UNDER-FIRE Matt Le Tissier was bested by a youngster who saved his on-target shot in a penalty shootout - before the Saints legend then went to reopen a pub.
The Lapstone in Horton Heath welcomed the Saints stalwart - despite his Ukraine controversy - on Thursday evening for its reopening after a £1m refurbishment.
Le Tissier has faced criticism over a post on Twitter regarding the war in Ukraine.
Prior to the event, he revealed to Saintsplus why he stepped "aside" as Saints ambassador.
SAINTSPLUS: Saints legend Matt Le Tissier admits he was "wrong" over controversial tweet
SAINTSPLUS: Matt Le Tissier: Twitter use will 'fizzle out' as Saints legend moves to alternative app
His full interview - including how he could ditch Twitter for an alternative 'free-speech' app - is available on Saintsplus.
Saintsplus - the new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much more - is available to subscribers only for just £1 for the first month.
Click here to subscribe and enjoy an advertising-light experience.
Speaking on the reopening, Le Tissier said: "I had lunch with (pub owner) Russ a few weeks back. He was telling me all about this place through a mutual friend.
"I used to live in Horton Heath, but that was like 1997. I haven't lived over this way so it had been a long time since I'd been here until a few weeks back.
"It's amazing what he's done here. All the locals tell me how much of a nice community it is in here and what a great job that Russ has done, it's fabulous.
"I love the open kitchen, I always love sitting in restaurants with open kitchens."
The former Southampton captain kicked off the evening with a penalty shootout in the adjacent field against young players from the local Wyvern team.
He then sat down at the Lapstone for a live Q&A in front of those enjoying their food and drink in the newly transformed pub.
Russ Kitching, owner of The Lapstone, took over the pub in 2018 and gave it a new lease of life.
He told the Echo: "We couldn't have wished for a better way to officially open The Lapstone.
"Starting with Matt Le Tissier taking penalties against our local goalies and cutting The Lapstone reopening ribbon with a Matt Le Tissier penalty.
"The ambience continued in the Q&A with an honest rapport with our local customers in an evening full of entertainment, and celebration.
"All of our customers had a wonderful evening to eventually mark our journey of reopening this historic pillar in the community."
Russ also thanked Eastleigh Football Club who filmed the event.
The Lapstone is almost 300 years old having first opened in 1740 and as part of the refurbishment project, the original walls and flooring were uncovered.
These have now been preserved for future generations and incorporated into the new-look pub.
The purchase of the pub by Mr Kitching’s Chandler's Ford-based soft drinks company, Thirstee Business, followed a Save The Lapstone campaign by locals.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel