MLT on Radio 5Live

[Willo]

To compare MLT to marmite is implying that there is a fair split between people who love him and hate him. Do you think as many people love him as hate him? This thread (which is open to Saints fans who choose to post something) would indicate that the opinion is no-where near as divided as you imply. More widely, I have met very few fans of other teams who would not have loved to have him in their side when he was in his prime (and I include fans of "the big four").

 

Being in a tiny minority (as you are) does not automatically make you wrong, but it's a very good indicator

[hypochondriac]

To compare MLT to marmite is implying that there is a fair split between people who love him and hate him. Do you think as many people love him as hate him? This thread (which is open to Saints fans who choose to post something) would indicate that the opinion is no-where near as divided as you imply. More widely, I have met very few fans of other teams who would not have loved to have him in their side when he was in his prime (and I include fans of "the big four").

 

Being in a tiny minority (as you are) does not automatically make you wrong, but it's a very good indicator

 

I would say it's a minority of one.

[northam soul]

Mr ne ne ne 19 your views are quite flawed, the only thing i will agree with is that Matt did not put in as much hard work on the pitch as others.

Now most people claim that you should get paid at a rate that is relevant to your contribution to your job well as far as i am concerned he contributed more than enough for the low wage comparible to others that he was paid at saints.

Now just maybe thats what allowed him to do the things he did with a football as i certainly havnt see many players with as much technical ability as him.

If he worked hard and was still able to do all the other things he did then he would of probably been the best player in the world ever but alas he was not and played his whole career for saints for which i am eternally grateful.

There can be no doubt he should of received more caps for England and as has been pointed out he scored a hatrick in the B game to decide final places so what more could he have done.

I remember the Italy game at Wembly when Le Tiss was made the scapegoat for Englands performance but after the dust had settled and it was analysed by the so called experts it was a fairly unanimous conclusion that he was actually our best player on the night.

Hoddle had a lot to answer for not taking Matt to the world cup and the response from many non saints fans was pure amazement.

Definitely the most gifted player we have ever had

Definitely contributed to the outcome of more saints games than any other player we have had.

Definitely scored the best goals of any player we have ever had.

Definitely admired by more opposing fans than any other player we have ever had.

Definitely as loyal a player as we have ever had.

 

AND JUST FOR YOU 19C

 

Definitely not one of the fittest players we ever had

So i say to all take your pick of the above.

[View From The Top]

All of this will set 19c's treatment back weeks.

 

They had him down from 6 to 2 personalities before all of this.

[hypochondriac]

Nice to see everyone condemming 19c's views.

[SnailOB]

What a hero, only Saints could have a self confessed under achiever as their legend. The more he talked the more I felt cheated that he had a lot more to give and the big sigh prior to the Pinnacle question being finished spoke volumes and he was lucky Mayo wasn't interested in pursuing it as any of us could have answered that question the way MLT did IMO. Good to know though he is still great friends with Lynam which IMO I found surprising.

 

MLT admitted he never put the two words hard and work together. A trait that I guess he carried over into his bid to be chairman IMO. He then went on and said that he didn't like the thought of the 24/7 culture which begs the question why the endorse the bid in the first place? Judging by his comments we had a very lucky escape because if he had become chairman he has admitted they were only focussing on ex-saints for 'box office appeal' lol. I like Iain Dowie but really box office appeal and Keegan would have lasted half a season before the hissy fits started and Shearer is a law unto himself and no one rates himself more highly than Shearer himself - bit like a few glass housed posters on this forum. As for WGS....another Scotland manager in waiting and a manager who needs money and lots of it just to beat Rangers IMO.

 

 

I thought MLT's assessment of his England career spoke volumes about why he didn't make it. He mentioned that under Ball the team were told to give him the ball at every opportunity and he was scoring 30 goals a season or thereabouts but at International level that wasn't the case, he didn't get the ball so much - doh! He countered if he had gone to a bigger club for international owners and only scored 15 goals why couldn't an England manager pick him at a smaller club scoring 30 goals. He isn't the sharpest is he? Playing at a bigger club as at international level he would see less of the ball but his game and fitness would have improved and his goals been harder earned. Sad contradiction and showed how unambitious he was even playing for us and clearly wasn't willing to up his effort with us or listen to his coaches. Perhaps England managers felt that with his role as the hub of the team he should be scoring even more or working a little harder .

 

At the end of both interviews I felt that Matt Le Tissier had short changed us fans and more importantly himself and perhaps that's where the title of the book comes into it. Perhaps his epitaph should be 'Paul Telfer a decent player' but I ca't help thinking of the old Ian Drury song 'What a Waste' and left thinking how great he could have been as a player and the relief we must feel he is not chairman given his comments today.

 

As someone who reads the forum a lot put contributes nothing to debate, may i just say what a disgraceful summary of MLT.

 

Forget the pinnacle saga, just concentrate on the player - i count myself VERY lucky that i had the opportunity to watch such a great talent as MLT on a week to week basis and feel saddened that my 8 yr old boy only has you tube and his old mans dusty videos and musings to see how good MLT was.

