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.
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I'M READY FOR A NEW PROJECT
LEAGUE One, League Two, National League John Coleman doesn't care. He just wants to manage a club with scope for 'doing an Accrington'.
BEARNE'S DOUBLE IS A PITMEN TRIUMPH
HEDNESFORD Town marched on as this tie was settled in the first 21 minutes with a glut of goals in favour of the Pitmen.
STAG-DO SPOILED BY LIAM DOUBLE
AFC Totton and Basingstoke played out an entertaining draw at The Snows Stadium.
FOALLE'S THERE AT DEATH TO STEA IT!
A GOAL with almost the last kick of the game from Jack Foalle saw Ashton's unbeaten start to the season go up in smoke at Hurst Cross after they had hit the post in each half.
TUDORS STAY TOP THANKS TO AJAYI!
HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN secured a crucial victory over Slough Town that solidifies their position at the top of National League South.
MOLS ON ROLL AS NASH GO SECOND!
CURZON ASHTON moved up to second place after doing a job on former boss Adam Lakeland and his King's Lynn Town side at the Walks.
REAL DEAL HEED KEEP PILING ON THE POINTS
GATESHEAD scored early in each half to strengthen their position at the top of the table after they stretched their unbeaten start to the season to seven games.
JOSH JOY DELIGHTS DAGGERS BOSS BEN
JOSH UMERAH marked his first league start for Dagenham & Redbridge by grabbing the goal that ensured a share of the spoils at Maidenhead.
DOGGED DALE WILL NOT BE MOVED!
ROCHDALE cruised to victory with a superb first-half performance which settled the age-old debate as Dale's immovable defensive object blunted Aldershot's previously irresistible attacking force.
SPITFIRES BACK IN THE GROOVE
EASTLEIGH bounced back from their last-gasp defeat at Gateshead last weekend as they edged past lowly Tamworth in a lackluster affair at the Silverlake.
