Taking le Tiss

by Matt Le Tissier

  Simon Rea, Oxford

  MLT was, and for ever will be, a god of football and a true Saint. Matt is an inspiration for any true sportsman or for anyone who loves the beautiful game. His dedication, passion and loyalty will never be matched. Today’s footballers could learn a great deal from the undying loyalty and commitment that the legend demonstrated every time he put on his sacred number 7 shirt. His talent, charisma, pure goal-scoring ability and infectious love for the game were a joy to watch.

  Ellen Hunter, Farnham

  Remembering Le Tiss weave his magic at The Dell in my mind’s eye still to this day makes the hairs stand up! I remember shouting ‘give it to Le Tiss’ and then being crushed by the sea of fans as he creates the unbelievable and scores. 25 years on my only excitement comes once a month and it’s not at the Saints’ ground! God bless Le Tiss.

  Mark Hines

  On my 50th birthday my kids bought me a Saints shirt with ‘Le Dad’ and the number 50 on it…says it all. Different class, and the best player I have ever seen ‘live’.

  Pete Dowling

  It’s been an honour and privilege to have paid to watch arguably one of the top players to have graced this country and the Premier League, as well as Southampton Football Club. I used to love watching Matt Le Tissier play. He was lazy and for periods in a game would look disinterested but he could produce special skills out of nothing and his goals were phenomenal! I think it’s a tragedy that a player with the skill, vision and undoubted talent did not get the opportunity to grace the international stage he richly deserved. I know I will never see a player this good and special ever play for Southampton Football Club again.

  Gary Clark, Totton

  Our special memory comes from the final competitive game at The Dell on 19 May 2001. As the last minutes of the game approached, I turned to my son Andrew and said, ‘Do you think we still have one special moment left to come?’ Within seconds of saying this, you controlled the ball, swivelled and hit that superb left foot volley into the top corner of the Arsenal net to give us an amazing 3-2 win! It is a memory that will stay with both of us for ever and, in my 40 years as a Saints fan, is the best so far!

  Dave & Andrew Waterman Horndean

  A living legend, no club could have hoped for a greater player than Matt Le Tissier! My father, brother and I had the privilege to be part of the 15,000 faithful who, on 26 October 1996, bore witness to Southampton beating Manchester United 6-3. Matt’s contribution was outstanding and his goal that day was still one of the best the Premier League has ever seen. Even now as a pundit on Sky Sports, his passion for the club is as strong as it was when he was playing and for that he will forever be one of a handful of players who really lived up to their nickname. ‘Le God’!

  Lloyd Hiscox, Bristol

  Having someone like Matt in your football team, it didn’t matter to me where we finished in the league and that was just as well as it was usually at the wrong end. All that mattered to me was him running through defenders and scoring great goals.

  Gavin Dyer, Romsey

  When I was about ten I took part in the Saints Soccer Schools during school holidays. On one of the days we went to watch Saints train at Staplewood. Throughout it all Matt was nowhere to be seen. Until, that is, after the training when he stumbled over to us all in the stand wearing…slippers and I think a robe to do autographs! I didn’t think much of it at the time, but now I think, well that’s our Matt: brilliant with little effort.

  Mike Reed, Thornhill

  Le God gave me untold memories to cherish but the one that come most to mind is the match away at Upton Park in 1994. We were in our perennial battle for survival and it had come down to the wire: the last game of the season and a win would ensure safety. Although Le Tiss scored two goals that day, one other moment is etched in my memory when he weaved his way to the corner flag, tracked by a full-back. He looked up and saw that the rest of the team were struggling to get forward (some things don’t change!). This prompted him to ‘turn’ the poor full-back four times. By this time Neil Maddison had arrived in the box for Le Tiss to place the ball perfectly on his head for a simple finish. I remember committing to ‘have his babies’ at the time. As a bloke this would have been a considerable challenge so the next best thing was to name my son, born later that year, after him. Both Matthews are legends as far as I’m concerned!

  Nic Armitage

  As a youngster I enjoyed Keegan, Ball, Channon, Shilton, Armstrong and Wallace, amongst others. Then a lanky teenager took my football watching to another level. Maybe I’m biased, but in the eternal pub argument ‘who was the best player ever?’ I’ll always put Le Tiss in the frame with the Pelés and Bests of the world!

  Simon Bunch, Winchester

  It was a privilege to see him play. Matt was the spirit of Southampton and those of us who watched him week in, week out will never forget the thrill of seeing him score another wonder goal or showing another sublime piece of skill. We were so proud of him. We just loved him.

  Sean Smith, Winchester

  For me, Matthew Le Tissier was THE reason to be a Saints supporter. His charisma, skill and loyalty made me proud to wear the red and white shirt. Above all, his fantastic goals are something that I will remember many years from now.

  Charles Edmonds, Sherborne

  There are so many words that supporters could say about your play, loyalty and overall genius. All I want to say is thank you for the memories and it was an honour to watch you.

