Southampton Football Club
Created | Updated Jan 23, 2019
Formed in 1885.Although they can trace their origins back to 1878 when Southampton Rangers were formed, by shipbuilders. The first match played as St Mary's was on 21/Nov/1885. This was on the 'backfield' of the County Cricket Ground, at Northlands Road. The first match was against Freemantle who lost 5 - 1. For the first few years of their existence St Mary's YMA (The YMA was dropped in 1888 as the club became known simply as St Mary's FC) played in a white shirt with a red sash. In 1889 Saints switched their kit to Red and White quarters, and changed their name to Southampton St Mary's in 1894. Saints competed in the inaugral season on the Southern Football Leage (1894-95) their kit being red and white halves. Over the next two years the Saints played their home matches near the Cowherds pub, on the Common. The Hampshire Football Association was formed and started the Hampshire Senior and Junior Cup. St Mary's entered the latter. On 26/Nov/1887 Saints played their first ever Cup tie to Totton played at Testwood.. In the next round they drew Petersfield, at home. As the Common was not suitable for Cup Ties St Mary's committee asked to use the Antlelope Ground, where they shared with The Pirates, a Rugby club. The visitors could only field 10 players, Saints won 10 0 and in the next round drew at home against Lymington, as The Pirates had a fixture the same day (21/01/1888) the match was played on the pitch at the Anchor Hotel, Redbridge. The match was won 4 0 but some of the Saints fans misbehaved and the owner of the ground demanded the receipts from the gate were handed to Royal South Hants Hospital. The remaining matches were all at the County Ground where Saints defeated Southampton Harriers 2 1 in a Final Replay.
The next recorded game at the Antelope Ground was 14/April/1888when Saints lost 3 0 to the Woolston works at an end of season friendly. During the summer of 1888 Saints tried to find a permament location. An application to play on Hogland Park was refused by the Town council. With picthes at the County ground and Antelope costing from £2 10s to £3 to rent the club was in dire need of a permanent home.
For the 1888-89 season Saints played most of their matches on the Common, more prestigious game were played at the County ground. After a 5 0 victory in the Hampshire Junior Cup first round over Havent in the Antelope Ground and a bye in round 2 round 3 gave Saints a home match with Fordingbridge Turks. This game was scheduled for 12 Jan. Saints had 4 players selected for the Hampshire FA game, Saints tried to have the game resceduled but the Turks refused. On the morning of the game no venue had been arranged but an agreement with Woolston Works side who were the tenants at the Antelope Ground. The Saints won 4 2 which led to a semi final game against Cowes,Saints won this game after three replays. The Final against Christchurch was played at Bar End Winchester Saints won 3 0. The crowd for the third round had been reported at 5,00. It was probably less than this but the level of support showed that football had become well established in Southampton
In the summer of 1889 Woolston Works folded, which gave Saints a clear claim to the Antelope Ground as their home ground with the Trojans Rugby club joint tenants. Having a pemanent home Saints could now claim to be the premier club in the town. Although Freemantle would continue this despite having a poorer record in the local cups.
In 1889 90 season Saints played their friendly games at the Antelope Ground as well as a third round match in the Hampshire Junior Cup. But the semi final and final were played at the County Ground with Saints defeating Lymington 2 0 in the final, thus winning the tournament for the third consecutive year, thus keeping the cup outright. the crowd at the County Ground was 2800 and the gate money (£51 3s 6d) was reported to be 'The largest ever taken in the two counties (Hants and Dorset) and beat the big 'gate at the Cowes match last year.
In the following year, the Saints continued to arrange friendly matches at the Antelope Ground inviting teams from further afield suffering defeats against teams such as Reading and Swindon Town. Having won the Junnior Cup outright, they now entered the Hampshire Senior Cup deafeating Geneva Cross from Netley Hospital 5-0 at the Antelope Ground where, on the 14/03/1891, they defeated a side from the Royal Engineers Aldershot 3-1 in front of a crowd numbering between 3,000 and 4,000 with a'gate' of £63. The season ended with the St Mary's club having a membership of 400 and a bank balance over £100.
The sucess in the local cup competitions prompted the club committee to enter a national tournament for the first time the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup they played Warmley near Bristol winning comfortably 4-1. The draw for the next round was a home match against Reading to be played on 24/10/1891. Two weeks before the tie at the Antelope Ground the Saints organised a friendly against the 93rd Highlanders, after which two memebers of the Highlanders side Jock Fleming and Sandy McMillan were signed by the Saints.