 

I have read many 19C ramblings and generally take them with a pinch of salt. Some i find amusing, 'some' i find reasoned BUT would say that IF you have ANY credibility left as a poster on this site, your continual attacks on what was in effect a footballing genius will soon see this diminished.

 

I just cannot understand why you feel such negativity when referring to MLT when, i'm sure, for virtually everyone else he brought nothing but sheer joy.

 

19C, without knowing any of the politics of this site and your background etc.., with your views on MLT i really do feel sorry for you that you obviously could not share in the same joy.

[um pahars]

All of this will set 19c's treatment back weeks.

 

I actually think the loon will find all the attention very theraputic. But of course he's no troll.

 

Loon, yes.

 

Troll, no LOL.

 

They had him down from 6 to 2 personalities before all of this.

 

Are you sure, he's been telling us he doesn'r have multiple identities (even though Ponty has pointed out that this latest reincarnation of his came about after he was banned as Sundance Beast):D

[um pahars]

I just cannot understand why you feel such negativity when referring to MLT when, i'm sure, for virtually everyone else he brought nothing but sheer joy.

 

Indeed and the recent radio rounds, interviews and tributes from non-Saints supporters show just how appreciative the general footballing public are/were of Matty's skills and general demeanour.

 

I remember growing up and admiring Tony Currie and even Stan Bowles from afar, but I think Matty had an even bigger and wider audience than those two players during his prime.

[dune]

As someone who reads the forum a lot put contributes nothing to debate, may i just say what a disgraceful summary of MLT.

 

Forget the pinnacle saga, just concentrate on the player - i count myself VERY lucky that i had the opportunity to watch such a great talent as MLT on a week to week basis and feel saddened that my 8 yr old boy only has you tube and his old mans dusty videos and musings to see how good MLT was.

 

I have read many 19C ramblings and generally take them with a pinch of salt. Some i find amusing, 'some' i find reasoned BUT would say that IF you have ANY credibility left as a poster on this site, your continual attacks on what was in effect a footballing genius will soon see this diminished.

 

I just cannot understand why you feel such negativity when referring to MLT when, i'm sure, for virtually everyone else he brought nothing but sheer joy.

 

19C, without knowing any of the politics of this site and your background etc.., with your views on MLT i really do feel sorry for you that you obviously could not share in the same joy.

 

Just ignore the idiot. He only posts to try to get the attention he clearly lacks in real life.

 

Pity him because he's a very lonely and unstable individual.

[Joesaint]

MLT is Le God in my eyes, a real hero.

[Nineteen Canteen]

Yes, I saw your apology for doing that yourself.

 

At least i apologised Wes and beginning to wish I hadn't bothered. I won't be so naive next time.

[Wes Tender]

At least i apologised Wes and beginning to wish I hadn't bothered. I won't be so naive next time.

 

I have not made any of the same sort of insults towards you since and will not do so. However, I reserve the right to reply to anything you write as opinion if I disagree with it.

 

Asking others whether they are acquainted well enough with your opinions on MLT, Crouch, Lawrie Mac and whether they need to hear more of the same from you is acceptable banter, isn't it? Several others have commented that you are becoming like a stuck record on those topics and some have gone further than that. I have not. I have always said that when somebody has to resort to petty insults, they have in all probability lost the argument. I generally keep things civil whenever I can for that very reason.

[Nineteen Canteen]

Mr ne ne ne 19 your views are quite flawed, the only thing i will agree with is that Matt did not put in as much hard work on the pitch as others.

Now most people claim that you should get paid at a rate that is relevant to your contribution to your job well as far as i am concerned he contributed more than enough for the low wage comparible to others that he was paid at saints.

Now just maybe thats what allowed him to do the things he did with a football as i certainly havnt see many players with as much technical ability as him.

If he worked hard and was still able to do all the other things he did then he would of probably been the best player in the world ever but alas he was not and played his whole career for saints for which i am eternally grateful.

There can be no doubt he should of received more caps for England and as has been pointed out he scored a hatrick in the B game to decide final places so what more could he have done.

I remember the Italy game at Wembly when Le Tiss was made the scapegoat for Englands performance but after the dust had settled and it was analysed by the so called experts it was a fairly unanimous conclusion that he was actually our best player on the night.

Hoddle had a lot to answer for not taking Matt to the world cup and the response from many non saints fans was pure amazement.

Definitely the most gifted player we have ever had

Definitely contributed to the outcome of more saints games than any other player we have had.

Definitely scored the best goals of any player we have ever had.

Definitely admired by more opposing fans than any other player we have ever had.

Definitely as loyal a player as we have ever had.

 

AND JUST FOR YOU 19C

 

Definitely not one of the fittest players we ever had

So i say to all take your pick of the above.

 

Northam firstly thanks for replying minus the personal attacks.

