By Phil McNulty Chief football writer

Former Spurs captain Gary Mabbutt believes Glenn Hoddle has started to silence the White Hart Lane critics with his summer transfer business.

Hoddle was heavily criticised last term

And Mabbutt is optimistic that Hoddle can bring European football back to Spurs if he can bring the best out of his new boys.

Hoddle ended last season under fire for poor results and his man-management style - but has responded by re-shaping his squad.

Mabbutt, a former colleague of Hoddle at Spurs, still believes he is the right man to restore success.

He has been impressed by signings Helder Postiga, Bobby Zamora and Freddie Kanoute.

And he believes the addition of a defender, and possibly a midfield man in the mould of Charlton Athletic's Scott Parker, will set solid foundations for the new season.

He told this website: "I think Glenn's done excellent business this summer.

Hopefully there will be some light at the end of a long, dark tunnel for the supporters Former Spurs captain Gary Mabbutt

"If anything was aimed at Glenn last season, it was the fact that some of the squad was ageing and that he needed to give a more youthful appearance to the squad. He has done that.

"In Helder Postiga, he has potentially one of the best young players in Europe. Talk to anybody and they speak very highly of him."

Hoddle took the plunge on Brighton goalscorer Bobby Zamora, despite the striker never playing in the Premiership - but Mabbutt is convinced Spurs have pulled off a coup.

He said: "Bobby is an absolute snip. If you look at the transfer market and his goalscoring record over the last few years I think that has been a great acquisition."

Freddie Kanoute completes the trio of strikers and Mabbutt is hopeful Hoddle's renowned coaching ability can bring the best out of the enigmatic Frenchman.

Mabbutt is in optimistic mood

Mabbutt admitted: "He is not a player who is the most consistent, but he has amazing ability. If Glenn can get the best out of him he's someone who can really bolster our squad."

Hoddle leads the bookies' betting in the annual "sack race" on the first Premiership manager to lose his squad - but Mabbutt has faith in the former England manager.

He said: "Glenn has had pressure exerted from the first time he pulled on a Spurs shirt, so I don't believe that's going to worry him.

"Glenn has been in the job two years but I think he's shown he is looking forward and looking to build a very youthful and strong squad.

"If you look at the squad, it definitely has the potential, and if the new players settle in quickly I see no reason why they shouldn't be pushing for a place in the top six.

"A place in Europe would bring in more revenue and attract even better players.

"If you look at Glenn's managerial record I believe he can bring the best out of the squad and I can see more optimism for the team this year."