Graham Wilkin, Poole
In an age where so many players are lured to bigger clubs by money and trophies, the fact that Matt chose to stay at a struggling Premiership side when he could have played for any club in Europe should be recognised. He scored some truly memorable goals in his Southampton career but is often overlooked as the greatest Premier League player because he didn’t play for one of the bigger clubs.
Samuel Dolton, Southampton
Picture the scene: Saints 1-0 down just before half-time in the last game of the season. Relegation beckons yet again. I am sat in the main stand with West Ham supporters because all tickets have been sold for the away end. Saints get a free-kick, 25 yards out, slightly left of goal. Matt lines up to take the set piece, the wall is in place, but I know what’s coming! As he curves the ball, round the right of the wall, I can tell its going to nestle in the right of the net.
I am up on my feet turning round to the rest of the stand to celebrate!
Half a dozen shaven headed West Ham supporters tell me to sit down in the nicest possible way. I don’t care, Matt has saved us yet again.
UNBELIEVABLE!
Eddie Lawrence, Romsey
The only player I have ever seen who made me laugh. Not in a humorous or mocking way, but the unbelievable skill he possessed continually amazed me. I laughed at the fact that anyone could have the audacity to do what he did with a football. It was a joy to watch the confused and shocked faces of the opposing team and fans. A true entertainer with a god-given talent (and a good bloke too!).
Mark Shiner, Southampton
It is a huge credit to Le Tissier that he stayed with Saints his entire career, although looking back it’s a shame so many people outside Southampton failed to appreciate just how talented he was. Not only one of the greatest players I’ve ever seen but without doubt the most unique. No one since has made such sublime skill look quite so effortless. Whatever the future holds for Saints, we are forever grateful to Matt for the many great memories he has given us.
Adrian Reynolds, Eastleigh
The finest player of a generation, my first (and last) football hero is Matt Le Tissier. Watching him play for Saints was a real highlight of my life with the goals, tricks and total commitment to Southampton Football Club. The game against Newcastle at The Dell will forever be indented in my mind because of two Le Tissier wonder goals that mere mortals would never have attempted, let alone achieved. If Matt was Brazilian he would have one hundred caps; as he was English he was limited to a handful. Quite scandalous, really.
Darren Cocking, Cornwall
Quite simply the most gifted player ever to wear a Southampton shirt. Whenever I mention to anyone I meet that I’m a Southampton supporter, I’m asked about Matt Le Tissier. It was a privilege to watch you play, from your debut in the late 1980s to your premature retirement. Thanks so much for the memories which will stay forever.
Steve Hayden, Basingstoke
Matt, without your spectacular goals we would probably never have had a new stadium as you kept us up on so many occasions. I still get goose bumps whenever I see my personal favourite goal of yours—THAT free-kick against Wimbledon at The Dell on 26 February 1994. Love your reactions to goals on Soccer Saturday, Matt! You truly are Le God!
Ashley Dacre Bangor, North Wales
I saw Matt miss that famous penalty. I was gutted, shocked and at the time thought that nothing would be the same again. Then, not only did he redeem himself, but he did it with his left foot, with both feet off the ground and from outside the box. Faith restored, the world put back to rights and yet another classic Le Tissier goal. There will never be another like him—a loyal genius, unswayed by the financial gains he could have made elsewhere. A Southampton hero.
Jimmy Hayes
I often get frustrated by some of the rave reviews that current players get from pundits and fans. Be it a 30-yard free-kick, cross-field pass or volley—the plaudits are often exaggerated. For me, no other player in the history of the Premiership has achieved such excellence, or scored such fantastic goals on a consistent basis. Matt Le Tissier was truly an inspiration, a natural talent, a match-winner. His immense ability was matched only by his admirable loyalty to Southampton Football Club.
Michael Weston, Basingstoke
Never before and never again will I see a player on the same level as you were don the red and white stripes—whether it was plucking the ball out of the air effortlessly from a 30-yard cross-field pass or stretching the net with a thunderous dipping volley. The thing that I remember most though was the way you could send a player the wrong way with a mere sideways glance or a drop of the shoulders. It did not matter who the opposition were, you would carve a path in any direction with players dropping like flies around you. It is only as I am older and watching a struggling Saints team that I realise what a fine job you did almost single-handedly in keeping us up for at least four years. Thanks for the memories Matt, and although I am so glad you stayed with us it seems unfair that most of the rest of the world never got to see your undeniable talent.
Stuart O’Brien, Millbrook
Le Tissier will always be remembered by non Saints fans for his chips, flicks and an exquisite finish against Newcastle in ‘93. But true Saints will always remember the insane left foot wonder goal after coming in the dying minutes at the last league game at The Dell. Amazing. Pure class and a magician on the pitch. Le Tissier, Le God.
Dominic Macey Macleod, Farnborough
I watched Le Tissier from the moment he joined Saints and remember him and Rod Wallace forming one of the most formidable partnerships in the first division. You could always count on him getting us three points or salvaging a draw with a stunning goal or penalty. You were and continue to be an inspiration to many.