For the first FA Cup match to be staged in Southampton, the St Mary's committee pulled out the stops to make sure the Antelope Ground met the standards expected of a venue for the country's topp football tournament, although the local press complained of the poor facilities, not having a covered press box, and there were problems with the pitch markings. The crowd (estimated at 4,000) watched the match from behind a rope around the perimeter of the pitch. The wall and banks around the ground were crowded with spectators trying to get a better view, as were the windows of neighbouring houses. They were entertaind with a 7-0 victory with Fleming getting a hat trick. At the reception after the match, the Reading secretary asked for, and received, an advance of £3 on the share of the gate money. With this he immediately sent a telegram of protest accompanied by the necessary fee of 2 ginineas to the FA claiming Saints had illegally registered players in Fleming and McMillillan. The claim was upheld by the F.A, who found that the players had not been registered at least 28 days before the match, and Saints had not complied with rule 5 they were thus expelled from the competition.
In 1892/93, the Saints defeated Newbury 4-1 (Bob Kiddle scored a hat trick) in the First Qualifying Round played at the Antelope Ground. In the Second Qualifying Round they played Maidenhead United at the Antelope Ground on 29/Oct/1892 and suffered a 4-0 defeat apart from the Hampshire County cricket Club Charity Cup the previous April, this was the Saints first defeat in a cup match. Shortly before this match, the Saints had signed their first professional palyer, Jack Dollin, who was paid "a pound a week and given a job in the week", although his professional status was not revealed publicly at the time. Dollin only remained with Saints until the end of the season, before knee injuries caused him to revert to amateur status. Also Stoke came to the County Ground in April and won 8-0!
Before the start of the 1893/94 season, the Saints signed further players on professional terms including Jack Angus and Harry Offer who had previously played for Ardwick (later Man City) and Royal Arsenal respectively. In 1895 Saints finished third in the Southern Football league and they won the championship with an undeafeated 1896-97 campaign. This being the season the kit switched to the now familiar red and white stripes. in the season of 1898-99 the first match was played at the Dell against Brighton United winning 4-1
. Saints reached their first FA Cup final in 1900 losing 4-0 to Bury, at Crystal Palace. Two years later they made the Final again losing 2-1 to Sheffield united in a replay fter a 1-1 draw. Saints joined the newly formed Football League third division in 1920, and won promotion in 1921/22. Following WW2 , Saints nearly got promoted to the first Division in 1947/48, 48/49, and 49/50. missing out this last time on Goal Average . Relegation followed in 1952/53 before returning to the second division in 1960.They were in the Premier League. Where they were from when the Premier League was first formed. Sadly however they were eventually relegated, while Harry Redknapp was manager. Hopefully they can eventually regain Premier League status. Yet another relegation followed under Jan Poortliviet/
They used to play at 'The Dell' but for the past few years they have been in their new, and larger ground, St Mary's Stadium.
Their last apperance in the FA Cup was against Arsenal, at Cardiff where they lost 1.0. The only time they have won the FA Cup was 1st May 1976.
Where they started out as rank outsiders,going on to win the Cup 1.0 against Manchester United.
After many years of struggle to stay in the top flight, it is now hoped that with the new ground more money can come into the club. Which in turn will mean no more struggling against relegation.
Since I wrote the above Saints have fallen out of the Premier League to the Championship. Where at the moment they are in dire need of investment, and may even get relegated again. A New Manager has been appointed Nigel Pearson. It remains to be seen how good he may be. Nigel Pearson left at the end of the season, having kept Saints in the Championship he was replaced by Jan Poortvliet. I remain to be impressed by this appointment. Jan Poortvliet left, to be replaced by Mark Wotte. Who although better was not very good in my opinion.
Since the above Saints have gone down to League 1 (old 3). They were in administration, and as such have 10 point deduction going into the new season. They were taken over by Marcus Liebherr, a billionaire Swiss businessman. Who appointed Alan Pardew as Manager. Saints went on to win the Johnstones Paint Trophy season 2009/10 beating Carlisle 4-0. And almost gaining promption.
At the start of the new season Macus Liebherr passed away. The future of investment is still not known.
Season 2010/2011
Having lost one match, drawn a match and beating Bristol Rovers 4-0 (Away) Alan Pardew was sacked. Nicola Cortese also banned photographers from the ground. This lead the 'Sun' to refer to Saints as 'South Coast Club' refusing to publish any players names, or the crest in the paper. Saints then appointed Nigel Adkins as Manager from 14/09/10 Nigel Adkins, was formerly manager of Scunthorpe. The photographers ban having been lifted at around the same time.
A further catch up. Saints went on to come second in the First Division, and gained promotion to the Championship. With more or less the same team as last season. At the time of this update (30/11/11) Saints are top of the division, and hopefullly can go up again. But fingers crossed for that.
