However, I knew one thing, one name in fact, and that is the name of Southampton FC legend Matt Le Tissier.
Because of this I have received literally thousands of letters (I wish) saying: “George, we all know Matt Le Tissier was a wizard on the pitch, but what we want to know is can he deliver in the world of gastronomy?”
Well, that’s what I set out to answer by trying the Matt Le Tissier meal at The Dell in St Mary’s Stadium – which is currently running a menu of select players’ favourite meals.
Matt’s breaded mushrooms with garlic mayo (Image: George Ratcliffe)
For the starter Matt went with breaded mushrooms with garlic mayo dip.
The breading was light and the mushrooms were not too watery – paired with the garlic mayo it was a good choice for a first course.
If this was a football match, Matt has just fired himself into a 1-0 lead.
Matt’s lasagne (Image: George Ratcliffe)
The crowd (that’s me) waited with bated breath as Matt’s main course was brought out – a lasagne with garlic bread.
The very generous portion was complete with a huge amount of cheese sauce making for a comforting main course and another inspired choice.
Keeping with the football, he has doubled his lead to 2-0.
Le Tiss scored five hattricks during his playing career, but the question that was on everyone’s lips was would he net a culinary sixth with his dessert?
Not only did he go three for three with his food choices, he did so in classic Le Tiss fashion with an absolute worldie.
Matt’s sticky toffee pudding (Image: George Ratcliffe)
Sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream – what more needs to be said?
The dish was familiar, warming and delicious. Full time, 3-0 to Matt Le Tissier.
Each of the courses in Le Tiss’ dream meal may not have been the flashiest or most exotic but they don’t need to be. They were tasty and they were comforting and that’s all you really need.
So, to answer the question posed to me by literally (well, not really) thousands of Echo readers, yes, Matt Le Tissier is as good at gastronomy as he is at football.
The full three courses of Matt’s meal cost £22.99 and is available until April 30.
Shea Charles’s choice is also available: chicken Yakatori skewers, steak and chips with peppercorn sauce and strawberry cheesecake.