060202 Evening News

HIS managerial career may have ended in ignominy but Franck Sauzee is to receive the ultimate tribute from self-confessed Hibee Irvine Welsh.

Quite what the great Frenchman will make of the honour is another matter. The Trainspotting author plans to dedicate his new book, the delicately-named Porno, to Sauzee.

Irvine revealed his plan yesterday at a buffet lunch held in Sauzee’s honour at the club he left in disgrace in February.

Welsh said: "Franck was class. I thought I was too old to have Hibs heroes but Franck had that greatness which this club has always aspired to.

"I am actually going to dedicate the book to him, along with about half a dozen others."

Actor Dougray Scott was also at the event organised by the Franck Sauzee Appreciation Society. He said: "Franck is just a genius, a legend. I hold him in the same esteem as people like the Famous Five of Hibs. That is the impression he has left in my heart."

Yesterday’s lunch was the first time Sauzee, a former European Cup winner, had returned to Easter Road since his sacking. More than 200 supporters queued for an hour inside the stadium to meet him.

Arguably one of the finest players to don the green and white jersey, Sauzee ended his glittering 18-year playing career in December to become manager after the departure of Alex McLeish to Rangers.

During that time the club only won one match and skirted with relegation.

Fans, however, still believed that their hero was removed too hastily from his post. He was replaced by Bobby Williamson.

Despite admitting his disappointment at the way his time at Easter Road ended, the 36-year-old declared that he had no regrets about the three years he spent at the club, hinting that he may consider returning to football in a coaching capacity.

"I am only looking forward now. It was an experience for me and a very good one. Today proves that. I am happy to see a lot of the fans again and I have been amazed and touched by how many letters I have received from them.

"People from the ages of eight to 80 have written to me. The things which happened were just football."