Who remembers the last time?

[Huffton]

It occured to me walking back from the game that I've never seen a Saints team promoted. I was born in 76 so last time I was stil in nappies. My Saints supporting life has basically been one big disappointment interspersed with the odd last day survival, cup final appearance and skate beating. Who remember what it was like last time?

[Toomer]

First time we got promoted we went up as runners up to Man City played them in our first game in the old Div 1 and drew 1-1.

[krissyboy31]

First time we got promoted we went up as runners up to Man City played them in our first game in the old Div 1 and drew 1-1.

 

Second time we were runners up to Bolton and played them in our first home game in the old Div 1. Also a 1-1 draw if I remember correctly.

[Saint Troy]

Had the same conversation with my girlfriend this afternoon (well i say conversation - she pretended to be interested!). I was born in 1980 and whilst weve seen some great times this would be my first promotion and feels very strange. I know its to be expected of the money weve spent etc but its so exciting and cant wait to go up and do the same next year!!!

[franny]

First time we got promoted we went up as runners up to Man City played them in our first game in the old Div 1 and drew 1-1.

 

My first game that day, still remember standing on the Archers and if I remember correctly our goal scored by Terry Paine. Lot of water under the bridge since then!

[BILLY]

Second time we were runners up to Bolton and played them in our first home game in the old Div 1. Also a 1-1 draw if I remember correctly.

 

That was my first ever Saints game!

[positivepete]

My first game that day, still remember standing on the Archers and if I remember correctly our goal scored by Terry Paine. Lot of water under the bridge since then!

 

My first game as well, I expect there are a few of still around whose first game that was!

[SuperMikey]

I've seen us relegated twice, but never promoted. Not a good record...

[Window Cleaner]

this will be my 4 th promotion although 1 was only about 5 in 59/60. Remember it well though, I was at Graham Sheen's birthday party (he of the bassoon fame, cos they lived round the corner) All the kids went wild even though we didn't really know what it was about, the parents seemed pleased so we were as well;

Edited 25 April, 2011 by Window Cleaner

[saints-cris]

No promotions, but 2 relegations.

 

Always been jealous of seeing teams dancing on the pitch with their fans going nuts. The thought of it being us makes it so exciting/(potentially) painful

[kpturner]

I remember the last promotion well. Got hit on the head by a blow up doll at Luton and got hit in the key by a lump of sugar on the coach home. We won 2-1 I think. We also stopped at some traffic lights and I said to my mate that the old lady outside the window looked just like my nan. As he looked around somebody gobbed a big greeny out of the window over her. Lovely days on Princess Summerbee coaches!

 

Then it was up to Orient to the 1-1 draw and we were up. Great night and a collapsed wall I think. Shame we couldn't beat Spurs at home to win the title.

[70's Mike]

Having to use all my experience of 2 promotion campaigns to keep 2 sons (23 and 16) feet on ground and easing the tension by pointing out one nil wins are good enough and rely on Brighton for nothing on Saturday, they still think the game against Spurs in 78 was fixed

[Window Cleaner]

Having to use all my experience of 2 promotion campaigns to keep 2 sons (23 and 16) feet on ground and easing the tension by pointing out one nil wins are good enough and rely on Brighton for nothing on Saturday' date=' they still think the game against Spurs in 78 was fixed[/quote']

 

It certainly looked fixed, awful awful game, wish I'd stayed in the Junction really.

[mcjwills]

2 promotions and 3 relegations, hope to level it up this year, was at Orient when we got a draw.

[70's Mike]

2 promotions and 3 relegations, hope to level it up this year, was at Orient when we got a draw.

 

both times?

[Under Weststand]

It seems similar to this year to me we had 4 clubs going for 3 places & it was so tight on the run in. The sheer volume of Saints away support in that last fortnight was Fabulous Fulham was great & Luton on the penultimate Saturday was the real turning point if I remember, looked like we were going to have to settle for a draw, but Bally won us pen 2-mins from the end & Peach smacked in the winner, which I believe with other results that day put us top & just needing that point at Orient for almost certain promotion. could just be the same on the penultimate weekend, if results go our way. Here's hoping.

[CanadaSaint]

Coincidence coming?

 

Was anyone else at Plymouth for the game in our successful run-in of 1965-66?

 

I'll always remember the 18-yard 'rocket' from Jimmy Melia that bounced about ten times before nestling in the net for the winner.

 

From there I think we went to Leyton Orient, where we pretty much clinched promotion.

[beatlesaint]

I remember the last promotion season very well, especially a game against Blackburn near the end of the season where we thumped them 5-0.

I was 11 back then so didnt worry so much about all the things that could go wrong like I am doing now !!!

[Saint137]

Just about remember 78. Have the programme at home. Boring game, the other team that went up was Bolton ISTR. As has been mentioned elsewhere recently Brighton thought it was a stitch up (which wouldn't surprise me - Germany and Austria did it in the World Cup)

[ericofarabia]

My first game as well, I expect there are a few of still around whose first game that was!

