Southampton News

As we are sure you are aware, finding a place that provides daily updates on Southampton FC can be rather difficult. So, Transfer Tavern has created a brand new page to keep you up to speed with everything about your beloved Saints.

Tune back in everyday to catch all of the latest Southampton FC news, breaking headlines, features, gossip columns and more.

Southampton FC history

Southampton was originally founded by members of a local church in 1885. The club was first known as St Mary’s Young Men’s Association FC, which is quite a mouthful, and eventually changed its name to the one we are all familiar with today in 1896.

Soon after the First World War, the Saints were promoted from the Football League Third Division to the Second Division. However, following the Second World War, the Hampshire side were relegated back to the Third Division.

Under the guidance of new manager Ted Bates, they made a triumphant return to the Second Division in 1960 and gained entry to the Football League for the first time in their history in 1966.

The South Coast club spent 27 seasons in the English top tier from 1978 onwards and were founding members of the Premier League in its inauguration in 1992.

After suffering from financial problems at the turn of the century, Southampton dropped to League One. However, thanks to the takeover from the Liebherr family, the Saints returned to the top tier in 2012.
How many trophies have Southampton won?

Legendary manager Lawrie McMememy was at the helm when the Southern side picked up their most famous trophy to date. Despite still being in the Second Division, Southampton beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final in 1976, as a late goal from Bobby Stokes proved to be the vital matchwinner.

More recently, the Saints lifted the EFL trophy in 2010, thrashing Carlisle United 4-1 to collect their first piece of silverware since claiming the FA Cup trophy.

Southampton FC facts

St Mary’s Stadium has been their home since August 2001. Before St Mary’s was built, Southampton played all of their home games at The Dell between 1898 to 2001. The classic stadium suffered from several major fires over the years and became the first ground to have floodlights permanently installed in England in 1950.

Who are Southampton FC’s rivals?

Neighbours Portsmouth are the Saints’ fiercest rivals in what is commonly referred to as the South Coast derby. This ongoing feud was fuelled by Harry Redknapp’s move from Southampton to Pompey, which prompted a bitter war of words between the chairmen of both clubs.

Famous Southampton FC players

Guernsey-born midfielder Matt Le Tissier is largely synonymous with the club and is widely considered to be one of the most technically gifted English footballers to ever grace the game. ‘Le God’ remained a faithful servant to Southampton throughout his career before retiring in 2003.