Saints have been handed an early reunion with Glenn Hoddle - in the qualifying heat of the Southern Masters six-a-sides.

The former Southampton manager is scheduled to play for Tottenham in the Over 35's competition at the London Arena on Sunday, July 8.

Spurs have been drawn in the same group as Saints and their north London rivals Arsenal.

And that could lead to a meaty midfield meeting with former Dell hard-man Jimmy Case who is pencilled in to play for the south coast side.

The significance of the occasion is not lost on the former Dell skipper who laughed: "I'm not adverse to taking a swipe at certain people! That would not bother me in the slightest.

"I've given him the odd little kick in the past and it would certainly add a bit of spice to the occasion if Glenn plays for Spurs.

"There is nothing personal between us but we will both want to do well. It will be like the old days and once you have that badge on your shirt, then you want to win. There's no two ways about that!"

Case is still waiting to hear whether he has been picked to play for Southampton or Liverpool whose north-west heat is the following week.

He added: "You register to say you are interested and write down which clubs you are eligible to play for.

"It is the organsiers who then pick the teams. I have had no information through since I filled in the form but it must be due soon.

"I have played for Liverpool for the past two years but this is the first time Southampton have put a team in and I would be quite happy to turn out for them.

"It is a great tournament because you get to see a lot of your old pals and find out how they are doing and it is good for the spectators too.

"They love to see the famous names running around whether you are fat, thin or indifferent. And there is always a good family atmosphere there."

Saints have replaced relegated Wimbledon in the southern heat, one of six across the country in a competition being televised by Sky.

Games are eight minutes each-way with the ball continually in play making the action fast and furious with rolling substitutes essential.

The provisional Southampton line-up includes Phil Kite, Derek Statham, Case, Glenn Cockerill, Steve Wood, Kevin Moore, Ian Juryeff, David Puckett, Micky Adams and Michael Gilkes. Chris Nicholl is the likely manager.

It is subject to change and they could find themselves up against the likes of Anders Limpar, Liam Brady and former Southampton star Steve Williams for Arsenal.

Meanwhile Hoddle, John Scales, Clive Allen and Colin Calderwood have all registered for Spurs who are expected to be managed by John Gorman.

The other group features Chelsea, Charlton and West Ham whose line-up features another former Saint in Iain Dowie along with Tony Cottee and Frank McAvennie.

The top teams in each group meet in the final with the winers going through to the national final also at London Arena on Sunday September 2.

The holders are Nottingham Forest whose winning line-up featured current Saints caretaker boss Stuart Gray.

Tickets cost £12 for adults and £8 for children and can be booked on 020 7538 1212.