Matt Le Tissier Interview
South Coast Blues
Andy Greeves
As my article entitled 'Geographical Void' outlined, there are a number of regions in England that are home to clubs which have seriously underachieved over the years.
The South Coast's current quartet of Football League clubs (Bournemouth, Brighton, Southampton and Portsmouth) aren't exactly the biggest names around but have all enjoyed a modicum of success throughout the decades. Both Saints and Pompey have won the FA Cup, the latter as recently as 2008. With Portsmouth's relegation from the Premier League all but confirmed, the area will be without a top flight football club for the first time since 1978 next season.
Soccerphile caught up with former Southampton hero Matt Le Tissier to discuss the on and off field problems which have blighted the progress of all four South Coast clubs in recent times as his assessment of their current standings.
"I'm obviously a Southampton fan first and foremost but I take a real keen interest in all the South Coast clubs as it's the part of the world I have lived in for a long time. Given the sizes of the cities and the support clubs like Southampton, Brighton and Portsmouth have, really there should be a number of Premier League representatives down here.
"The clubs down here have had dreadful problems off the park in recent years, with AFC Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Southampton all having been docked points for their financial problems. Brighton have obviously been without a stadium of their own since 1997, though that situation is finally being resolved and of course Weymouth down in the non-league have had massive money problems.
"The problems that have happened down here on the south coast football scene are exclusive though. So many clubs up and the land are experiencing difficulties because of the simple fact that, at one time or another, they have been mismanaged at a boardroom level.
"It's great to see my club (Southampton) on a more steady footing after the difficult years Saints fans have had to endure since relegation from the Premiership. They have obviously had problems off the field, going to administration and having a points deduction this season. With the finances now in place to secure the club's future and buoyed on by the recent Johnstone's Paint Trophy success, the Saints are definitely heading back in the right direction. It's not going to be a easy feat getting from League One back to Premiership though.
"Southampton and Portsmouth have seen better days, that's for sure. At least there are strong signs that Southampton are on their way back up and Pompey can look forward to a trip to Wembley this weekend. I'm sure Portsmouth will be able regroup after their now seemingly inevitable relegation from the Premier League. I know it's surprising for a Saints man to say, but I don't have any ill feeling towards Pompey and would love to see the south coast derby being played in the Premiership in the not too distant future.
"I'd be amazed if Portsmouth were able to get a result on Sunday (in the FA Cup Semi-Final vs Tottenham Hotspur) though, given the injuries and suspensions they have on top of a squad that has seen so many key men leave over the last three years. Tottenham have got a very exciting attacking team and I would full expect Harry Redknapp's men to get a result.
"Funnily enough, the biggest success story come the end of the season is likely to be our smallest representative - AFC Bournemouth. I have massive admiration for everyone at that club as they have been through a terrible time, with points deductions, transfer embargos and numerous threats of winding up orders. The small group of players have really stuck together though and there seems to be a fantastic team spirit at Dean Court.
"You've got to take your hat off the Eddie Howe. He's the youngest manager in the Football League but you wouldn't know it, given the confidence he exudes and the ability he has shown to manage a club with few resources. I notice that Bournemouth rarely fill their substitute bench, emphasizing the great work Howe is doing with such a small squad to choose from. It's remarkable feat they are still up in the automatic promotion spots at this stage of the season and I hope they go up.
"Brighton look like they will avoid the drop after a shaky start to the season in League One and Gus Poyet is another manager who has done a great job. The Seagulls have a great fan base and like Portsmouth and Southampton, they certainly have the potential to become an established Premiership force. Much of their difficulties over the years have been caused by not having a permanent ground.
Brighton have been without a home ground of their own since 1997, but at least their new stadium at Falmer is finally close to completion. That will be a great resource for the club and the city of Brighton as a whole. That kind of infrastructure is essential to any club one day aspiring to play at the top level, which I know is their grand ambition.”
Matt Le Tissier was speaking to Andy Greeves at the launch of Football Fusion - the UK's first three day football and music festival to be held in Bournemouth on 6th-8th August 2010. Tickets available from www.footballfusion.co.uk
© Andy Greeves & Soccerphile.com
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