THE sacking of England coach Glenn Hoddle has been met with approval by the parents of players of the Seagulls Specials.

The Brighton Specials, a junior football team, set up in the autumn of 1998, comprises children with Downs Syndrome, autism and severe learning disabilities.

Assistant coach, Ian Hickley-Smith, whose autistic 12-year-old son Ben plays for the team, said: "There are 60 Seagull Specials reasons why he had to go. That's how many members we have.

"He should have stuck to football tactics and not preaching.

"When I first heard what he said, I was adamant he should go and I see no reason to change my mind now."

Janet Poole, who has an eight-year-old son in the side, added: "It's quite right that Hoddle should go. He should keep his opinions to himself."

But Mrs Poole did see some good coming from the whole affair.

She said: "Many of the players in our club have invisible disabilities but they are very able.

"Nobody has been in agreement with what Hoddle said, and a town like Brighton is all geared towards inclusion for the disabled.

"So any publicity is good publicity, and I think his comments have raised awareness of disabilities.

"Even if, as he claimed, he was quoted out of context, in context most people would find what he said offensive.

"But he obviously has problems with his social skills and as I live with someone like that, maybe we should offer support and not condemn him."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.