 

So we agree MLT was not the fittest player we ever had which for me is a major issue in accepting him so easily as the hero others have. You talk about pay being commensurate with contribution which should be true but even in the real world often isn't. Also to be a football player their are some basic rules you need to have in your locker along with boots and shin pads and that is a high level of fitness. Had MLT been fitter he would have played much longer and not largely ignored coaching advice as he admitted on the radio. In hindsight because of his short career as a result of his own shortcomings I feel short changed.

 

My views have been sullied by his involvement with Pinnacle and his book and take issue with the title as it could be viewed two ways but unfortunately listening to him I don't view it as a swipe at the opposition more the football hierachy, and club management (at times) and unintentionally the fans. He gave us a lot but not everything he could have.

 

I mostly agree with your 'definitely' list especially, loyalty, greatest goals and most gifted.

 

With regard to his contribution to the most successful outcomes I don't suppose that would be difficult if your manager tells the rest of the team to give the ball to you and I'm sure if we went through the archives we could find other equally influential match winners in what is a somewhat subjective argument.

 

The most admired player by others? Again subjective but during and since his playing career then I would agree but with ex players such as Ball, Keegan and Channon and then going back before that (on which I can't comment on account of not being alive) then I am sure we have equally admired players from different eras. My Uncle always talks about Charlie Wayman in revered tones but how do you compare his era with MLT's?

 

Association of Football Statisticians listed their top 100 players a few years back and MLT did not figure and the only ex-Saints who did was Keegan. These lists though are subjective but in this case they based it on playing honours which I suppose is the most fair way even if Gary Neville get's in because of it.

 

I have never disputed MLT's contribution only the fact that based on his comments it could have been more and more importantly for longer. As a playing hero for me? Mike Channon is a fine example of what talent and hard work can do for an individual and I admire his career and life far more than I ever will admire MLT's despite his wonder goals which no doubt would figure in a top 100 but those moments of bliss are offset by an overwhelming sense of underachievement and he could and should have been in that top 100 by the AFS.

[Tamesaint]

I have not made any of the same sort of insults towards you since and will not do so. However, I reserve the right to reply to anything you write as opinion if I disagree with it.

 

Asking others whether they are acquainted well enough with your opinions on MLT, Crouch, Lawrie Mac and whether they need to hear more of the same from you is acceptable banter, isn't it? Several others have commented that you are becoming like a stuck record on those topics and some have gone further than that. I have not. I have always said that when somebody has to resort to petty insults, they have in all probability lost the argument. I generally keep things civil whenever I can for that very reason.

 

What do MLT, Lawrie Mac and Leon Crouch all have in common??? They have all been targets for our mate Numpty Canteen. What amazes me is how he has missed the obvious target for his bile - Ted Bates.

 

I mean staying at the club all those years - tsk he had no ambition. Getting us into the First division - tsk if he was any good he would have been England manager. Getting us into Europe - tsk he never got us into the European cup. No trophies won - tsk even Lawrie Mac could win the FA Cup so it must have been easy in those days. He was given an MBE - tsk at least it wasn't a knighthood.

 

I am amazed that Numpty hasn't started on him yet. Ted is wide open for a Numpty character assassination.... and just think. If Numpty really wanted more attention he could always chain himself to the Ted Bates statue!!

 

I hope he gets better soon!!

[Thedelldays]

good point tamesaint

 

Nineteen

 

what is your views on Ted Bates..?

[eurosaint]

I really would like to meet you 19C, just to assess whether you are a total wanchor in real life or just on this website ????

[Nineteen Canteen]

What do MLT, Lawrie Mac and Leon Crouch all have in common??? They have all been targets for our mate Numpty Canteen. What amazes me is how he has missed the obvious target for his bile - Ted Bates.

 

I mean staying at the club all those years - tsk he had no ambition. Getting us into the First division - tsk if he was any good he would have been England manager. Getting us into Europe - tsk he never got us into the European cup. No trophies won - tsk even Lawrie Mac could win the FA Cup so it must have been easy in those days. He was given an MBE - tsk at least it wasn't a knighthood.

 

I am amazed that Numpty hasn't started on him yet. Ted is wide open for a Numpty character assassination.... and just think. If Numpty really wanted more attention he could always chain himself to the Ted Bates statue!!

 

I hope he gets better soon!!

 

I have on numerous occassions recognised the role of Ted Bates at this club as the man is without equal. What is sad is that they ruined the statue in his memory that Crouch was allowed IMO to extract a little PR capital out of funding its replacement.

 

Once again though Tame you don't allow facts to get in the way of your fiction.

 

I'm doing ok btw and thanks for your concern but remember it wasn't me going around accusing strangers of being Lord Marland.

[Thedelldays]

I have on numerous occassions recognised the role of Ted Bates at this club as the man is without equal. What is sad is that they ruined the statue in his memory that Crouch was allowed IMO to extract a little PR capital out of funding its replacement.

 

Once again though Tame you don't allow facts to get in the way of your fiction.