 

Cripes .... what a bunch of glory hunters we are .... twas mine as well !!!

 

I think a lot of of us owe a big thanks to our parents/ uncles/aunties/grandads etc who dragged us along back then when we were snotty nosed kids into a world that has been a lifetime roller coaster ride ever since!!!

 

They had to be there at the Milton Road turnstiles at 1 o clock to ensure us a good view of the game - what a sacrifice - 1hr 50 mins of boozing time wasted on us!!! God Bless'em all and thanks folks.

Edited 25 April, 2011 by ericofarabia

[kpturner]

Just about remember 78. Have the programme at home. Boring game, the other team that went up was Bolton ISTR. As has been mentioned elsewhere recently Brighton thought it was a stitch up (which wouldn't surprise me - Germany and Austria did it in the World Cup)

Apart from the fact that we had nothing to gain from a draw, and could be potentially champions with a win.

[ericofarabia]

Apart from the fact that we had nothing to gain from a draw, and could be potentially champions with a win.

 

I think unless there was a major shift in GD (did they use that back then or goals scored?) even a loss would have still seen us go up.

 

I could be wrong though - so to say we'd have preffered Spurts to go up is a bit of a fallacy as brighton would more than likely have been a candidate for relegation the next year and leave only 2 spots for us to worry about!!

[VectisSaint]

Well I'm in my mid 50s and really only have the one promotion to really remember. Being a glory hunter I really started supporting Saints only when we were in Div1, 66/67. Other than that its 77/78 only for me. Technically 2 others in my lifeltime but I have no memories of them at all, have to confess that I was a Spuds supporter before my Pompey supporting Dad took me to my first game. Still I don't want to tempt fate, we have not been promoted yet, old timers will remember well how we used to cock up promotion on a regular basis, with mutterings of how the Board did not want us to get promoted because they could not afford it. Was really hoping the Daggers could get a late equaliser today, it really isn't as clear cut as some would have us think.

[Islander]

Yes, I remember 78 - I went to Orient when the wall fell down. Was sitting opposite where it happened with my uncle who was an Orient fan and he starting moaning about us being vandals! Also saw the dreadful Spurs game which was just played out in the middle - if we had won Spurs may not have got promoted and the worry was that trouble would start (it was the 70's after all!). As it was both sets of fans were happy and the police and stewards were relieved. Fixed? Certainly appeared that way!

[70's Mike]

Cripes .... what a bunch of glory hunters we are .... twas mine as well !!!

 

I think a lot of of us owe a big thanks to our parents/ uncles/aunties/grandads etc who dragged us along back then when we were snotty nosed kids into a world that has been a lifetime roller coaster ride ever since!!!

 

They had to be there at the Milton Road turnstiles at 1 o clock to ensure us a good view of the game - what a sacrifice - 1hr 50 mins of boozing time wasted on us!!! God Bless'em all and thanks folks.

 

Echo those thoughts and also wonder if Kids today would be prepared to queue for an hour before turnstiles opened and then have to wait 2 hours until ko

[TheSaint75]

Just a thought but does anyone know if Brighton dislike spurs as much as us because of 'that' game?

I did see one of their fans spouting that a reason for disliking us still.

[rpb]

First time we got promoted we went up as runners up to Man City played them in our first game in the old Div 1 and drew 1-1.

 

First time we got promoted was in 1959/60 - Paine, Sydenham, Reeves, O'Brien, Clifton, Huxford, etc...

[Tom8558]

Went to Orient a couple of weeks ago, 33 years after the previous visit. The 77/78 season had a momentum about it. I seem to remember that we went third around Christmas, and spent the rest of the season catching up Spurs and Bolton. This season feels similar. Saints grinding out results without always playing at their best. Expect the same outcome as well- promotion.

[53andout]

Fulham on the Friday great night only 10 but remember some of it Then Luton I think it was Easter Saturday with me Dad Couldnt Make Orient but just remember being gathered round around a radio that evening Lots of ups and downs since then

[saintbag]

I remember running on the pitch from the West Stand after the final whistle against Spurs in 1978 and singing 'We all agree Southampton are magic are magic are magic' over and over in front of the Directors box. In those days pitch invasions seemed to be encouraged. The Spurs fans were kept at bay by the newly erected fencing at Archers Road although they did attempt to get at us by going out the exits and back in through the West Stand. All part of the fun.

[wightman35]

I have happy memories of 1960, when we last escaped from tier three. Fond memories of going to Dean Court to see Reeves, Paine, Sydenham and co beat Boscombe as they were known then! But, I am still haunted by the failed promotion bid of 48-49! Please dont count chickens just yet, boys.

[millbrooktonian]

77/78 luton away was my first away game and orient the second .\the wall collapsed also remeber freed dineage getting stick when commentating in the gantry above saints fans .H appy days side ;

[ericofarabia]

77/78 luton away was my first away game and orient the second .\the wall collapsed also remeber freed dineage getting stick when commentating in the gantry above saints fans .H appy days side ;

 

2 of my fav ever away games - esp Luton.

