Return to 1998 SUMMER Index
By Simon DunkleyThe continuing good form of the team during the second half of the season meant that, going into the last match, Saints fans were spared the state of high anxiety they have become accustomed to other recent years. Win, lose or draw, Saints would finish in 12th place in the premiership. The first respectable mid-table final position since Alan Ball was in the manager's seat. Matthew le Tissier and Jurgen Kunsmann with a goal a piece ensured that Saints signed off the season with an away point against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
Premier League Football for next season and prize money of some £1.6M was the team's reward for the season's endeavours. So well done to the players for their achievement this season. But the plaudits go to Dave Jones, who was voted premiership manager of the year by his two contemporaries in recognition of a remarkable first season in the top flight. Within the club tow of Jones' signing battled it out for a Player of the Season: Paul Jones – no relation – pipped the impressive Carlton Palmer in the supporters vote.
I have skirted over team performances since my last report because I wish to concentrate on important developments in the careers of two of the team's leading lights. Firstly and most dramatically is the transfer of Kevin Davies, the under 21 England International, to Blackburn Rovers for £7.25M. This smashed the transfer records of both clubs and mirrored the trail blazed by Alan Shearer as a promising youngster. Davis' rise to prominence has been phenomenal. Only last season he was plying his trade for Chesterfield in the nation-wide 2nd division. His signing fee of £700,000 proved to be Graeme Souness' last act as manager before resigning. Despite suffering an injury plagued first season, Davies has convinced those that matter of his ability as a skilful, strong, attacking player and proven goal scorer.
Although it is always disappointing to see quality players leaving the club, I believe that like the sale of Shearer, the club had little option but to cash in on Davies, who was homesick for his native Sheffield. This also earned Southampton a cool £6.5M profit. The irony that Souness deserves gratitude with his foresight in signing Davies at the end of last season will not be lost on the club – or supporters for that matter. And don't forget the shareholders who saw their holdings in the stock market rise following the transfer deal.
Wile Kevin Davies speeds up the premiership fast lane, Matthew le Tissier finds his England career on the hard shoulder. Matty had hoped that his return to form for Saints would be acknowledged with an international call up from Glen Hoddle – the England Manager who is known to admire Le Tissier's skills. This chance appeared to have materialised with a place in the starting line up against Russia in a B international at Wembley. Le Tissier took full advantage of his opportunity, scoring a hat trick and hitting the woodwork twice with a free kick and header. Hoddle promptly left him out of his provisional squad for the 1998 World Cup. Hoddle's irrational certainly gives added credence to the argument proffered by Chris Sutton, the Blackburn Rover's striker: he declined a chance to play in the International B team calling it a hiding to nothing. This ensured another quality player denied to England' world cup campaign, which I believe will end in disappointment. Hoddle has left too many fit and in form players at home.
To end on a more frivolous note: Congratulations to premier league champions and F.A.Cup winners Arsenal and promoted Charlton Athletic. Both teams backed by yours truly at my local bookies.
My tip for next week? An each way bet on Bristol Rovers for the nation-wide 2nd Division championship. Best of luck to England and Scotland in the World Cup. My money is on 20-1 outsiders Yugoslavia with their leading scorer Pedrag Mijajovic of Real Madrid to win the Golden Boot award for most goals scored.
Find out about close season signings and any other important issues in my pre-season report.