SAINTS hero Matt Le Tissier headlined an entertaining evening on leadership, presentation and motivation for young accountants in Hampshire.

The ex-Southampton star captivated his audience with often hilarious stories from his legendary playing days at The Dell and St Mary’s as well as more recent times as a popular pundit on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday which returns with the new Premier League season on August 13.

While football and finance careers could hardly seem more different, the former attacking midfielder drew on experiences that cross all boundaries in the first of a series of exciting events hosted by recruitment specialists Sheridan Maine to help new accountants develop wider communication skills.

On teamwork he hailed the fantastic camaraderie on Soccer Saturday between himself, Charlie Nicholas, Paul Merson, Phil Thompson and “the best sports presenter in the business” Jeff Stelling as one of the reasons for the live show’s enduring success.

“Just like on the pitch, we’ve build a fantastic team who know each other really well and that can only be a positive thing in any walk of life,” Matt told the Echo.

Preparation was also hailed as key to winning as he explained how closely he studied each team’s form for the match he is covering. “It’s the best job in the world, but you have to be on your toes with so much going on,” he added.

For the best man-management he experienced during his playing career Matt paid tribute to World Cup winner Alan Ball for his time at The Dell during the mid-90s.

In those halcyon days the Saints number seven scored an incredible eight of the team’s final 15 goals to stave off relegation in 1994, before leading a side that finished 10th the following season.

Matt was joined by leadership and coaching guru Steve Jones, from company Skills for Business, and body language expert and vocal coach Mike Carter, who’s previously worked in film and teaching.

Both speakers were hugely engaging in what Sheridan Maine managing director and host David Heron called the first instalment of an exciting new career academy for new accountants across the south.

For more information on the future events, visit sheridanmaine.com.