Tissier talks Saints’ seven-point plan, Ward-Prowse’s return, and Eckert’s wait.

Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has revealed that Leo Scienza personally asked for his blessing before taking the club’s famous number seven shirt this season.

Scienza previously wore number 13 during his first campaign with the Saints and enjoyed an impressive individual season, collecting both the Fans’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards.

Following Joe Aribo’s departure, the iconic number seven became available. It is a shirt that carries considerable history at Southampton, having previously been worn by club legends including Le Tissier and Ricky Lambert.

Saints icon Matt Le Tissier (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo before his appearance at ‘An Evening With Matt Le Tissier’ at Hangarm Farm Arts Centre, the Southampton great explained how his connection with Scienza led to the Brazilian asking about the famous shirt.

Le Tissier said he had developed a good relationship with Scienza over recent months and revealed that the player approached him during the summer to ask whether he could wear number seven.

Although Le Tissier stressed that the decision was ultimately not his to make, he admitted that he appreciated the respect Scienza showed by approaching him first. He was also pleased that the winger wanted to take on such a significant number.

For Le Tissier, the shirt represents more than simply a squad number because of the players who have previously worn it at Southampton.

He explained that there is a certain level of responsibility attached to wearing number seven at the club, particularly when considering the quality and status of previous holders. In his view, Scienza showed courage by choosing to accept that challenge and attempt to live up to the reputation associated with it.

The pair have subsequently become closer. Le Tissier revealed that they had dinner together and have remained in regular contact through text messages.

The Saints icon described Scienza as a grounded individual who is determined to improve his football. He also praised the Brazilian’s attitude and desire to continue developing.

Scienza has already made a positive beginning to the new campaign, registering three goals and two assists, providing an early indication that he is comfortable carrying the responsibility of the number seven shirt.

Le Tissier also discussed another Southampton player with whom he shares a strong connection: James Ward-Prowse.

Ward-Prowse returned to St Mary’s this summer after his spell away from the club, and the midfielder is now closing in on another significant milestone in Southampton history.

The former Saints captain remains 125 appearances away from surpassing Le Tissier’s total number of games for the club. Since returning to Southampton, he has already added six appearances to his record.

Le Tissier was involved in the announcement of Ward-Prowse’s return, with the pair appearing together in a video filmed at a golf course.

The former Southampton star recalled receiving a call from the club on a Thursday lunchtime asking whether he could arrive at Royal Winchester Golf Course early the following morning.

Le Tissier happened to have a golf game scheduled for later that day, meaning he was able to accommodate the request. The club then informed him that Ward-Prowse had completed his return and that they wanted the two Southampton figures involved in the announcement video.

He admitted that he thought the idea was a good one and was delighted to play a part in welcoming Ward-Prowse back.

Le Tissier believes the midfielder’s return could have a major influence on Southampton’s Championship campaign.

The Saints legend believes Ward-Prowse possesses exactly the kind of quality and experience that can make a substantial difference in the middle of the pitch. He has also been impressed by the midfielder’s ability to control matches and organise the area around him.

According to Le Tissier, Ward-Prowse rarely gives possession away cheaply and provides an important calming influence for the players around him.

That experience could be particularly valuable because Southampton have a relatively young squad. Le Tissier believes having a player of Ward-Prowse’s age, experience and knowledge of the club operating in central midfield can provide important leadership.

The midfielder is also returning to a club where he remains extremely popular with supporters.

Le Tissier recalled the affection fans had for Ward-Prowse, particularly because of his outstanding ability from set pieces. The former Saints captain became renowned for regularly finding the net with free-kicks during his first spell at St Mary’s.

Tonda Eckert

Le Tissier acknowledged that things had not gone entirely according to plan for Ward-Prowse after he left Southampton, but he hopes his return can provide the midfielder with an opportunity to rediscover his best form.

He would particularly like to see Ward-Prowse begin scoring free-kicks again.

However, the midfielder will have competition for set-piece duties, with Ryan Manning also having demonstrated an ability to score from dead-ball situations.

While discussing the current Southampton squad, Le Tissier also addressed the uncertainty surrounding head coach Tonda Eckert.

The Saints are still waiting for the outcome of the Football Association hearing involving the German coach. Eckert is understood to have attended the hearing last Thursday after being charged with three breaches of FA Rule E3.1.

The charges relate to misconduct, acting improperly and/or bringing the game into disrepute.

The case stems from Eckert’s admission that he authorised spying missions at the training grounds of three Championship opponents during last season.

Southampton have already received significant punishment from the EFL over the wider controversy. An independent commission removed the club from the play-off final and imposed a four-point deduction.

Eckert, however, is expected to face a separate individual punishment following the FA process.

At present, Southampton officials remain uncertain about exactly how severe that punishment will be, leaving the club waiting anxiously for a final decision.

Le Tissier admitted that the uncertainty has been frustrating, particularly because nobody knows what the outcome could mean for the manager and the team.

As someone who now works as an adviser to the Southampton board, Le Tissier is naturally close to the club’s situation. He acknowledged that having uncertainty surrounding the head coach is far from ideal.

Leo Scienza has started the new season with three goals and two assists (Image: Craig Hobbs)

Despite the situation, however, he believes Southampton have continued to show encouraging form at St Mary’s.

The former Saints star pointed out that the team have remained strong on home soil even while the situation surrounding Eckert has been unresolved.

He expects the club to receive the verdict shortly, which should finally provide clarity regarding the manager’s immediate future.

Le Tissier also identified an area Southampton need to improve: their away record.

The Saints are still waiting for their first league victory away from home, and Le Tissier believes that needs to change soon if the club are going to achieve their objectives this season.

He feels there have been plenty of encouraging signs overall, but Southampton have not produced enough clean sheets.

He also believes the team have occasionally made life difficult for themselves by allowing opponents to establish an early advantage.

The contrast between their home and away performances has been particularly noticeable.

At St Mary’s, Le Tissier feels Southampton remain capable of responding even when they concede first. The Saints have already demonstrated that resilience by turning matches around and recording emphatic victories, including wins by 3-1, 4-1 and 5-1.

For Le Tissier, therefore, Southampton’s home performances are not the major concern.

Instead, the focus must now turn towards improving results on the road.

With Scienza embracing the responsibility of the famous number seven, Ward-Prowse providing experience in midfield and the club awaiting clarity over Eckert, Southampton have several important storylines developing at the same time.

Le Tissier’s assessment suggests that while there are areas requiring improvement, particularly away from home, he remains encouraged by what he has seen from the Saints so far.