Exclusive by Phil McNulty BBC Sport Online chief football writer

Former Spurs captain Gary Mabbutt has backed boss Glenn Hoddle to revive the White Hart Lane glory days - despite the humiliating FA Cup exit at Southampton.

Mabbutt is a key figure in Spurs' rich FA Cup history after lifting the trophy as captain against Nottingham Forest in 1991 and playing in a losing Wembley final against Coventry four years earlier.

He admits the whole of White Hart Lane will be hurting after the comprensive 4-0 thrashing at The St Mary's Stadium.

But Mabbutt insists Hoddle has put the foundations in place for long-term recovery, rejecting criticism that his transfer policy of buying experienced stars like Teddy Sheringham and Gus Poyet has back-fired.

He told BBC Sport Online: "You can be sure after the game there was huge disappointment.

"The FA Cup has been quite lucky for Tottenham over the years, both for supporters and players. It is a competition we always want to win.

"I am sure the team felt confident going into the the game, but afterwards it was not only the defeat, but the way they were beaten, that will have upset Glenn more.

Glenn is a very good coach and will be sure in his ability to turn things around Forrmer Spurs captain Gary Mabbutt on Hoddle

"I was very impressed by the performance from Southampton, but it was more down to the fact we let them play, we didn't shut them down enough and we didn't seem to have the passion for it."

Mabbutt added: "I am sure the players will feel Glenn's wrath on Monday morning and through the week, and I'm sure they will try and put things right in their next game.

"The most important thing now is to get their ambitions and aims set for the rest of the season, and I think the top-six place can be achieved.

"Glenn is a very good coach, and certainly he will be sure in his ability to turn things around.

"It is also important that Glenn is not under any pressure. Maybe other managers would be under a bit more pressure, but Glenn will be given the time he needs to turn things around."

Mabbutt lifts the FA Cup in 1991

Mabbutt was passionate in his defence of Hoddle's transfer dealings, believing he is right to combine youth and experience.

He said: "I think the players Glenn has bought are quality players. There are good youngsters at Spurs, but they need experience around them.

"I think Teddy Sheringham and Gus Poyet were good signings and I don't go along with the criticism at all. It is a knee-jerk reaction after a defeat.

"Teddy is the sort of character who can lift a team and Gus will always get goals from midfield. "There are young players. Robbie Keane is top quality, while there is Ledley King, Anthony Gardner, Simon Davies and Matthew Etherington.

"Things are a lot more optimistic at the club. There is light at the end of the tunnel despite Saturday's result and the aim must be to get into the top six then the top four.

"It may look a bit like a dream after Saturday, but if you look at the whole season, then I think finishing in the top six is a realistic possibility."