed that he is responding well to treatment.
“Our number-one priority is always preservation of life, and so my training just kicked in,” Daniels said in an interview with the Mirror.
“I don’t see myself as a hero, but I am very touched by all of the comments, both from Glenn’s family and the wider football and television community.
“My thoughts are with Glenn Hoddle and his family and I hope he continues his recovery. I look forward to seeing him make a full recovery.”
Celebrating his 61st birthday, Hoddle had just finished filming ‘Saturday Morning Savage’ with Robbie Savage when the heart attack occurred.
“Worst experience of my life today, thoughts and prayers with Glenn and his family, so proud of our BT Sport team today, all heroes especially Simon,” Savage tweeted.
A spokesman for the Hoddle family – who have thanked Daniels for his intervention – said: “Glenn remains in a serious condition in hospital after suffering a heart attack. He continues to respond well to treatment.
“The family are grateful to everyone in the football family and beyond that have sent kind messages of support, they are very much appreciated.
“In particular, Glenn and his family would like to publicly thank the BT Sport staff that treated him immediately on set following his collapse.
“Glenn is now in the care of the professional NHS medical services, who have also been exemplary in helping him and the family during the last 24 hours.”
