L Lowe
Matthew Le Tissier: simply the best role-model an eight-year old lad could have wished for. To be able to watch someone with your amount of loyalty, skill and personality was incredible. Thanks for all the memories of games, goals, signing sessions and primarily for making me a Saints fan for life.
Alex Cooper, Shirley
I have, and will always have, the greatest respect for Matthew Le Tissier as he has shown that football is not all about physical strength and big contracts, but that it is down to playing football for the fun and desire of it, and to stay loyal for what you believe in. I live in Denmark, but I have been a fan of Le Tissier and Saints for nearly 22 years—and I would not change this for anything.
Allan ‘Dysse’ Carlsen, Denmark
Matthew Le Tissier was simply a genius when he was on the football field. As someone who had the pleasure of watching his whole career, I can say he did things with a football that I had never seen any other player do. He was a one-off. Matthew’s loyalty to Southampton Football Club is something that you don’t see very often in the modern game. He is one of life’s Mr Nice Guys, and through the pleasure he gave to the city of Southampton he has become our city’s favourite son.
Steve Kill, Bognor Regis
I think the greatest tribute that can be paid to Matt is not from ourselves—we knew and saw his genius. The greatest tribute is paid by fans ofopposing teams. Mention that you support Saints and they start to wax lyrical about Le Tiss—club rivalry disappears as everyone appreciates a footballer of such immense talent.
Paul Bryant, Telford
It was a joy and a privilege to have seen Matt play. His loyalty to Saints puts him on a pedestal that a mere player could never hope to reach.
Ian Strong, Whiteley
Mr Southampton…Mr Red and White…Le God…scored some amazing goals down The Dell…kept us in the Premiership…says it all…pure legend!
Dean Austin, Andover
Pace and athleticism may have been missing from Matt’s long list of attributes, but skill, vision, talent and great first-touch more than made up. A genuinely great guy who became a football genius, Matt not only almost single-handedly kept the Saints in the top division for so many seasons but he always had time for the fans. It was as if he was a fan himself who loved the club as much as us! Matt played every game for Southampton with his heart and for the shirt…a rare quality.
Eamonn, Australia
Matt Le Tissier, the most skilful player I have ever seen. I count myself lucky to have witnessed him keep us in the top tier of English football single-handedly on numerous occasions—and make it look like a walk in the park. Reaching 25 goals in a season is an excellent achievement for any striker, but he wasn’t even a striker. Season in, season out, Tiss scored 25 goals from midfield in a team that, the majority of the time, was fighting for survival. What a player he was…football genius.
Mark Risbridger, Southampton
The one defining aspect which places Le Tissier into super status above all others is that in choosing his best 50 goals he did not include the following. In the last home league game of the 1993-94 season against Aston Villa, the ball was launched from the centre circle high up in the air by Francis Benali, it came over Matt’s right shoulder, he nonchalantly one-touch controlled with his left, feinted past the goalkeeper and tucked it into the net, totally fooling the entire defence, including the keeper, in an effortless series of deft movements and caresses of the ball. It was an incredible piece of skill. That is why Le Tiss is The Biz, because that goal would feature in most strikers’ top three goals; it didn’t even make Matt’s top 50.
Kevin Foster, Stubbington
Growing up in Southampton and having a player of your unrivalled talent and natural ability to support gave me a great sense of pride and passion, not only as a fan of Matthew Le Tissier, and Southampton Football Club, but as a fan of football in general. I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking of you as an absolute hero.
Joe Macey
During my 30 years as a Saints fan no one has given me more memories than Matt Le Tiss. I feel privileged to have watched him, thanks to moments of sheer genius and wonderful goals—especially against Man Utd and Newcastle. Who can forget the last competitive goal at The Dell, which brought tears to my eyes. One of my other favourites was scored in a last day relegation escape at West Ham, when an exquisite Le God free-kick answered the home fans’ taunts about his facial features. Since retirement his appearances in exhibition games have shown a younger generation that the greats never lose their skill, while off the pitch he has been a great ambassador for Southampton.
Andy Kershaw, Chandlers Ford
Having begun watching Saints in 1973, seeing the Cup win and the brilliance of the side in the early ‘80s, I was used to being entertained. I was a regular, home and away, but Le Tiss brought more than I had ever seen before. Perhaps it was because there were times when he alone made games worthwhile—you knew that he would do something each match that other players could not do. He was a shining light amongst good committed Saints players, and yes, at times, he was ‘unbelievable’.