Damian Bryant
My greatest memory of Matt Le Tissier has to be the final league game at The Dell against Arsenal in May 2001. I remember it being a day of celebration, the Saints being clear of relegation and everyone in a party mood. Coming off the bench with five or so minutes to go, I honestly didn’t think that the great man himself would score, but looking back it was probably inevitable that such a legend would have the final word. I was sitting with my dad in the Milton Road End to the left of the goal, in the front row. When the ball left his left foot, I just knew where it was going—the back of the net. An incredible moment, an incredible goal, an incredible result and the perfect way to say goodbye to The Dell.
Daniel Cook, Salisbury
I was 10 years old when my neighbour Ken took me to my first Saints game at The Dell. I queued up with all the other kids to get the players’ autographs when they were warming up. Being a new fan I had little idea who any of the players were. When I retook my seat Ken told me I had got Matt Le Tissier’s autograph. He told me he was a ‘new lad and supposed to be a little bit special but a lazy sod too’. I’ll never forget those words. Thanks, Matt, for living up to your billing. You’re my sporting hero and a living legend.
Andy Weston-Green, Newbury
Matt is the greatest player I have ever seen and he is the reason the number seven is my favourite number! His goals kept us up and made the country take note.
I was lucky enough to be at his testimonial and as tears rolled down my face at the end I realised my generation will never ever see a greater, more loyal player than Matt.
Ryan Drouet, Bitterne Park, Southampton
I still take the credit for the final goal of one of the most outstanding hat-tricks I have witnessed. Trailing 1-0 to Norwich at half-time in 1989, Matt produced a second half even a ten-year-old lad in the Junior Saints section would never forget. Having already swivelled to turn in the perfect striker’s finish, Matt’s second of the night was a dream of an individual goal. Having beaten one man, he then left the ball behind him, teasing two defenders in to challenge unsuccessfully, before dragging the ball inch perfectly off the far post with the sort of nonchalance we came to love so much.
The final goa
l of the night was the most memorable for me. Late in the game Matt broke down the left wing. Soon he was very close to my East Stand, second-row position. I could see Bryan Gunn approaching and, in my shrill voice, yelled, ‘Chip him, Matt!’ Matt duly obliged, delivering the most delightfully placed chip, right in the corner of the net.
I’m well aware that my input was completely unnecessary. Matt’s awareness on the pitch, coupled with sublime skill to match, is something I’ve yet to witness since his retirement. Thank you, Matt, for the goals, the skills, the unbreakable loyalty and for being the reason I watch football.
Dr Oliver Atkinson, Manchester
For many years before you broke into the first-team my father use to continually talk about the greats he had watched in the red and white. After watching your whole playing career I now understand what he meant by GREAT. You gave both me and my father so much enjoyment over the years. I am still yet to see a more naturally gifted player and I thank you for that and the loyalty you have shown to our club.
Ian Hunt, Andover
Matt Le Tissier was my hero as a kid. Those who watched him play all share the same view. Le Tissier on his day was better than anyone. He could have played for any team in the world but he chose to stay with Saints. That, along with his incredible ability, is what made him so special. Thanks for the memories, Matt; it’s a shame you are not still playing today.
Joe Colyer, Sholing
I have three heroes…Morrissey, Mandela and Matt Le Tissier!
Tim Muckart
Matt, thank you so much for everything you have done for my beloved Southampton. From my first season ticket in 1995-96 and seeing you lob Schmeichel, to your final goal against Arsenal and running over to us in the family centre, no other footballer has given me as many great memories. You really are a true hero.
David Rowland, Sarisbury Green
Possibly the greatest player I have ever had the privilege to support. While player loyalty is rare these days, Matt has given the fans countless fond memories and is a proud ambassador for Southampton Football Club—an achievement that medals and trophies cannot reach.
James McAlister, Chandlers Ford
I live in Portsmouth so I get my fair bit of stick. However, all I have to do is mention one name—Matt Le Tissier—and I’m untouchable. Every goal, touch and pass was always bettered by the next, and no footballer has or will come near to the things Matt achieved in the hearts of the fans. One of the most approachable and friendliest men I have ever met, you made this club.
Taylor Monk, Hayling Island
I was one of many football kids who would shout ‘Le Tissier’ every time they shot. And your name is an ice-breaker whenever I am abroad or on holiday. As soon as I mention Southampton people reply, ‘Matt Le Tissier!’ Thank you, Matt, for everything. And for almost making me cry on my first date with my girlfriend at your testimonial when Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ came on.
David Fielder, Southampton
Quite simply, Le Tiss is the reason I am a Saints fan! A truly great footballer!
Peter Jacobs, Kent
I have three boys and sometimes we would go and see the team training. Graeme Souness was manager at the time and the first-team were playing a game of two-touch across the pitch. Every free-kick would involve a ‘penalty’ from the middle of the pitch to a five-a-side goal about 25 metres away. But you could only score if the ball hit the net before hitting the ground. Several players tried that day but only Matt managed it, with both feet! I remember Souness getting quite frustrated too.
