ALL THE WORLD`S A STAGE...

So far, I`ve kept out of the furore surrounding the Wayne Bridge - John Terry saga, but as a Saints fan I feel a sense of loyalty towards Bridge, who spent his formative years in our Academy and went on to grace our first team before moving on to Chelsea. In any event, I`m pretty sure his decision not to put himself forward for selection by England Manager Fabio Capello is correct.

But what has been revealing is the manner in which his decision was made and announced. Wayne Bridge has come across as the quiet man, almost the silent victim in a game riddled with ridicule and contempt. Apart from Wayne himself, his ex girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel and their baby son, there are others on the stage including the now former England captain, John Terry, the injured Ashley Cole and his soon to be ex wife Cheryl. It`s a complicated plot and there are other extras in the cast such as Vanessa`s `spokesman,` Max Clifford, John Terry`s `spokesman,` Phil Hall, then there is Simon Cowell, reported to be in full support of Cheryl Cole and even Jose Mourinho, who is alleged to care about Ashley Cole, which surely stretches the boundaries of one`s imagination.

Of all the statements made and the media extravaganza that has filled our screens and newspapers these past few days, a curious mixture of opinions has emerged. Take Max Clifford, for example, "I really think that Wayne should think long and hard and reconsider. I think he`s letting himself down as well as his country." I should imagine Wayne is less than impressed to have been lectured on patriotism and personal responsibility by such a blatant opportunist.

But the only statement that has mattered has been the one made by Wayne Bridge himself. With football reduced to the status of a soap opera and wallowing in a cast list of charlatans, poseurs, arrogant prima donnas and misguided attention seekers, it is soberingly refreshing to see what Bridge really had to say. It was this: "It has always been an honour to play for England. However, after careful thought, I believe my position in the squad is now untenable and potentially divisive. Sadly, therefore, for the sake of the team and in order to avoid what will be inevitable distractions, I have decided not to put my name forward for selection."

And with those sensitive and considered words, he introduced a note of sanity and restraint into a situation which was not of his making. Football is a funny old game but while the Terrys and the Coles of this world continue to drag it down to their indefensible level, it takes a humble and patently decent man to provide some dignity and some hope for the future. The game owes Wayne Bridge a lot, not least its understanding and its respect.