Craig Foster, Ilford
I have been watching Saints for 20 seasons now and for probably only a quarter of those have we been anywhere near successful! But I kept coming because of one thing—Matty. The best player I have ever seen, and will ever see, without a doubt.
Mark Wood, Newbury
Whenever Matt was in our team, or even on the bench, I knew Saints had a chance. For his dedication to Saints, his passion to play the game his way, his enthusiasm for Southampton, his brilliant skills, goals and special ability on the ball, and, most of all, the entertainment he provided, Saints supporters will always remember him and forever be grateful. I will never forget watching the last game at The Dell, praying that Matt would get on one last time, and the feeling of the lump in my throat, tears welling up in my eyes and the heart-thump-ing excitement when Matt swivelled on his right foot and thumped the winner into the top corner with his left. Unbelievable!
Kevin Bound, Hedge End, Southampton
Matt would often drift in and out of games but had a major influence on the outcome due to his inspired goal-scoring and assists. I feel privileged to have had the chance to watch so many of his games. Matt was crucial to the retention of our Premiership status throughout the ‘90s and should be applauded for his loyalty to Southampton Football Club rather than moving elsewhere in search of the big money available to players of his ability. However, my best memories of Matt were his obvious enjoyment of the game. Matt, you were an awesome talent, and I am very grateful for your loyalty to my club, Southampton.
Andrew Moncrieff
What a genius! Forget all these rich players nowadays, you’re a legend. You could have played for anyone you wanted but stayed loyal to one club.
Mark Rice
Question 1: How did you feel after you scored a hat-trick and hit the post and bar for the England B team—and then did not get called up? It was an absolute travesty.
Question 2: Why didn’t you ever run more?
Jon Ellerbeck
Matt Le Tissier is by far the greatest player I ever had the pleasure of watching; his skill was outstanding and the goals he scored were beautiful.
Dan Woodnutt, Redbridge
When I was seven I remember asking my dad, a lifelong Saints fan, which football team I should support. ‘Well, son, it’s up to you but have you thought about Southampton?’ ‘Yes,’ I replied, ‘but all my friends support Liverpool or Everton.’ ‘Yes, son, but they don’t have Matt Le Tissier.’ That night I watched Matt on Match of the Day as he scored a hat-trick against Leicester in his league debut season. My mind was made up, Southampton was my team and Le Tissier was my idol. From that moment on I watched as he weaved, tricked, volleyed and smashed his way through many arguably better teams.
Dominic Strange, Liverpool
At ten years old, I came on for the last ten minutes of a charity game�
��Lee’s 11 against the Ex Saints 2006. Le Tiss switched sides and set me up to score our last goal. He assisted the likes of Shearer, Wallace, Pahars, Beattie and…me. I’ve got the photos and one day my children and grandchildren can relive my dream. Now I’m 13 I’ve seen Le Tiss’ passion for Saints on Sky and it’s in me too, so when Dad asks if we want to renew season tickets it’s blatant: we’re Saints through and through…because of heroes like you.
Michael Morrison
Genius, legend, stalwart, Le God. I’m not sure words adequately describe Matt’s place in Saints history. He was the best player in the world under Alan Ball and it was a crime he did not make the World Cup squad. ‘Unbelievable’ says the video, except it wasn’t; I was there to see it all. What a player, what a man. Thank you.
Steve Morrison
Matt Le Tissier was a superb player but also a very kind gentleman off the pitch as well. He always had—and still has—time for the fans to sign an autograph or have a chat—far more than many other top players.
Paul Chalk
To be blessed with such natural technical ability is one thing. Couple that with his wonderful vision and his acute eye for goal and you have simply the most gifted player of his generation—a producer of poetry in motion. To this day I am genuinely privileged to have witnessed the genius of a man aptly named ‘Le God’. Truly an idol, an artist and a gentleman.
Yiannaki Loizou
When anyone asks me who is the best player I have ever seen, my answer is (and probably will always be) ‘Matthew Le Tissier’!
Kelly Callaway, Southampton
Watching Matt Le Tissier play football was like watching Mohammad Ali box; they make the impossible look effortless and graceful. Genius like that doesn’t come round very often; as Saints fans we are just lucky that he chose us to play for. I am glad that I got the chance to watch him so often.