Kevin Switzer
Every picture from my youth has me wearing a Saints shirt, home or away, with ‘7 Le Tissier’ across the back. Endless repeats of great Premier League goals on obscure television channels make me very proud to say I was there. As mascot in 1995, captain Matt was particularly kind, including handing me a Mars bar—incredible, he does-n’t look the kind of chap who would be easily parted! Matt is my hero, the most skilful of his generation and an inspiration.
Simon Law, Chester
I was given the opportunity to caddy for Matt at a Pro-Am competition at Dibden as one of my managers was Matt’s friend and golf pro Richard Bland’s brother-in-law. I had a great day talking non-stop for four hours around the course, and Matt was very honest. It made me chuckle when he said that, on the topic of Hoddle, you should never meet your hero. I didn’t agree with him and at the end of the day after shooting a 71 he signed my son’s Saints shirt and numerous other items. He was just a top bloke and I will remember that day for the rest of my life. It’s okay to meet your hero if your hero is Matthew Le Tissier!
Dave Johnson
Matt is my all-time hero and I was a wide-eyed eight-year-old low down in the East Stand when he struck his two incredible goals against Newcastle. In today’s greedy, money-driven game there will never be another Matthew Paul Le Tissier. A true legend of Southampton.
David Corlett, Bristol
I was there at your debut and I was there when we were all singing ‘My Way’ with tears in your and our eyes. Thank you for being such a loyal and fantastic servant to the club that we love. You were the best and it was my privilege to watch you over the years. Passion, skill and loyalty are rare commodities! Thank you.
Alasdair Duncan
What a player—what a man. I grew up watching the Le Tissier era and he is the sole reason I have such a passion for football and Southampton FC right now. It’s a travesty for English football that he wasn’t capped more than the measly eight times—had he been French or Italian he probably would have hit the 50 mark. Matt was a game-turner, a rare individual who could score out of absolutely nothing.
Matthew Le Tissier is a God and an inspiration—there is no footballer I will ever speak more highly of.
Alex Stimpson
Not only was Matt a great footballer but what made him adored by all Saints fans was that he was one of us. My favourite memory of Matt, save for the great goals, was sending a poster to The Dell in the hope he would sign it. I even included a SAE and pen in hope. I had done this for other players but got nothing back. I needn’t have worried: a week later the poster came back signed by the great man, who realised what these things mean to young fans.
Richard Corben
Ever since I can remember Matt Le Tissier has been, for me, the greatest player I have seen. I always get his name printed on my Saints shirts because I know he will never leave and will always be my favourite player. That last goal at The Dell…it gets me every time! Legend.
Ed Goodall, Isle of Wight
The happiest times for me as a Saints fan were watching him entertain and embarrass the other players week in, week out. I will never forget the Newcastle home game, 24 October 1993, when he scored two of the world’s greatest ever goals to keep Paul Moody on the bench and prove a point to Ian Branfoot.
Luke Prangle, Southampton
I played against Matt when my team toured Guernsey. I was in goal and he scored a hat-trick past me. We still beat them that day but a year later we invited them to Hampshire. We got completely stuffed but the highlight was taking the visitors to The Dell to watch Saints beat Spurs. Before the game the PA announcer welcomed the lads from Guernsey. If only they knew who they were saying hello to!
Wayne Palmer
My one abiding memory of Matt was my fourteenth birthday. It was 1994 and my late father took me to my first Saints game, saying to me, ‘You are going to see the best player you will ever see put on a Saints shirt.’ I have to admit that I hadn’t taken much interest in the game until that age but after less than a minute he cracked home a half-volley and I was hooked. The next day, and for several years, I wanted to be this man. He made football seem so…simple.
Terry Couzens
Matt is the reason why I’m so passionate about football, the Saints and club loyalty. The skill and talent drift into insignificance behind the grace and poise which matched his loyalty to Southampton Football Club. Thanks for the memories; you’ll
always be our Number 7!
Michael O’Dea, Adelaide, South Australia
This is the man that England were deprived of. He scored many marvellous and breathtaking goals over a career that he dedicated to Southampton Football Club. Pure genius!
Phil Knowles, Exeter
I was lucky to have a fortieth birthday surprise round of golf with the man that has always been a childhood and adult hero. I was pleased to find that my opinions and perceptions of the man were not shattered in real life because he remembers to make time for the people he knows are less fortunate. He is justifiably described as down-to-earth, a gentleman, joker, legend, hero, good pundit and forever in a Saints fan’s heart.
David Donworth
We will never see the likes of ‘Le God’ at Southampton in our days again. A one-club player, who was worth the entrance money alone, he was one of the best controllers of a football. He didn’t smash it in—he caressed it into the back of the net. Fabulous player and a model professional. He turned his back on the big-money clubs because he loved playing for Southampton. Matt is a very caring person, and does so much work for local charities. Alongside Ted Bates, Matt is Mr Southampton.
Geoff Smith
Matt Le Tissier, an all-round hero of mine—great skills, great goals and, to my surprise, a great goalkeeper. I remember watching the Benali testimonial when Dave Beasant came out of goal to be replaced by the Tiss-meister, who was fantastic and pulled off many saves. So, to many he will be remembered as a scorer of great goals, but to me he was a saver of great shots and a saviour of the team at the time.
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