 

I'm doing ok btw and thanks for your concern but remember it wasn't me going around accusing strangers of being Lord Marland.

 

 

so, you dont think he was unambitious for staying with us all them years....?

[View From The Top]

Don't upset him, he's unstable, he may unlesh THE SPECULATOR upon you.

[Nineteen Canteen]

so, you dont think he was unambitious for staying with us all them years....?

 

See post 96, it was obviously a different era but Ted Bates gave his life to a club and a man who always put the two words hard and work together and clearly after his playing days MLT didn't pick up on that did he? I got the impression he thought he could swan into the Chairman's office off the back of someone else doing the hard work. Still, excellent news he is still good friends with Lynam as if we need a kick in the teeth.

 

I don't respect somebody just because they have a god given talent I respect people for their contribution, drive and personality and how they choose to use that talent long after the opportunity has passed to rely on it.

[Nineteen Canteen]

Don't upset him, he's unstable, he may unlesh THE SPECULATOR upon you.

 

You seem intent on wasting your 3 posts a day on stalking me. Flattered I'm sure and was begiining to think you may be connected to Crouch, Corbett, McMenemy or Mike Osman. If you are and looking at your deluded username you may need more help than me.

[Nineteen Canteen]

so, you dont think he was unambitious for staying with us all them years....?

 

Was Ted Bates the greatest footballer ever to grace the club? Ted was ambitious and achieved as a player, manager, chairman and president. MLT had more talent in his little toe than Ted Bates and wasted his potential to be a footballing great through arrogance IMO and very little hard work and that was another reason he didn't want to move into coaching because he didn't like being coached FFS! It's amazing how ego can at times get in the way of ambition and thankfully Ted Bates was devoid of ego.

[Nineteen Canteen]

I really would like to meet you 19C, just to assess whether you are a total wanchor in real life or just on this website ????

 

My views would stilll be the same but only those who know me can judge if I am a 'wanchor'. I'm liable as all of us to do the odd stupid thing now and then and people may call me that in jest if I don't get there before them but I would be surprised if it was said as you imply.

[Tamesaint]

Was Ted Bates the greatest footballer ever to grace the club? Ted was ambitious and achieved as a player, manager, chairman and president. MLT had more talent in his little toe than Ted Bates and wasted his potential to be a footballing great through arrogance IMO and very little hard work and that was another reason he didn't want to move into coaching because he didn't like being coached FFS! It's amazing how ego can at times get in the way of ambition and thankfully Ted Bates was devoid of ego.

 

 

But he stayed at the same club for such a long time that surely by your reckoning Ted was a failure. After all lack of ambition was a crime for MLT in your eyes.

[scally]

You seem intent on wasting your 3 posts a day on stalking me. Flattered I'm sure and was begiining to think you may be connected to Crouch, Corbett, McMenemy or Mike Osman. If you are and looking at your deluded username you may need more help than me.

 

You have four names there and if I include Tiss five, what have they all got in common?

I'll tell you what they are all people who have had a pop at Lowe over the years, thats what all your rants are about, they have nothing to do with logic or a thought process. All you do is attack people who have said anything derogatory about Lowe, it's quite simple really, anybody who attacks your hero is open to attack by you. It explains exactly why you go against the grain so much, it's not that thats your opinion its that to suit your needs to attack people who attack Lowe you just resort to saying what ever it takes to do so, even if it is not what you actually believe. You've been found out 19C!

[Tamesaint]

I'm doing ok btw and thanks for your concern but remember it wasn't me going around accusing strangers of being Lord Marland.

 

It wasn't you that I thought was Rupert's bum chum. It was Sundance Beast :-) :-)

[miserableoldgit]

Was Ted Bates the greatest footballer ever to grace the club? Ted was ambitious and achieved as a player, manager, chairman and president. MLT had more talent in his little toe than Ted Bates and wasted his potential to be a footballing great through arrogance IMO and very little hard work and that was another reason he didn't want to move into coaching because he didn't like being coached FFS! It's amazing how ego can at times get in the way of ambition and thankfully Ted Bates was devoid of ego.

So MLT is an egoist as well now is he?? It is going to be interesting how much further you will go with your character assassination of him.

Edited 27 August, 2009 by miserableoldgit

[miserableoldgit]

I have on numerous occassions recognised the role of Ted Bates at this club as the man is without equal. What is sad is that they ruined the statue in his memory that Crouch was allowed IMO to extract a little PR capital out of funding its replacement.

 

Once again though Tame you don't allow facts to get in the way of your fiction.

 

I'm doing ok btw and thanks for your concern but remember it wasn't me going around accusing strangers of being Lord Marland.

How many FACTS are your witch-hunts against Crouch, McMenemy, MLT etc based on? I have seen a lot of (negative) conjecture and supposition and "opinions" in your rants against these people but but very few verifiable facts. Pot/Kettle I would suggest.

