I hope he has a bumper testimonial, as no one
deserves it more.
Mike Channons name is now one
of the most acclaimed in British Football and it has given me a great deal
of pleasure over the past decade to see him develop in the Red and White
colours he has graced so well to his present stature.
A player's player, with that little extra magic that makes him different
from the rest. He is without doubt one of the best counter attacking players
in the world today and no one has been more single minded and dedicated to
the cause of Southampton Football Club through the years. He has always been
a credit to the game of football both for club and country.
Tonight is his night and the chance for all followers
to pay tribute to a really super Saint.
Mike Channon in my opinion cannot
possibly qualify for the modern title 'Superstar' because it is usually synonomous
with a person at the top of his profession who is aware of the fact and makes
sure everyone else about him realises too. Superstars are usually arrogant
to the point of being boring- they play to an audience and off the stage
decry them- Mike Channon never does- his strength are those of a youngster
lacing up his first pair of football boots- he loves to play football- he
still dreams of winning cup ties and scoring in the last minute for England
at Wembley. The fact is of course he does all of these things and still remains
fresh and honest. His approach to the game is single minded to win for club
and country and do it right. He is a player's player and a manager's bonus.
Personally he gives me more pleasure than heartache- I would pay money to
see him perform- so elegant- he is not a superstar-He is better than that.