Lowe & Strachan pay tribute to Le Tiss

Rupert Lowe is aware as much as anyone the debt that the club owes Matthew Le Tissier. Had Le God chosen to move clubs during his career, Saints would undoubtedly be playing lower league football. On Le Tissier's Rupert Lowe told the official website: "Matt has been a great servant to the club and we thank him from the bottom of our hearts for all he has done for the club and for the pleasure he has brought to the fans."It is a sad day in many ways. We would all love to have seen Matt get back to the sparkling form he showed during his peak but it has not happened for him.

"Matt has had a huge part in bringing about our fabulous new stadium. His goals played a major role in keeping the club up for many years and we hope he will continue to have a role here.

"He may not be playing any more but it is not as though he is leaving altogether. He will still be very much part of the family.

"He has a sharp wit and a lot of stature so he could be a successful pundit or an ambassador for us. He has been a big part of our history so it is important he remains associated with the club.

"It was entirely his decision and we wish him well in whatever he does in the future."

It would be an excellent move to have Le Tissier involved at the club in the future as his humour is as legendary as his skills. If only we could get him to start coaching a few of those wonderful skills to youngsters though.

Gordon Strachan also paid tribute to Le Tissier as one of the great talents of his time. Strachan has got on really well with Le Tissier, which makes a change in recent managers. Gordon said: "When people think of southampton they think of the Titanic, the yachts and Matthew Le Tissier. They can build better boats but there will never be another Le Tissier. In my opinion he is Southampton's best player ever.

"I am sad that I did not get to work with him at his peak but that is life. And I have certainly enjoyed working with him in the few months I have been here.

"I have never seen anyone finish like him. You watch him in training and he takes your breath away at times because he has great skill. I have seen wee glimpses of it but Saints fans have had the pleasure of watching him for his whole career.

"They have seen one of the best footballers of this era. Everyone remembers his great goals and bits of skill but more than that he is a smashing lad.

"He has never caused anyone any problems and no-one in football has a bad word to say about him as a player or a person.

"I know how he has been feeling. I have talked about it with him quite a bit and I was hoping to change his mind but in the last few weeks he has been getting more and more disappointed with his calf.

"It has been a hard thing for him but he has come to a decision that he wants to leave the game with his reputation intact and I fully endorse that. You won't see the like of him again, that's for sure."