  Steve Pitchford, Telford

  One of my few regrets is that I didn’t see more of Le Tiss’s greatest moments in the flesh rather than on TV. He was the most exciting and naturally gifted player I have ever had the privilege to be entertained by. On occasions he kept Saints in the top division almost single-hand-edly. Saints will never be as lucky to have a player as good as him again.

  Martin Hall

  I am sure that one day when I tell my future grandchildren about watching the Saints when I was growing up, the name that will dominate is Le Tissier. Matt, you provided so much happiness and inspiration to a whole generation of Saints fans. You are a true legend. That last goal at The Dell will live with me forever!

  Richard Cooper, Boston, USA

  Matt Le Tissier is a true Southampton legend. His unrivalled skill, loyalty and personality mean we will probably never see anyone quite like him ever again. Matt’s ability to pick out a pass and make the seemingly impossible possible gave me and countless other Saints fans many hours of enjoyment.

  Richard Hayward, Coventry

  ‘Le God’…the name says it all. A god to every Saints fan for so many years and a very special player of a calibre that we will probably never see at Southampton again. I watched Matt from the time he pulled on the Red and White until the time he took it off, witnessing some very special moments along the way. I feel privileged to have seen such a footballing genius at work and I thank you for staying a Saint.

  Gary Ford, Hedge End

  You have given so much to Saints fans. Since you have left football, I feel something is missing in the game—the romance of the loyalty and unbelievable performances in a player whom money cannot buy. Thanks for having let me dream.

  Javier Igeño Cano, Spanish Saints

  We use the word legend far too easily but Matt has all the qualities to be rightly called a Saints legend. Matt stayed loyal and true, both these qualities are rare these days, and if you add them to his football ability, legend is clearly spelt out. Matt is a true Saint and it was a pleasure and an honour to see him stay and play for the Saints.

  Steve Phillips, Cornwall

  As a Saints fan I count myself as privileged to have had one of the most talented, enigmatic footballers to have ever graced the game playing for my team. I would always argue with my Man United supporting friends that you were as good as Cantona and anyone that saw you playing on top of your game knows the truth…that you were better!

  Dan Skinner, Sussex

  The funniest mem
ory was the last away game of the season at Derby (fancy dress as always) and I somehow got you, Flowers and Shearer to play a tune on a trumpet that I had taken. We lost 6-2.

  James Palmer, Bognor Regis

  You have quite possibly given me the greatest memory of all time, that magical goal against Arsenal on that final day at The Dell. I was a nipper at the time but you stamped my heart with the Saints crest for life when you hit that half-volley. The moment of seeing the man next to me cry made me realise how much this club means to many people…and now me! It’s a shame I was never old enough to remember all the other moments, but that one goal was more than enough.

  Paul Knappett, Lymington

  Watching a world-class player run out in the red and white of Saints is something that rarely happens. Over the last few seasons I have realised that you spoilt us all which makes the present quality of football that much more difficult to accept.

  Dave Widger, Isle of Wight

  They say that one man doesn’t make a team but at times Matt did—the times he got Saints out of trouble were many…and his loyalty was something you don’t see today…and why he never played more games for England I will never know. Also, how many players could make a whole DVD of their career goals? Not many.

  Mick Betts, Aldershot

  There was something about the way you casually sauntered around the pitch then pounced on and controlled a ball that took my breath away. Watching a Saints game suddenly became a compulsive experience where, more than at any other time of following the club, I would arrange my life so I could maximise my opportunities to bear witness to the awesome contribution you made to the game. Football is so much better when it is exquisite and leaves an imprint on the memory.

  Greta Farian, Surbiton

  Matt Le Tissier was magic. Every week I would watch Match of the Day just to watch him play—he is the pure reason for supporting Southampton.

  James Weaver

  The obvious goals spring to mind but one that sticks in my memory was the 3-3 draw away to West Ham, last game of the season in 1994. We looked to be heading in at half-time a goal down with no way back…until Matt stepped up with a trademark free-kick from the edge of the box. Suddenly there was hope amongst the fans and a Matt-inspired second half guided us to safety.

  Tom Smith, Bitterne Park

  Matthew Le Tissier was one of the most talented players to have played the game and it was a big waste that he only got eight caps for England. While he’ll admit he probably ate too many pies he could do things no other player was capable of. He made cold, wet, miserable afternoons down The Dell memorable and while many claimed he did nothing for 89 minutes, that one moment of genius would often win us the game.

  James George, Salisbury

  The best footballing memories I have all include Matt Le Tissier. From being a young lad at The Dell and seeing ‘Le God’ come over to take a corner, curl it in and then touching his shirt as he came near was magical feeling for any Saint fan. I will always be proud to say that I saw one of the Premiership greats display his touch of magic every time he touched the ball.

  Ben Davis-Kearney, Dunstable

  Matt is the only player I know who would make my mates move to the edge of their seats when he got the ball—and they didn’t support Saints! Off the field an absolute gent who always had a word to say to you and in my mind showed what ‘loving the club’ really means.