Phil Cook, Bucks
Back in 1987, watching Matty tear Leicester apart on a miserable day, my dad Roy turned to me and said, ‘He’ll win the World Cup for England one day son.’ Well, he got that wrong but he should have been right. Skill, vision, the goals…Matty had the lot, and I—and countless other Saints fans—feel privileged to say we saw him play. Thanks for the memories, Matty, and especially the last glorious goal at The Dell, where I’ve never seen so many grown men, including myself, with tears running down their faces.
Dave Hunt, Southampton
Matthew Le Tissier is the single biggest reason I spent my student grant to watch the Saints all over the country during the early—to mid-90s. A few glimpses of brilliance amidst the often bland fare were priceless. I spent hours championing his cause and challenging the opinions of others who maintained that his languid, unhurried style wouldn’t suit England. Sadly, the game is about opinions and the day that England’s World Cup squad for France 98 was announced was the day that a large part of me fell out of love with football.
Paul Dicker, Jersey
Some people measure sporting greatness by the trophies won or money earned by a player. But to be great is, in my opinion, much more than that. If we were to measure greatness by loyalty, integrity and sheer provision of enjoyment, not to mention the affection reserved for that player by the public, I am in no doubt that Matt Le Tissier would be regarded as the greatest footballer of all time.
Jack Mitchell, Reading
When my brother moved from South Wales to a flat down the road from The Dell, it wasn’t long before he invited me down to see the Saints. Some of the goals and skills I witnessed immediately turned me into a Saints fan. My journeys home only seemed to take five minutes thinking of what I’d just seen and I couldn’t wait for Monday morning to tell my work colleagues all about it. The man was a god with a football.
Nick Horton, Newport, South Wales
Le God is the most naturally talented sportsman I have ever seen and, unbelievably, he spent his whole career at my club. He was the player that money couldn’t buy.
Robert Instrall, Havant
A truly unique footballer and rightfully regarded as the most talented player of his generation. His ability with the ball at his feet was simply breathtaking.
Ian Gibson, Christchurch, Dorset
When there was speculation he was leaving Saints, a friend took a copy of Elvis Costello’s ‘I Don’t Want to go to Chelsea’ to a Matty appearance somewhere and asked him to sign it. He did, with a smile. I now have that record sleeve, and it sums up Matty for me: a player who actually had a sense of humour, who seemed to care as much as us about Saints and a player who, more than once, had me shouting out loud, ‘How the bloody hell did he do that?’
Tony Whatley, Southampton
Legend! What else can you say? He kept us up, season after season, and showed us loyalty that has not so far been matched by any other player.
Mark Pearce, Salisbury
I feel privileged to have witnessed first-hand some of Matt’s greatest moments over the years. Perhaps the biggest testament to his greatness is the way he is revered by so many opposing fans—even to some who know so little of the club at all, he is still a household name. For your loyalty, for those sublime moments of skill that made me gasp in awe and for those truly magical goals that I will not tire of watching, I thank you.
Barry Clements, Cowdenbeath
By far the greatest ever player I have seen wearing the red-and-white stripes, I feel so lucky to have been there to witness so many unbelievable moments, from his debut to his final game. We have surely missed him. So many great goals, so many great memories. Thanks Matt—You were simply ‘Le God’.
Paul Gilliam, Gran Canaria
Le Tiss—truly a man ahead of his time. Quite simply, English football was not ready for you, Matt.
Duncan Goodwin, Suffolk
Index
The pagination of this electronic edition does not match the edition from which it was created. To locate a specific passage, please use the search feature of your e-book reader.