[Tamesaint]

So MLT is an egoist as well now is he?? It is going to be ineresting how much further you will go with your character assassination of him.

 

In the strange world that Numpty inhabits, MLT is an egoist. But Lowe isn't.

[colehillsaint]

Was Ted Bates the greatest footballer ever to grace the club? Ted was ambitious and achieved as a player, manager, chairman and president. MLT had more talent in his little toe than Ted Bates and wasted his potential to be a footballing great through arrogance IMO and very little hard work and that was another reason he didn't want to move into coaching because he didn't like being coached FFS! It's amazing how ego can at times get in the way of ambition and thankfully Ted Bates was devoid of ego.

 

I have met MLT once when he signed autographs with alot of good grace, but I don't know him at all and can't really say I know what he is like as a bloke, or what has ever motivated him. I beleive the only thing most can judge him on is how they felt about him, football and more importantly the club, when they watched him play. Without shame I admit I have put a few thousand more in the SFC coffers than I ever would of if it hadn't of been for MLT drawing me into a passion for the club. Perhaps I am alone in this, but if not this is the ultimate magnatude of what he acheived.

[eurosaint]

My views would stilll be the same but only those who know me can judge if I am a 'wanchor'. I'm liable as all of us to do the odd stupid thing now and then and people may call me that in jest if I don't get there before them but I would be surprised if it was said as you imply.

 

I don't have a problem with differing views and indeed, love a healthy debate as you clearly do also ! I acknowledge the fact that the written word eliminates body language which can often lead to solidly entrenched opinion when, in reality, there is common ground after all !

I have met a number of posters from forum and, without exception, they have been good, reasonable people. I don't like to see you being slaughtered on this thread (although I fully understand why!) and for this reason I would be more than happy to meet you. Please be assured that I am of a gentle disposition and pose no threat to man nor beast !

Just let me know by PM !

[Redondo Saint]

Lots of abuse but not one attempt to argue my opinions just sad attempts by the insular cliques to try and bully a fan from their little 'do you want to me in my gang' thread, which for some is a kind of appropriate title.

 

Just about every non-Saints fan I have spoken to would tell you MLT scored some great goals but was a little rotund and lazy at times. Is it beyond your parochial comprehension that fellow Saints fans can appreciate that criticism is actually quite just?

 

All those lies and abuse for posting a view and as yet I have not hit the red triangle even though your collective diagnosis are all wrong and damaging to me personally. No doubt a few windbags and upstanding individuals will not follow my example and continue their vendetta to get this nasty little man removed from 'their' site so they can carry on massaging eachother's collective ego's unsullied by an alternative opinion.

 

 

why don't you go on the Man U site and tell them that Keane was rubbish as he got booked and sent off too many times. You could also add that he was a really bad example to younger players and that they should all feel cheated.

 

For a few weeks I was actually starting to think you may have reduced your medication and made a little sense. Now we are back to square one again.

[Nineteen Canteen]

why don't you go on the Man U site and tell them that Keane was rubbish as he got booked and sent off too many times. You could also add that he was a really bad example to younger players and that they should all feel cheated.

 

For a few weeks I was actually starting to think you may have reduced your medication and made a little sense. Now we are back to square one again.

 

What medication would that be and do you even know what medical issues I have as oppose to what has been assumed by the majority on here? Or is this just another unsolicited insinuation about my private life to avoid acknowledging the points I have made.

 

Clearly most posters on this thread don't actually read what I have written or are selective at best. Everything, I have written is based on what MLT has said recently which has confirmed my thoughts of him as a player thoughts that I am not alone in having.

 

The main crux of my argument is that he wasted his talent as an individual, why, appears to be open to debate but the fact remains he didn't get or take the opportunities that would have elevated him to football greatness on a global scale. We can debate all we like but the facts are indisputable.

 

For me his ego and arrogance have only come across in his recent intreviews and the book title and not to mention his alleged complacency in endorsing the Pinnacle bid. I don't think any player should act as if he is above the advice of his coaches and hearing him give his reasons why he didn't consider moving into a coaching role was enlightening as it was disappointing and perhaps his attitude and belief that the team would play rubbish wthout him was actually not a great personal trait to have and quite divisive. Could you imagine MLT playing for Man U under Ferguson who has tamed far greater players with even bigger ego's than MLT. We can't imagine it and although we all applaud him for his loyalty IMO he gave it to us for all the wrong reasons - IMO it comes across that he wanted the easy life, an attitude that would get slated today.

 

We were therefore lucky as a club to have great player who was content to play out his career at SFC and I enjoyed his goals as much as the next fan and have the video and DVD to prove it. It seems to grate that I wouldn't select him as my footballing hero at SFC (which was my main point to start with) but IMO you cannot compare his achievements with those of Mick Channon or Keegan and Ball for that matter but what Channon has achieved is unique I believe at least to the level he has achieved in both his chosen sports.

[Saint_clark]

I have on numerous occassions recognised the role of Ted Bates at this club as the man is without equal. What is sad is that they ruined the statue in his memory that Crouch was allowed IMO to extract a little PR capital out of funding its replacement.

