- 1885
- 1976
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St Mary’s Renamed to Southampton FC in 1885
For the start of their League career, Saints signed several new players on professional contracts, including Charles Baker, Alf Littlehales, and Lachie Thomson from Stoke and Fred Hollands from Millwall. After winning the Southern League title in 1896 – 1997, the club became a limited company and was renamed Southampton F.C. Southampton won the Southern League championship for three years ... -
The Saints Win FA Cup in 1976
Under McMenemy’s management, Saints started to rebuild in the Second Division, capturing players such as Peter Osgood, Jim McCalliog, Jim Steele, and Peter Rodrigues (captain) and in 1976, Southampton reached the FA Cup Final, playing Manchester United at Wembley, and beat much-fancied United 1–0 with a goal from Bobby Stokes.
Their home ground since 2001 has been St Mary's Stadium, before which they were based at The Dell. The club has been nicknamed "The Saints" since its inception in 1885 due to its history as a church football team, founded as St. Mary's Church of England Young Men's Association, and play in red and white shirts. Southampton has a long-standing rivalry with Portsmouth due to its proximity and both cities' respective maritime history. Matches between the two sides are known as the South Coast derby.
Founded
1885
Location
Southampton, Hampshire
Team History
1897 - Present / Southampton Football Club
1894 - 1897 / Southampton St. Mary's
1888 - 1894 / St. Mary's Football Club
1885 - 1888 / St. Mary's Young Men's Association Football Club
Nickname
The Saints
Southampton’s nickname also pays close attention to their roots. The team was founded in 1885 by the young men at St Mary’s Church – and to this day they are known as "The Saints." The church is still standing and is only a few minutes’ walk from the ground.
Championships
Premier League / 0
FA Cup / 1
1976
Premier League - FA Cup Double / 0
Stadium
2001 - Present / St Mary's Stadium
1898 - 2001 / Dell
1896 - 1898 / County Cricket Ground
1886 - 1896 / Antelope Cricket Ground
1885 - 1886 / The Common
Current Owner
2017 - Present / Lander Sports Investment
*Blue is this team’s history