Season 2011/12
Saints having gained promotion to the Championship League (Old Div 2)
Spent the whole season in the top two. And at the end of the season were promoted yet again to the Premier League. Where they last played 7 years ago. By gaining promotion it has been reported that Saints gain £90 million in extra revenue. I think before the next season begins there needs to be a strengthing of the squad. I am sure Nigel Adkins, and nicola Cortese (Chairman) know this, and wiil take steps. the Training ground is being rebuilt, and the Liebherr family have cionverted the debt owing to them into shares. So more or less Saints are not in debt. Rumours are that Markus Liebherr's daughter was wanting to sell the club. With Saints now in the top flight they could be worth a lot of money. to end this section, I would like to say a 'thank you' to Nigel, the players, and the Liebherr family for all their efforts, after points deductions, relegations, we are finally back at the top. As and when needed I will update this section
18 January 2013. In a surprise move Southampton sacked Nigel Adkins, their most sucessful manager since World War 2. In his place they appointed Mauricio Pocettino former manager of Espanyol. Who sacked him when they were bottom of La Liga. I must say he better perfom or there will be much discontent from us supporters.
10 February 2014.
As a Further up-date Nicola Cortese left the club in January, which led to speculation that the Club was up for sale and Pocettino leaving, with players being sold off quickly. However Katherina Leibherr the owner of the club gave a statement and Pocettino stayed, no players were sold. However due to a training ground dispute Dani Osvaldo was sent to Juventus on loan, with options to buy.
To catch up again at the end of season 2013/14 Pochettino left to join Spurs. Then many clubs put in requests for our players. Leaving due to this were Lallana, Lovern to Liverpool. Shaw to Manchester United. Chambers to Arsenal. But a new manager came In Ronald Koeman and rebuilt the team persuading Schneider to stay and to date (14:10:14) The team has out performed expectations
18 June 2016 To catch up. Ronald Koeman has left Southampton FC.It was reported that he was offered the highest salary of any Saints boaa, and a two year extension to his contract. Koeman left for holiday with his agent telling him to accept the offer. While away he sacked the Agent, appointed another. Who had an offer for Koeman to go to Everton, for £6 million a year.
Koeman has said he was beeing forced to sign an extension of his contract by Saints, and he only wanted a year contract. Which he said is normal in Holland. However it should be noted that he signed a 3 year contract at Everton. Everton are not in Europe and finished 11th in the league, whereas Saints funished 6th and are in Europe.
01 July 2016
Claude Puel has been appointd manager of southampton FC. See wikipedia write up about him.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Puelhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Puel
25/06/17: following what many thought a disappointing season (EPL cup Final appearance. 8th in the league!) Claude Puel was sacked, on Friday 23/6/17 Southampton announced their new manager: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauricio_Pellegrino Following a disappointing season Mauricio Pellegrino was sacked on 12/03/18. This is far too late. He was replaced my Mark hughes who has been sacked at every club he's managed. . We're in trouble1
14/08/17: Today Southampton FC 'taken over' by Chinese investor who owns 80% of the club:
Letter from K Liebherr of today's date:
Hi Saints 76 I am pleased to confirm that talks to bring in a new partner to our club have been concluded. Following extensive and fruitful work, we are entering into a partnership with the Gao family and I am excited about what we will achieve together. Today is the start of a new and exciting chapter for our club. Mr Jisheng Gao and his daughter, Mrs Nelly Gao, with whom I have built a close relationship, share our values and ambitions. As a team, we will strive to build upon the strong foundation that is in place towards sustainable long-term success. Mr Gao, Nelly and I have full trust in Ralph Krueger and his management team. We wholeheartedly support their plans to follow the Southampton Way in the years ahead. But for now it is business as usual at Southampton Football Club and we must allow everyone at the club to focus on the first few weeks of the new season. I would like to thank the passionate supporters of the club for their ongoing loyalty and faith, and I look forward to seeing you soon at St Mary's. We March On. Katharina Liebherr |
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Some Famous players to have played at the club include: Alf Ramsey,
Kevin Keegan,Alan Shearer, Alan Ball, Mick Channon, Terry Paine, Garath Bale, Theo Walcott,
to
The most famous and influential player in my opinion was Matthew Le Tissier. Who is still revered to this day by most Southampton Fans.
To read more I have written some of the History of the club on Conversations, also trying to keep up to date with games played and other things to do with the club.
For more information reference Saints history go to:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Southampton_F.C._seasons
For every game played by Saints, with results and players go to: http://www.11v11.com/teams/southampton/tab/matches/season/1903
For a video with some old players and scenes from the Dell, click on;
https://youtu.be/C_i7zDI75Jk?list=PLvjIfJUd4cZPLmz1SlZ9XmhTpxJgO6zT5
Jan 23 2019.
Having avoided relegation after M hughes appointed, he was given a 5 year contrct, however in Dec 2018, after dismal start to season Hughes was sacked, Les Reed gone too.Thenew manager is
Ralph Hasenhüttl
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Hasenhüttlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Hasenhüttl