Page numbers in italics refer to tributes to MLT
Adams, Micky 45, 46, 49, 80, 91, 138, 160, 238, 264-5, 286
Ball, Alan xii, xiv, 3, 69, 71, 93-5 (manages Saints), 96, 102, 104-8, 114, 121-3 (manages Man. City), 124, 129, 152, 166, 183, 198, 259, 267, 279-80, 285, 296, 299, 325
Bates, Ted 75, 152, 211, 319
Beattie, James 72, 163, 167, 168, 194, 270, 274, 325
Benali, Francis xiv, 21, 41, 64 (red carded), 86, 90, 91 (another red), 100, 133, 143 (and again), 148, 158-9 (scores, and a red), 164, 176, 194, 200, 206, 211, 214, 236, 261, 269, 285, 286, 307, 319, 321
booze 39, 40-1, 42, 44, 46, 49, 50, 53, 82, 104-5, 247
Branfoot, Ian xii, xv, 45, 47, 48, 49, 76-80 (manages Saints), 82, 84-5, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90-1, 93, 109, 262-4, 265, 286, 296, 317
Burley, George 215 (manages Saints), 218
Burridge, John 50-1, 286
Case, Jimmy 26, 29, 33, 34, 35, 40-1 (blind drunk), 42 (all-night session), 43, 57, 60, 75, 76, 148, 285, 286
Chelsea 4, 7, 48, 69, 70, 78, 84, 87 (Hoddle manages), 90, 101, 137, 173, 182, 231, 259, 260, 282, 283, 328
dressing room rows/on pitch aggro 26 (Chris Nicholl v Mark Dennis); 32 (Nicholl v Tim Flowers); 33 (Jimmy Case v anyone); 46 (Micky Adams v ‘Razor’ Ruddock); 49 (David Speedie v MLT, Speedie v Terry Hurlock); 56 (Paul Davis v Glenn Cockerill); 57 (Jimmy Case v Davis); 63 (Chris Nicholl v Paul Rideout); 64 (Francis Benali v John Fashanu); 91 (Benali v Ruel Fox); 92 (Tommy Widdrington); 143 (Graeme Souness v Graham Poll); 157 (MLT v Carlton Palmer); 159 (Benali v Nicky Barmby and Jamie Pollock); 161, 172 (David James v Matt Oakley); 174 (MLT v Robert Fleck); 185 (MLT v Glenn Hoddle); 201 (Tahar El Khalej v Kieron Dyer)
Dia, Ali, the hoax signing 140-1
Dowie, Iain 52, 98, 101, 105, 106, 261, 286, 288
England, see Tissier
Flowers, Tim viii, xii, 32, 58, 60, 76, 79, 80, 89, 98, 99, 108, 137, 148, 202, 266-7, 270, 285, 287, 301
Gascoigne, Paul 1, 4, 7, 202
Gray, Stuart 7
5, 79, 160, 193, 198 (manages Saints), 199, 208, 271-2
Grobbelaar, Bruce 61, 95, 96, 107, 109, 110, 111-4, 119, 138, 219, 288, 296
Hoddle, Glenn xii, 4, 5 (gets ratty with MLT’s brother), 6, 7, 8-9, 14, 27, 65, 68, 75, 87, 137, 173, 179 (manages Saints), 183-7, 185 (arrogance), 189, 190, 191-3, 202, 207, 209, 213, 316
Hughes, Mark 53, 80, 163, 164, 165, 175, 236, 286
Jones, Dave 75, 153, 154, 156, 157, 164, 165, 168, 180-2 (court case), 183, 192, 207, 208, 219, 270-1
Keegan, Kevin 14, 139, 202, 203, 267, 299
Lowe, Rupert xii, 29, 75, 142 (takes over Saints), 149, 151, 152, 153, 183, 192, 196, 198, 199, 206-7, 208, 209-10, 211, 213, 214, 215, 216 (ousted), 217, 219 (rejoins), 221-2, 223, 224, 225-6 (resigns), 235, 236
Lundekvam, Claus xiv, 137, 187, 196, 206, 210, 285
Manchester Utd 16, 35, 48, 60, 79, 80, 93 (beaten by Saints in Cup Final), 99, 100, 118, 126-7 (the ‘grey shirts’ game), 139 (thrashed 6-3 by Saints), 140, 162, 165, 171, 172, 173, 179, 180, 194, 210, 224, 232, 248, 264, 274, 289, 298
McMenemy, Lawrie xiv, 14, 16, 75, 91 (joins Saints), 93, 94, 107, 109, 111, 113, 128, 132, 145, 151, 152-3 (badly treated by Saints), 163, 215, 223, 253, 259-60, 279
Merrington, Dave 21-4, 45, 53, 71, 92, 109, 114, 123 (manages Saints), 124, 126, 130, 131, 136, 174, 193
Nicholl, Chris 2, 19, 26, 28, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 44, 58, 59, 60, 62, 63, 65, 73, 74, 76
Pearce, Stuart 31, 33, 79, 202, 328
Pearson, Nigel 218, 219, 220, 222
Pinnacle consortium 226-10
Taking le Tiss Page 29