Pearson quiet needed

Saints legend backs boss after final-day drama

Last updated: 5th May 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Pearson quiet needed

Pearson and John celebrate

The problem is, we've now got in terms of stability is we've got an EGM on the 16th of May and the probability is that Rupert Lowe will be coming back in - and that's a chairman who had about nine managers in 10 years.

Matt Le Tissier
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Matt Le Tissier called for some stability after seeing Southampton avoid relegation on a dramatic final day in the Championship.

The Saints survived by the skin of their teeth after two Stern John goals gave them a 3-2 win over Sheffield United at St Marys.

It meant they finished two points ahead of Leicester in the final relegation places, and capped a nervewracking afternoon for former skipper Le Tissier.

Watching on Soccer Saturday, he was left sweating as John Stead's goal on 65 minutes made it 2-2 and had the Saints heading into League One.

But John's second meant that Nigel Pearson's men managed to survive and as soon as the drama was done and dusted, Le Tissier turned his attentions to the near future - and called for calm at the club.

"It's what the club's been crying out for for years," he told Soccer Saturday.

"The problem is, we've now got in terms of stability is we've got an EGM on the 16th of May and the probability is that Rupert Lowe will be coming back in - and that's a chairman who had about nine managers in 10 years.

"Time will tell what happens, but I would be surprised, I really would (if Pearson keeps the job). But the club does need stability."

Le Tissier, who captained the Saints and scored 208 goals in 543 games admitted that he was far from behind the appointment of Pearson following George Burley's defection to Scotland.

But he would like to see him stay in charge of the side and bring to an end a period that has seen 12 different managers since the turn of the Millennium.

"Fair play to Nigel Pearson, I was one of those who was very surprised at the decision (to appoint him) in all fairness, but we have managed to stay up," he said.

"We weren't in the bottom three when Nigel arrived but he's managed to get enough points to keep us in the division - and we do need some stability."

It was left for a relieved Le Tissier to hail a new Southampton goalscoring legend in John.

His double took his tally to the season to 19 and even managed to overshadow a red card for taking his shirt off in celebration and then scything down Derek Geary.

"He probably would have got the freedom of the city had he not got sent off and had everyone on tenterhooks for that last 10 minutes!" said Le Tissier.

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Comments (3)

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Jamie Mcfarlane (Southampton fan) says...

hey matt,hello to the legend which is god!!!my thoughts exactly,i was there on sunday and wow what a day,i think pearson has stabled our very rocky ship and should stay in charge,its defense which has failed us all season,that was until we got perry and luccetti,pardon the spelling.we should tie deals up for them both and that would good grounds for next season,as for rupert lowe,dont get me started.....anyways got to get to work,cheers matt,your a star

Posted 06:36 6th May 2008

Russ Ralph (Southampton fan) says...

Great Shout MLT - Like you as a support i wonder what turn our club is going to take .. We have since GS left looked to appoint managers that have been on the cheap - No disrepects to them but we have a Great club / sound youth policy / full of passionate supporters - we deserve better than what our club has put us through - must be heart breaking for people associated closer to the club .... But we must now take stock and either keep what we have or appoint quickly and stable this rocky ship ... and leave it in place for a year at least - at least George Burley had a bit of time and nearly pulled off the impossible... My concern is the amount of Loan players we have - Now the season has ended have we a team left ?? COYS Saint Russ Gloucester

Posted 19:26 5th May 2008

Tryggvi K (Southampton fan) says...

Even though I was not very impressed with the appointment of Pearson, I think that he has installed some much needed fighting spirit into the team. I too, especially if Lowe gets in charge again, would be very surprised if Nigel gets to lead us on into next season. But if he doesn't I would like a big name manager in terms of the Championship. We need a Coppell, Warnock, etc, someone who knows the league and hopefully someone who can bring some players with him. Finally we need to, if at all possible, to keep Richard Wright. Davies hasn't been at all consistent and we need a good goalkeeper and Wright is definitely that. Go on Saints!

Posted 15:58 5th May 2008
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