WHAT made Matt Le Tissier so good at taking penalties is among the subjects covered in a a new book that shares the memories of 21 former Saints stars.

The beloved former creative midfielder turned TV pundit, who netted 47 of 48 penalty attempts during his glittering Saints career, is joined by FA Cup winning manager Lawrie McMenemy and honorary club president Terry Paine in Life Of A Saint.

John Sydenham, Francis Benali, James Beattie, Jos Hooiveld, Bill Beaney, Glenn Cockerill, Mike Earls, Jimmy Case, Paul Jones, Jason Dodd and Denis Hollywood are among those who also feature.

To be a Saint is an honour that very few of us will ever achieve, but it’s one so many of us grew up dreaming about. From pulling on those famous red and white stripes to walking out on that hallowed turf. So what does it really mean to be a Saint?

Life Of A Saint is full of tales and stories including everything from how it felt to lift the FA Cup at Wembley and what it was like for Danny Wallace and Reuben Agboola to make their debuts in the same game at Old Trafford.

The book aimed to interview a whole host of celebrated former players to ensure their stories are never forgotten.

The final chapter is a collection of memories from fans about The Dell, a place where so many of the players featured in the book played.

Life Of A Saint is written by TV and radio presenter Michael Kurn, a lifelong Saints fan, and the idea was born over coffee with Mike Thew, former Chairman of the Ex-Saints Association.

The author told the Daily Echo: “I had always wanted to write a book about Southampton, but I wasn’t sure what it was going to be about and then the idea appeared. Why don’t we document the stories of our heroes. Not all of them will get the chance to write an autobiography so why don’t I collect their stories all in one book so they are never forgotten.

“It’s been a real pleasure putting this book together. Having the chance to sit down with so many of my heroes has been unforgettable. All the players have been generous with their time and memories and I can’t wait for everyone to read the book. Mike Thew has been an incredible help in putting the book together and also the fans who are part of the book.”

This is the first book in a series and plans are already afoot for next year's release Life Of A Saint 76, which celebrates the FA Cup winning side of 1976.

A £3 donation from every book sold is being made to local causes including the Saints Foundation. For every book sold via pre-order an extra £1 is being donated to local food banks to help during the coronavirus pandemic.

Life Of A Saint is released on May 9, priced £9.99 and can be pre-ordered from lifeofasaint.co.uk