STRENGTH OF OUR GAME IS SHOWN BY NON-LEAGUE

MATT LE TISSIER was football’s quintessential one-club man with his devoted affinity to Southampton – but the Non-League game has always been part of his makeup.

- JON COUCH

Born and raised in Saint Peter Port, Guernsey, Le Tissier learned his craft as a youth at Vale Recreation FC where he played between the ages of seven and 16.

And even after embarking on a legendary career, which took in 541 appearances in 16 years with the Saints and a rather underwhelming total of eight England caps, Le Tissier bowed out amidst the more subtle surroundings of Eastleigh, and then for one last cameo back home at Guernsey FC, where he remains honorary president.

Le Tissier’s passion for the Non-League game has burned throughout his entire career – and now he’s landed himself a role in the boardroom after becoming associate director at Southern Premier South side Sholing, who have also drafted in Chelsea and England defender Levi Colwill, 21, as an associate director (see p18-19).

Outspoken yet articulate, having the 55-year-old former Sky Sports pundit on side holds plenty of weight – and it’s come at a time when Non-League needs all the love it can get.

The FA’s decision to scrap FA Cup replays from the first round onwards next season has left cash-strapped clubs at the heart of the National League System feeling somewhat shortchanged.

Le Tissier can feel their pain and believes more can be done to look after these clubs from the powers-that-be, especially given their role in ensuring the structure of English football is unparalleled anywhere in the world. I’ve always taken an interest in Non-League football and I believe clubs are very much undervalued by the people at the top,” said Le Tissier, who still finds time in his hectic lifestyle as club ambassador at Southampton – not to mention amateur golfer with a handicap of 1.4 – to regularly visit his local clubs.

“One of the greatest strengths of football in this country is the depth that we go down to where quality football is still being played and that’s a great testament to the NonLeague game.