  Shawn Skellon, Weston-super-Mare

  This man’s skill is natural and can’t be taught. This man’s skill was productive and entertaining to boot. This man did all you thought you could ever see with a ball, and then showed you were wrong. This man scored goals from anywhere on the park, without a second thought. This man is Matt Le Tissier, a genius with the ball and now out in the public domain still showing others he knows a thing or two!

  Adrian Pascal-Murray

  Matthew Le Tissier is without doubt one of the most under-rated players in the history of football. At a club steeped in tradition he managed to make his mark with spectacular goals and top-quality performances. Matthew continued to win over us fans by offering something that most other players cannot—loyalty. He stuck by the club through thick and thin, and stood up to be counted in all the relegation battles.

  Nick Taylor, Swanage

  Le Tiss, Le God, Le Genius! My childhood hero, and you probably still are now. The one and only true Saint. The things you could do with a football were simply amazing. Countless times you have single-hand-edly saved Saints from relegation, and you did it in style. There will never be a player as good as you to ever put on a Saints shirt I am quite sure. My only wish is that you’d had a longer England career. What more could you have done to prove yourself? Simply unbelievable.

  Gavin Harris, Sholing, Southampton

  We should all feel very honoured and privileged that Matt spent his whole career with Southampton FC. He was a delight to watch, with world-class technical ability, an excellent footballing brain and loyalty too! He really was a gem of a player, an absolute one-off—audacious, nonchalant, enigmatic and a real crowd-pleaser. Matt, you will always be in the hearts of Southampton fans.

  Matt Williams, Southampton

  Matt’s ability with the ball never ceased to amaze me week in, week out—pure genius! During his playing career Matt’s hero status in our household remained unblemished, and for his loyalty, both to the fans and the club, that sentiment will remain forever more.

  Jon Missin, Northampton

  I will always remember Matt as a player who could turn a match with a moment of genius. In particular I recall the Zenith Data Systems final at Wembley in 1992.

  Saints were 2-0 down against Nottingham Forest and I recall looking at Matt standing on the halfway line with hands on hips, having made a limited contribution to the game. Feeling rather frustrated at his lack of effort and the team’s disappointing showing I shouted out words to the effect of, ‘For God’s sake get Le Tissier off—he is a lazy waste of space!’

  Then within the space of a few minutes Matt performed two pieces of skill which nobody expected and nobody else on the pitch could have done—Saints were level at 2-2 and the crowd were ecstatic. I was reminded by a fellow supporter that my moment of tactical genius in taking Matt off would not have been a good move and I kept quiet for the rest of the game.

  Colin Watts, Plymouth

  Your skill was unbelievable and you brought joy to Saints fans of all generations. My daughter has a signed, framed Saints shirt in her bedroom proudly bearing the legend ‘Le God’. That is how you will be remembered for years to come as people continue to pay homage to one of the finest players ever to wear the hallowed Saints shirt.

  Barry Gerrard, Bedford

  We feel very lucky that we were privileged to see Matt play. It was worth the admission cost just to see his skill as a footballer, and his goals were always spectacular. His talent and goals kept us in the top division season after season. How we could do with his skill now! He was first-rate both on and off the field.

  Terry and Jane Smart, Hyde

  With Le Tiss in the team you could be 3-0 down away from home but still not lose hope. There was always the chance that in the second half Matt would score from 30 yards, set-up the second and hit a free-kick or a penalty in the dying minutes to save the day. Again!

  Mike Blake

  I will always remember watching Unbelievable when I was growing up and being in total awe of what you could do with a football. I have many memories of watching you play and two for me stand out. The 3-0 defeat at home to Ipswich on 2 April 2001 (I know a strange game to pick), when you were warming up before the game, you were taking shots and one missed the goal and hit me on the side of the face, damaging my glasses. You came across and apologised and gave me your raincoat, which I am just about big enough to fit in! Then, of course, there was THAT goal at The Dell against Arsenal. I have never heard The Dell so loud!

  James, Southampton

  Our greatest memory is knowing
that when Matt had the ball anything could happen…and when we had a penalty it was a certain goal. We will never see anyone else like him in a Saints shirt. He epitomised everything that the club was at that time—exciting and entertaining.

  Roger and Sarah Mein

  Matt made me cry twice. When he scored the winner in the last league game at The Dell I hugged my wife and blubbed, ‘It’s a fairy-tale ending!’ And after his testimonial at St Mary’s I welled up watching his career highlights to the sound of ‘My Way’. His skill made me happy countless times and I had a real laugh once. After his hat-trick for England B against Russia. I followed him down the road at QPR as he badgered his Mum to let him have fish and chips. ‘But Mum, I scored a hat trick,’ pleaded Matt. ‘No Matthew, it’s not on your diet!’ came the reply.

  Mike Young, Basingstoke

  Everyone has their own special memories of your career in a red and white shirt. My own memory has to be Saints against Leicester City in December 1997. You took a free-kick and planted the ball straight on the forehead of Francis Benali for him to score his only top-flight goal. You had already scored the first goal but on this occasion you chose to provide the cross for the ‘other fans’ favourite’ to have his one moment of glory.