Southampton legend Rickie Lambert called time on a fairy tale career on Monday, after being released by Cardiff City.
Lambert worked his way up from the lower leagues playing for Macclesfield Town, Stockport County, Rochdale and Bristol Rovers, before being snapped up by Saints for just over £1m.
He played a huge role in Saints’ successive promotions in their rise to the Premier League, finishing top scorer in both seasons.
Lambert made 235 appearances for Saints in all competitions, scoring 117 goals, including 34/34 penalties for the club.
On the 8th August 2013, Lambert received his first England call-up, after impressive displays in the Premier League. He made his international debut against Scotland at Wembley, coming on to score the winner just two minutes and 43 seconds into his debut. He went on to make 11 appearances for his country, bagging three goals.
On his Saints departure, he had brief spells at boyhood club Liverpool, West Brom and Cardiff City before hanging up his boots.
I’ve picked out five of his best goals in Southampton colours…