 

Once again though Tame you don't allow facts to get in the way of your fiction.

 

I'm doing ok btw and thanks for your concern but remember it wasn't me going around accusing strangers of being Lord Marland.

 

19c, it was NEVER officially stated that Leon Crouch funded the new statue. It was leaked by the company that built it.

Shut the f*ck up, seriously. By your standards we have only one person in our entire history who deserves a round of applause whenever his name is mentioned.

[miserableoldgit]

What medication would that be and do you even know what medical issues I have as oppose to what has been assumed by the majority on here? Or is this just another unsolicited insinuation about my private life to avoid acknowledging the points I have made.

 

Clearly most posters on this thread don't actually read what I have written or are selective at best. Everything, I have written is based on what MLT has said recently which has confirmed my thoughts of him as a player thoughts that I am not alone in having.

 

The main crux of my argument is that he wasted his talent as an individual, why, appears to be open to debate but the fact remains he didn't get or take the opportunities that would have elevated him to football greatness on a global scale. We can debate all we like but the facts are indisputable.

As I have posted before, Saints fans do not care about these "failings". They respect him for his undoubted skill, loyalty and genuine love for this club. You seem to be the only one that actually "cares". Just get over it!

 

For me his ego and arrogance have only come across in his recent intreviews and the book title and not to mention his alleged complacency in endorsing the Pinnacle bid. I don't think any player should act as if he is above the advice of his coaches and hearing him give his reasons why he didn't consider moving into a coaching role was enlightening as it was disappointing and perhaps his attitude and belief that the team would play rubbish wthout him was actually not a great personal trait to have and quite divisive. Could you imagine MLT playing for Man U under Ferguson who has tamed far greater players with even bigger ego's than MLT. We can't imagine it and although we all applaud him for his loyalty IMO he gave it to us for all the wrong reasons - IMO it comes across that he wanted the easy life, an attitude that would get slated today.

 

We were therefore lucky as a club to have great player who was content to play out his career at SFC and I enjoyed his goals as much as the next fan and have the video and DVD to prove it. It seems to grate that I wouldn't select him as my footballing hero at SFC (which was my main point to start with) but IMO you cannot compare his achievements with those of Mick Channon or Keegan and Ball for that matter but what Channon has achieved is unique I believe at least to the level he has achieved in both his chosen sports.

 

 

"Ego and arrogance"?? Give me a break!! Having met the man on a few occaisions, a more down-to-earth sports star it would be hard to find. I really can hear the sound of a barrell-bottom being scraped!

[Saint in Paradise]

Some sportsmen like Valentino Rossi make full use of their God given talent, some like MLT

don't appear to do so. However at the end of the day it is the individual who has to live with themselves

and MLT seems more than happy with the decisions he made. It is his life let him live it as he wants.

MLT is the only person who has any right to criticise MLT about what he did in Football.

[Wes Tender]

=Nineteen Canteen;432921]For me his ego and arrogance have only come across in his recent intreviews and the book title and not to mention his alleged complacency in endorsing the Pinnacle bid. I don't think any player should act as if he is above the advice of his coaches and hearing him give his reasons why he didn't consider moving into a coaching role was enlightening as it was disappointing and perhaps his attitude and belief that the team would play rubbish wthout him was actually not a great personal trait to have and quite divisive. Could you imagine MLT playing for Man U under Ferguson who has tamed far greater players with even bigger ego's than MLT. We can't imagine it and although we all applaud him for his loyalty IMO he gave it to us for all the wrong reasons - IMO it comes across that he wanted the easy life, an attitude that would get slated today.

 

 

I know how it irks you that people have formed opinions about you based on what you write on here and you respond by stating that they know nothing about you, so have no grounds for forming those opinions. Fair enough.

 

But on the other hand, I find it to be hypocrisy that you are spouting the same sort of groundless opinions about MLT, which appear to be based solely on your impressions of him rather than on any proven fact. This is precisely what you accuse others of doing to you.

 

Show us evidence to support your accusations and make them more than just your opinion. I see none offered so far.

 

And don't think that nobody noticed your snide little dig at Crouch in connection with the Ted Bates statue. Would you have preferred it to have remained as it was as a lasting reminder of how low(e) we had sunk? The equivalent of the Austin Allegro as a reminder of the lowest point in the British car industry.

[suspect everyone]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/aug/28/matt-le-tissier-small-talk

 

MLT plugging his book again. He may have been a great footballer but clearly he doesn't know any decent jokes.

 

Still a pretty interesting read.

[OldNick]

What medication would that be and do you even know what medical issues I have as oppose to what has been assumed by the majority on here? Or is this just another unsolicited insinuation about my private life to avoid acknowledging the points I have made.

 

Clearly most posters on this thread don't actually read what I have written or are selective at best. Everything, I have written is based on what MLT has said recently which has confirmed my thoughts of him as a player thoughts that I am not alone in having.

