It is the first time Hoddle has lost a managerial job because of “football reasons”, and he admitted he was surprised the decision was taken so early in the season.

“I am shocked and disappointed to have parted company with Tottenham over the weekend only six matches into the new season,” Hoddle said.

“This is the first time in my managerial career it has happened to me for football reasons. I have been a dedicated professional and also a life-long Spurs fan, and no one could have tried harder to turn things round for the club.

“I have built a great squad that when fully fit can go on to do very well this season. I feel sure this turning point will happen very soon.”

Hoddle, who plans to take some time out to spend with his family, thanked supporters and staff of the club who stood by him – and promised this is not the end of his coaching career.

“I particularly want to thank the Spurs fans who have shown me great support and loyalty from the beginning right to the end,” added Hoddle.

“I really wanted to return Spurs to the glory days for the fans. However, I wish the players and the club every success for the future. I would also like to give my thanks to the backroom staff for all their support and in particular, John Gorman, who worked tirelessly alongside me and also finds himself in the same position.

“I am now going to take stock and put in some quality time with my family who have also stood by me during this difficult period.

“When the time is right I look forward to continuing my managerial career at the highest level.”

Director of football David Pleat has been installed as caretaker manager while Spurs search for Hoddle’s successor.

The favourites for the job are former Barcelona manager Raddy Antic, a close friend of Pleat, and Celtic boss Martin O’Neill.

Portsmouth chief Harry Redknapp is also in the frame – along with Blackburn’s Graeme Souness, Alan Curbishley of Charlton and Rangers’ Alex McLeish. One surprise candidate is another former fans’ favourite David Ginola.

The Frenchman – who spent three years as a player at White Hart Lane, helping the club to lift the Worthington Cup – said: “The club is in my heart. I am Tottenham and I believe I can be the perfect ambassador for them.

“I know the structure of the club and I know I could attract the best players. Some players don’t sign for a club because they don’t want to work for the manager – so if these players know me they know I will want to be successful and have a good time along the way.”

Hoddle’s departure was described as “like a death in the family” by the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, who were sad to see one of the club’s greats go.

Daniel Wynne, spokesman for the trust, said: “It is like a death in the family – one of our sons has failed.

“However, sometimes a death can put people out of their misery – and that is how it feels for us right now.

“It hurts to say it, but the board had to get rid of him. The inevitable has happened. The board backed him by giving him a lot of money to bring in the players he wanted, especially during the summer, and the fans backed him too - but nothing changed.”

Pleat, meanwhile, insisted Spurs must not dwell on Hoddle’s sacking but must instead focus on the immediate challenge of making progress in the Carling Cup.

“We will all focus our minds on the immediate future,” said Pleat, who will be in charge for league cup trip to Coventry on Wednesday.

“There is no future in the past – that is sad, but true. We’ve just got to try to stabilise things, because players will have all sorts of thoughts going through their heads.

“We’ve just got to be positive and get back on the winning trail, which breeds confidence. We’ll pull through it. Decisions have been made, and the club has got to go on and be strong.”