Matt Le Tissier is undoubtedly one of the best players to have played for
Saints.
This page will be dedicated to who I regard as the most skilful player in
England.
Profile:
DOB:14 Oct 1968. Signed: 17/10/1986
Height 6ft 1.
Debut August 1986, sub vs Norwich City
Youngest player to score hat trick for Saints , Saints 4 vs Leicester City 0
1989-90 20 goals in 35 games
1990-91 27 goals
Scored goal a header in 1993 ZDS Cup final vs Forest (Forest 3 Saints 2)
England debut vs Denmark 1994. 8 England Caps.
Le Tissier has scored a total of 209 goals in 462 appearances for the Saints.
In his 462 appearances since making his debut on 14 October 1986, Le Tissier
has held Saints supporters in a trance of wonderment, his skill is unbelievable,
just watch the video `Unbelievable`.
Never ordinary, Le Tissier lived up to the literal meaning of his surname -
The Weaver - as he wove magical spells with the ball.
Nutmegs, drag-backs, mazy dribbles, spectacular volleys and dead-ball skills to die for were all part of his repertoire to be pulled from the magician's topper.
The Magician is his second title along with Le God
He stayed dedicated to one club saints and that explains why Le Tissier only won eight full international caps, when in any other country he would surely have won more. Some say he was not a team player cos he cant run around like a headless chicken, echoes of the likes of Alan Hudson, Tony Currie, and even Stan Matthews, his extravagant style was viewed as too laid-back, disguising a reluctance to work back and tackle.
Chelsea and Liverpool among others were all after his signature.
During many seasons le God almost single-handedly, he kept Southampton in the top flight with his goals. Goals that were nearly always spectacular, and nearly always won crucial games.
Le Tissier scored the last league goal at the Dell to secure the new status in the St mary's ground.
28/03/02. Its official Saints savior to retire at end of season.
Well it was on the books after so many injury come backs, but how we will
all miss le Tissier.
Southampton star Matthew Le Tissier (Le God) has announced that he will retire
from football at the end of the season. The midfielder magician will hang up his
boots after his testimonial against an England XI at St Mary's Stadium on
Tuesday, 14 May, which is certain to be a sell out.
Le Tiss has said, "It has been an increasing trend over the last three
years with one niggling injury after another and I could not face another season
like this one. I have not been able to get a run of games even at reserve level,
so that has left me unable to prove my form and fitness to earn a new contract.
Even if the club offered me one through sentimental reasons, I could not take
money under false pretences. If I thought I could play on at my best then that
would be different but my body is not so much giving me hints as screaming at
me. "And I would hate another season like this one where I spend my whole
time desperately trying to get fit and then breaking down as soon as I
play." Le Tissier has scored a total of 209 goals in 462 appearances for
the Saints and won eight caps for England and has scored some fuckin good goals
I sent a letter to the echo today as will many who respect the mans skills
and dedication to Saints.
He's by far the greatest player..and its all Matt Le Tiss all Matt Let
Tiss FC.
Its with sadness that I hear the news Matt le Tissier is to play his
final game this season after so many seasons of classy entertainment and a
commitment to Saints that is almost unique in the current climate of cash and
greed in football.
Matt is without doubt the best football player I have seen in Division 1/ Premier, not that I'm biased being a Saints fan but you have to consider that he has played most of his games in a Saints squad containing no big money players. Thus his skill and genius is more the remarkable as he and all saints players have to play just that bit harder to beat the so called big teams. Matt has displayed outrageous skill match after match, who else can deliver through passes, pin point crosses, and score spectacular free kicks like Matt? oh yes and there is the penalty record also, Beckham in my mind has still a long way to go to match the South Coast God of football.
I have no doubt either that if Matt had gone to the World cup finals even if just to take a penalty then the World Cup would have come home by now. Why wasn't his skill fully utilized that's easy because he chose to stay at an unfashionable club, well at least the new talent like Bridge have had the chance to play alongside the best footballer in England. We don't see commitment to a single club as players leave for cash or think its easier to flourish at a club full of expensive players but Matt has shown that there is more to money in football, there is playing for your club and trying to do your best to compete against the odds.
Matt has scored countless superb goals as he dominated the `goal of the of the season` completion at his prime and at one stage made the slot on MOTD his own personal video show so that fans could see he `scored some f***** good goals`, the double flick over two Newcastle players to then smash the ball home, the long range ballistic bullet to beat Flowers. Not to forget the last league goal to be scored at the Dell which fittingly will go down in history as the all time great at the Dell.
He also has time for the fans you can have a word with him in the street, get his autograph or photo taken without hassle, mind you Matt will find it hard to get out of St Mary's after his testimonial as we all pay homage to the `Saints Saviour`. lets hope Matt has a role to play at the club, penalty coach, linesman relations officer, free kick coach to name a few he can show the youth team a trick or two and who knows maybe a Le God II will emerge.
So its thanks Matt for all the great games, goals and thrills, and remember
`he scored some f****** good goals`.
SFC Biker (Warrior)
After watching the hero of Saints in the 1-0 win over Res Charlton he
looked the old Matt with some good passes and screamer free kicks, but then he
ran for the ball and pulled up, he did not look happy at all. With his
announcement that he is to set a dead line of getting fit and back in the squad
for April otherwise he ill hang up his boots. le Tiss also says he will not play
for another club.
05/02/02 Le Tiss Testimonial tickets.
The Saints God hosts a match against an England XI at the Friends Provident St
Mary's
Le God May retire if injuries continue and first team match selection is not
a regular feature says Saints all time hero. Matt wants to excite the crowd at
St Mary's in the top flight and realizes that the carpet slippers may come out!
Le Tissier, 33, has been plagued by a series of niggling injuries over the last
three years after a glittering career of more than 14 years at the south coast.
He told the club's official website: "I don't know what the future holds at
the moment but if I do not play here then I will not play anywhere else. Good on
ya Tiss the man is a legend at the club and should have the no 7 shirt for life.
Stadium on Tuesday May 14 (kick-off 8pm) - and already there is massive
interest. This will be a must see game for all Saints fans. The official site
says the following may play in the game:
Already confirmed subject to fitness and club commitments are former
Southampton favourites Alan Shearer, Tim Flowers, John Beresford, Barry Venison,
Mark Wright and Russell Osman.They will be joined by a host of top names
including Ian Wright, Chris Waddle, Tony Adams, John Barnes, Stuart Pearce,
Jamie Redknapp, Peter Beardsley, Lee Dixon, Rob Lee, David Batty and Graeme Le
Saux.
Season ticket holders will be able to claim their existing seat on Monday March
11 with members getting their chance to buy on March 22. Any remaining will go
on general sale on April 15.
Prices will be £20 for adults £20, £15 for senior citizens and £10 for those aged under 16. They will be on sale on-line after season ticket holders have had their chance to buy.