 

The main crux of my argument is that he wasted his talent as an individual, why, appears to be open to debate but the fact remains he didn't get or take the opportunities that would have elevated him to football greatness on a global scale. We can debate all we like but the facts are indisputable.

 

For me his ego and arrogance have only come across in his recent intreviews and the book title and not to mention his alleged complacency in endorsing the Pinnacle bid. I don't think any player should act as if he is above the advice of his coaches and hearing him give his reasons why he didn't consider moving into a coaching role was enlightening as it was disappointing and perhaps his attitude and belief that the team would play rubbish wthout him was actually not a great personal trait to have and quite divisive. Could you imagine MLT playing for Man U under Ferguson who has tamed far greater players with even bigger ego's than MLT. We can't imagine it and although we all applaud him for his loyalty IMO he gave it to us for all the wrong reasons - IMO it comes across that he wanted the easy life, an attitude that would get slated today.

 

We were therefore lucky as a club to have great player who was content to play out his career at SFC and I enjoyed his goals as much as the next fan and have the video and DVD to prove it. It seems to grate that I wouldn't select him as my footballing hero at SFC (which was my main point to start with) but IMO you cannot compare his achievements with those of Mick Channon or Keegan and Ball for that matter but what Channon has achieved is unique I believe at least to the level he has achieved in both his chosen sports.

NC I grew up with firstly Ron Davies being my hero, followed by MC and then MLT. Big Ron if push came to shove is probably my biggest hero not because he was the best but it was in my formative years where I forgave any of his faults and turned a blind eye to them. MC was great but he did break my heart as a 12 year old lad and decided to go and desert us.

MLT came to the fore when I was in my late 20's, the dewey eyed he can do no wrong stuff was gone, and I was by then a cynical football fan. Yes he may not have run around like a headless chicken and tackle(Greaves sadi he couldnt tackle a bag of chips) but he was the motivation and hope of not only the fans by his teammates as well. He could have moved on, he didnt as he was of the mindset of wanting to be assured happiness here rather than the risk of being a failure/not successful and appreciated elsewhere.Money I believe is not his motivation and that is refreshing, i can relate to that and forever his footballing prowess I will hold. We even named our dog after him!!! Sad i know but it was if he was a part ofr our family and someone I could be really proud of during those years of dross.

Ps I was in Florida and met some Brazillian football fans and when they asked what club I supported they all said Le Tissier. We had been relegated by then, but we were remembered for his deeds only.

Show him the respect he deserves and forget his lack of business nous.

[Toadhall Saint]

Had the same conversations Nick, in Thailand, Tunisia and Morocco.

[Nineteen Canteen]

"Ego and arrogance"?? Give me a break!! Having met the man on a few occaisions, a more down-to-earth sports star it would be hard to find. I really can hear the sound of a barrell-bottom being scraped!

 

Don't you agree though his loyalty was for the wrong reasons or misplaced. He seemingly sacrificed his undoubted potential for footballing greatness to stay a Saints player IMO and that is something almost inconceivable even in the early 90s.

 

I'm not sure his down to earth manner was mirrored in the dressing room or his attitude to his England career judging by his comments but I may be wrong.

[Nineteen Canteen]

Some sportsmen like Valentino Rossi make full use of their God given talent, some like MLT

don't appear to do so. However at the end of the day it is the individual who has to live with themselves

and MLT seems more than happy with the decisions he made. It is his life let him live it as he wants.

MLT is the only person who has any right to criticise MLT about what he did in Football.

 

You pay your money you have a right to an opinion.

[um pahars]

Had the same conversations Nick, in Thailand, Tunisia and Morocco.

 

In modern times alongside Matty, the only other player who got more than the odd mention abroad was Beattie.

 

But had a real classic this time. When told we were from Southampton, England, the only two words this guy seemed to know was "Margaret Thatcher". I'm assuming it was the England connection and not him thinking Grantham was close to here:D

[Under Weststand]

To some people obviously you 19C the pursuit of grandeur or getting to the top in any said profession is all consuming. For others Life is for the living & to get the maximum enjoyment out of whilst also fulfilling their own needs in said profession.

MLT not only found happiness at Southampton, he found a stage he was more than happy to perform on & grace on many an occasion. He was happy to stay & perform on our little insignificant stage throughout his professional career.

Now Listening to his Interview his only regret is not playing enough for England or should I re-phrase it to say not being given a reasonable opportunity with England.

He has always made time for fans as he expressed the reasons why in his Interview.

He is happy with his career most on here are happy with his career, I'm eternally grateful he chose our stage to perform on, and he provided many great footballing memories.

Why do you feel the need to pull someone like MLT to bits. Your complaining that people are abusing you on here when your constructing a character assassination of somebody held in high esteem by 99.9999% of Saints Fans. I've not resorted to abuse but can quite realise why you are receiving it.

