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
- 1885
- 1976
- 2001
- 2003
- 2012
- 2020
-
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. -
Southampton moved to their new home, St Mary’s Stadium
2001–02: Southampton moved to their new home, St Mary’s Stadium, after 103 years at The Dell. They finished 11th in the Premier League under manager Gordon Strachan, who took over from Stuart Gray in October 2001. They were eliminated from both cup competitions in the third round, losing to Rotherham United and Blackburn Rovers. -
Southampton reached FA Cup final
2002–03: Southampton achieved their highest Premier League finish of eighth place, and also reached their first FA Cup final since 1976, losing 1–0 to Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium. They were knocked out of the League Cup in the fourth round by Manchester City. James Beattie was their top scorer with 23 goals in all competitions. -
Southampton clinch promotion to Premier League
In 2012: Southampton achieved back-to-back promotions, finishing second in the Championship and returning to the Premier League after seven years. They reached the fourth round of both cup competitions, losing to Millwall and Crystal Palace. Rickie Lambert was their top scorer with 31 goals in all competitions. -
Stuart Armstrong – President’s Choice Award
Stuart Armstrong: The Scottish midfielder was a versatile and creative player for Southampton, playing in various positions across the midfield and attack. He scored 19 goals and provided 15 assists in 169 appearances in all competitions. He won the President’s Choice Award in 2019–20.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Southampton FC
Southampton FC is an English professional football club based in Southampton, Hampshire. The team plays its home games at St Mary's Stadium and competes in the Premier League. Founded as a church-affiliated sports team in 1885, Southampton has grown to become one of the most successful clubs within England’s top-flight competition over recent years.
The Saints have had a long and illustrious history since their formation 135 years ago. It has seen them compete for major honors domestically and abroad on numerous occasions throughout their tenure as members of the Football League system - including two FA Cup finals appearances (in 1900 & 1902). They were also founding members of Division Three South when it was formed in 1920, before being promoted to Division Two three times between 1921-1931; they eventually earned promotion into Division One following another third-place finish during the season 1931/32 campaign.
Since then, they have enjoyed several spells competing amongst Europe’s elite, having achieved promotion into the Premier League four times – with each spell lasting longer than any previous incarnation except for that first foray which lasted just one season! Their most successful period came during 2016/17 when they finished sixth overall – equalling their highest-ever league position achieved by finishing eighth during the 2003/04 campaign under Gordon Strachan’s management reign at St Mary's Stadium. This meant that not only did ‘the saints' qualify for the Europa League but also secured themselves a spot amongst Europe's finest teams again after more than 15 years of absence from the continental competition!
Overall though, despite some difficult periods along the way, Southampton has established itself within the upper echelons of the English football hierarchy over the past few decades or so thanks mainly to due efforts of players and staff alike who continue to strive for excellence every matchday to ensure success continues well future too!
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