SOUTHAMPTON

Southampton v Manchester United – 1976 FA Cup Final

For the second time in the 70’s, the F.A. Cup final witnessed another David versus Goliath contest, as Lawrie McMenemy’s second division Southampton faced the might of Tommy Docherty’s Manchester United beneath the twin towers, and just like 1972, Wembley would observe another Cup upset.

It was a day to cherish for all Saints fans, as they defied the formbooks to record one of the greatest days in the Club’s history and take the F.A. Cup home for the very first time.

United, as expected, began confidently, carving out the better opportunities of the first half. But a series of missed chances and fine saves from Turner in the Southampton goal kept the scoreline level, and as the match developed the Saints grew in confidence.

The deciding moment came with only seven minutes remaining, when Bobby Stokes, who had just missed an earlier opportunity, raced onto a superb through ball from McCalliog and placed his shot high past Stepney, to spark euphoric celebrations.

It was the start of a long hot summer and Southampton had clinched the F.A. Cup on an unforgettable May afternoon. So step back in time and enjoy this memorable final over again along with all the post-match reaction.

Southampton Football Newspaper Book.

Relive those glorious moments of your favourite team captured in newsprint.

From the early 20th century to the recent past, each book affords a unique perspective on your team or sport’s colourful history. They are not written by someone looking back in time, but by reporters who witnessed the games and events as they unfolded and in a language of the time.

Starting with coverage of Southampton’s 1908 win over Southern League champions QPR, this book charts a glorious history of great games and League and Cup titles through the decades of the 20th century.

Top stories include gaining promotion to Division 2 in 1922, and Division 1 in 1966, beating Portsmouth 4-0 in 1975 and Spurs 5-0 in 1985.

Read about Laurie Mc Menemy’s first game as Manager in 1973, the fantastic FA Cup triumph against Man Utd in 1976, the signing later that year of Alan Ball, Kevin Keegan in 1980, Peter Shilton in 1982, and Bruce Grobbelaar in 1995, Le Tissier’s farewell match in 2002 and much much more.

Newspaper coverage continues right up to the end of last season. A unique and wonderful gift and must have for all Southampton fans.