[Nineteen Canteen]

I know how it irks you that people have formed opinions about you based on what you write on here and you respond by stating that they know nothing about you, so have no grounds for forming those opinions. Fair enough.

 

But on the other hand, I find it to be hypocrisy that you are spouting the same sort of groundless opinions about MLT, which appear to be based solely on your impressions of him rather than on any proven fact. This is precisely what you accuse others of doing to you.

 

Show us evidence to support your accusations and make them more than just your opinion. I see none offered so far.

 

And don't think that nobody noticed your snide little dig at Crouch in connection with the Ted Bates statue. Would you have preferred it to have remained as it was as a lasting reminder of how low(e) we had sunk? The equivalent of the Austin Allegro as a reminder of the lowest point in the British car industry.

 

Wes did you listen to MLT's interview with Mayo? If you were a football coach/manager and you had a player who barely paid lip service to your footballing ideas or changes with regard to sports science such as nutrition what opinion would you form of that player? These are my opinions based on what I have listened to from MLT not something I have made up.

[Torbay Saint]

Don't you agree though his loyalty was for the wrong reasons or misplaced. He seemingly sacrificed his undoubted potential for footballing greatness to stay a Saints player IMO and that is something almost inconceivable even in the early 90s.

 

I'm not sure his down to earth manner was mirrored in the dressing room or his attitude to his England career judging by his comments but I may be wrong.

 

MLT could have played for any of the other home nations and France. He wanted to play for England! He could have played international football, but you could argue that his committment to England was as strong as it was towards SFC.

[miserableoldgit]

Don't you agree though his loyalty was for the wrong reasons or misplaced. He seemingly sacrificed his undoubted potential for footballing greatness to stay a Saints player IMO and that is something almost inconceivable even in the early 90s.

 

I'm not sure his down to earth manner was mirrored in the dressing room or his attitude to his England career judging by his comments but I may be wrong.

With all due respect, I don`t think that his loyalty was for the wrong reasons or misplaced. The only person who will know that for certain would be MLT himself. Only he will know if he has many regrets with the way his career turned out. He said in his interview that he had two ambitions - one was to be a pro footballer and the second was to play for England and he acheived both. It may be argued that his ambitions were lowly, compared with some, but that is for him to decide. It is a bit like someone working for a company and being offered another job for more money etc but deciding to stay where he is because he likes the company, the people he works with and is very happy with what he is doing. Is that wrong or unambitious?

As far as the "ego" thing goes, as I said, I have met him a few times and I see him like everyone else on TV and I have never heard any body even remotely suggest that he has an ego problem. Being from The Channel Island may mean that he has a more "layed back" attitude than some. That`s no bad thing.

[suspect everyone]

Had the same conversations Nick, in Thailand, Tunisia and Morocco.

 

When asked who I supported on a Vietnamese beach by a local guy I said Southampton, naturally assuming he wouldn't know anything about them.

 

Upon hearing my reply the only thing this guy said was "Matthew Le Tissier". This was about one year ago too, way after he had retired.

[Wes Tender]

Wes did you listen to MLT's interview with Mayo? If you were a football coach/manager and you had a player who barely paid lip service to your footballing ideas or changes with regard to sports science such as nutrition what opinion would you form of that player? These are my opinions based on what I have listened to from MLT not something I have made up.

 

Exactly. They are your opinions based purely on what you have listened to him saying in an interview. Did you read the book?

 

Show us evidence to support your accusations and make them more than just your opinion. I see none offered so far.

 

I stand by what I said.

 

But as for your question about what I would feel about MLT as a manager if confronted with him largely ignoring advice about sports science and nutrition, I suspect that I would enforce it on all those players who showed a willingness to learn in order to make up for shortfalls in their natural ability. In the case of MLT, I'd accept that although he had some faults, his natural ability which arguably equated to genius, was more than enough compensation for his few and little idiosynchrasies.

 

If you as manager would have left him out of your team because he didn't follow your instructions regarding fitness and diet to the letter, then more fool you. But I'm certain that confronted by somebody like you, you would have been capable of pursuading him that his loyalty was wasted here and that he ought to have been more ambitious elsewhere.

[Tamesaint]

What medication would that be and do you even know what medical issues I have as oppose to what has been assumed by the majority on here?

 

But a couple of months ago you told us about your issues !! You wrote about how sometimes you even wondered about the point of going on with life. I cannot find the post (history on this site seems to be limited to 500 posts and at your current rate of posting that is only 6 weeks ago) otherwise I would quote it.

 

I felt genuine sorrow and concern for you. There are not enough saints fans out in this world and although at times I do wonder about your allegiance to Southampton, we need all fans to be in good health - mental and physical. Your recent change of avatar brought home the turmoil in your mind.

 

You clearly enjoy taking the opposite view to the majority - which I take as a sign of your illness. As I said earlier this week , your postings on this site are a win / win if you find your postings help your personal issues as they certainly help to liven up this site.

 

So , tell me. What is Justin Fashanu up to these days?? ;-)