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.
Denne historien er fra June 16, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra June 16, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
WRAGGY WILL BE SORELY MISSED
MACCLESFIELD FC have led the tributes to “colossal” former manager Peter Wragg, who has passed away.
BURY & RAMMY HIT BIG STAGE!
BRYANLY’S late penalty kept Bury top of the tree in front of another record-breaking crowd at Gigg Lane on Boxing Day.
BRAVE BERKO ARE ON TRACK
Ducks demolition maintains title tilt
OWLS THAT! CLEE GLEE ON TOP OF THE TREE
CLEETHORPES Town maintained their four-point lead at the top of NPL East with a hard-fought 2-1 derby win over North Ferriby at the Myenergi Stadium.
HAWKS SWOOP IN FOR DERBY GLORY
REUBEN AUSTIN hailed Havant & Waterlooville teammate Leon Maloney’s wonder goal as ‘a hell of a strike’ as the Hawks continued their promotion push with a 3-1 local derby success over Gosport Borough.
JULIUS DICTATES - BUT FANS MIST IT
JULUS Ndene handed Leek Town a famous victory in the mist – not that any of the fans got to see it!
GOLDEN BROWN BACK AT THE TOP
PHIL Brown gave his Kidderminster Harriers players Christmas off – and was rewarded with a climb to the top of the tree.
BRENNAN'S BOYS SALVAGED IN 'KAMIKAZE' YEAR END
STRAIGHT talking Dean Brennan lamented ‘kamikaze’ defending despite seeing his Barnet nick a dramatic late point to end 2024 at the National League summit.
FIVE-STAR PIRATES PUMMEL ROVERS
IN the final game of the year at the Ledger Stadium, second-placed Real Bedford faced off against fourth-placed Barton Rovers, who arrived as the league’s in-form side.
MOORE'S LATE GOAL SEALS BIG REDS WIN
GEORGE Moore was the hero grabbing a stoppage-time winner to sink Kingstonian and take Uxbridge to third in the table in what is becoming a fascinating promotion race in the Pitching-In Isthmian South Central.
