MANY of you readers will remember just over six years ago when former player and Saints legend Matt Le Tissier was awarded a bizarre honour in recognition of his loyalty to the south-coast side.

Le Tissier was the first ever recipient of the ‘One Club Man Award’, presented to him at half-time of the awarding club’s biggest match and local derby in 2015 – against Real Sociedad at the 53,000 capacity San Mames.

That club was, of course, Saints’ friendly opponents for tomorrow (August 7) in La Liga side Athletic Bilbao. For those unsure why, Athletic operate in a unique manner only acquiring players from the Basque region.

As such, they clearly admire loyalty not often found in football – but certainly found at the magic feet of Matt Le Tissier.

The Bilbao-based team created the new honour “as a recognition to those players who, outside Athletic Club, have developed their whole career at the same club.”

The highly creative and potent attacking midfielder played well over 500 times for Saints between 1986-2002, and only featured elsewhere for local side Eastleigh for just one season, and one game for his hometown of Guernsey.

The Basque crowd applauded and cheered Le Tissier as he took to the pitch to receive the award, in what was a warming but bizarre occasion.

It’s not as bizarre as it seems though, with Saints having long been linked to Athletic after it was English dock workers who emigrated to the region and started the early form of the club.

Both teams wear red and white stripes, with that credited to an Athletic representative taking back 50 Saints shirts to be shared amongst the Bilbao side and Atletico Madrid.

In an interview on Athletic Club’s official website, Le Tissier said: “It certainly was a big surprise.

“And I must say it was a very pleasant one too. I am incredibly proud to be the first to receive this award.”