Former England boss Glenn Hoddle has resigned as manager of Championship side Wolves today.

Hoddle joined the Molineux outfit in December 2004 but, despite an impressive end to that season, failed to steer the club to promotion last term

Wolves finished eight points off the play-offs in seventh position and, after the parachute payments which followed relegation from the Premiership in 2004 ended, the club announced they would have to make stringent cutbacks.

Central defender Joleon Lescott has joined Everton, while several other first-team players have left the club or have yet to sign new deals, including veteran midfielder Paul Ince.

And Hoddle revealed the club's pre-season expectations had failed to match his own. In a statement released by his representatives Hoddle said: "I wish to announce my decision, with immediate effect, to resign as manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club.

"It has been a very difficult decision but I feel that my expectations and the club's expectations have drifted too far apart in recent weeks. This decision has been made early in pre-season for the benefit of the club.

"I would like to take the opportunity of thanking the board, players, staff and fans for their support and efforts and wish everyone connected with Wolverhampton Wanderers every success in the future."

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey, who towards the end of last season claimed in his programme notes that the campaign had been 'a complete disaster', asked Hoddle to reconsider.

He told the club's website www.wolves.co.uk: "I had an unexpected call from the manager Glenn Hoddle at about 3 o'clock this afternoon. He told me he was resigning with immediate affect.

"I asked him to reconsider but he said that his mind was made up. However, he did agree to meet with me on Monday.

"We will issue a further statement in due course."