[ericofarabia]

I remember running on the pitch from the West Stand after the final whistle against Spurs in 1978 and singing 'We all agree Southampton are magic are magic are magic' over and over in front of the Directors box. In those days pitch invasions seemed to be encouraged. The Spurs fans were kept at bay by the newly erected fencing at Archers Road although they did attempt to get at us by going out the exits and back in through the West Stand. All part of the fun.

 

Plus breaking thru part of the newly erected fencing!! Maybe they came equipped with wire cutters for the great escape from Div 2 (old money)!!

[SNSUN]

Started "supporting" Saints in '89, though really only got into it around '94, so never seen a promotion, but witnessed two relegations, a cup win and a cup loss.

 

That's about to change, I'm 99% sure we will go up in second.

[John B]

I remember both promotions quite well going to Leyton Orient both times and watching the boring draw between Saints and Spurs in 1978 which got us promoted

 

I will be at St Mary's in May to see us get promoted against Walsall

 

I do have a vivid memory of the 1966 Div 1 game with Man City because in those days there was no crowd segregation and there we lots of Man City fans in with us at the Milton Road End.

 

 

For some reason half way through the game some of their fans got wound up put knuckle dusters on and told us to stop cheering for the Saints.

 

None of us had any experience of this and duly shut up

[Michelle]

It occured to me walking back from the game that I've never seen a Saints team promoted. I was born in 76 so last time I was stil in nappies. My Saints supporting life has basically been one big disappointment interspersed with the odd last day survival, cup final appearance and skate beating. Who remember what it was like last time?

 

Snap, born in '82. I can't even join in with the promotion songs!

[Gorgiesaint]

77/78 was the season I started supporting Saints, Brighton was my first ever away game & then the Orient game my second. Was about 20 yards away from the wall that collapsed. Being 8 at the time, there was never any stress about the run in, what a difference these days!!!

[hamster]

WS involved in a couple of Gills promotions (and relegations) as a youngster plus three more recently; away at Fulham, oldnwembley and new wembley, but with Saints this time around im feeling more like a little kid than when I was a little kid.

 

Absolutely immersed in it tbh.

 

Much as want this to happen I can't be alone in knowing I'll miss division 3, it's been brilliant and have seen some really memeorable games.

[derry]

Coincidence coming?

 

Was anyone else at Plymouth for the game in our successful run-in of 1965-66?

 

I'll always remember the 18-yard 'rocket' from Jimmy Melia that bounced about ten times before nestling in the net for the winner.

 

From there I think we went to Leyton Orient, where we pretty much clinched promotion.

 

I was Bill, I was on crutches after broken leg, Plymouth let me sit on the seats right on the touchline under the stand wall. Also LO.

[Ian the Red]

Was @ Orient in '78 when the draw there was more or less enough to get us promoted. Fantastic support there, Fred D was there covering the game for ITV and was suitably told what we thought of him. Plus the wall coming down at the end, was part of the surge forward to get onto the pitch when it collapsed, great night. Now onto London again to secure our promotion!!!

[mcjwills]

Was @ Orient in '78 when the draw there was more or less enough to get us promoted. Fantastic support there, Fred D was there covering the game for ITV and was suitably told what we thought of him. Plus the wall coming down at the end, was part of the surge forward to get onto the pitch when it collapsed, great night. Now onto London again to secure our promotion!!!

 

I thought the wall went down before the game started, I am sure the lad at work that broke his leg in the collapse missed the game.

[Panda]

I date back to the 59/60 season too! My first season as a 'real' supporter attending games in the Milton Chocoboxes - I had to make do with the football echo before that! I guess after all that time you take the ups and downs sort of in your stride. Relegation is still gut wrenching but life goes on and for ever relegation there is ALWAYS a promotion to follow one day. This year? Hope so but if not, there is always next ...

[franny]

I thought the wall went down before the game started, I am sure the lad at work that broke his leg in the collapse missed the game.

 

Yes I think you are correct, I can still remeber the sickening crack as the wall went. Very lucky thinking back no one was too badly injured - apart from your mate of course!

[Ohio Saint]

How many of us remember TWO consecutive promotions? Yes, I have a dream.

[Ian the Red]

Yes I think you are correct, I can still remeber the sickening crack as the wall went. Very lucky thinking back no one was too badly injured - apart from your mate of course!

 

No I know it was at the end of the game, towards the left hand end of the tearrace. At the final whistle we all moved down to try to get onto the pitch and the wall collapsed. About a 10 foot run came down and a few went over. Dont remember anyone getting injured, a few cuts and bruises. Definitely at the end of the game though.

[kpturner]

How many of us remember TWO consecutive promotions? Yes, I have a dream.

We haven't got the first one yet

[stanthemanfairoak]

First time we got promoted we went up as runners up to Man City played them in our first game in the old Div 1 and drew 1-1.

WE where their 1966 me boy.bit young for the 59/60 Edited 27 April, 2011 by stanthemanfairoak

[yorkie]

One hell of a night at Orient and the previous Saturday at Luton. I recall the wall going after the match due to the number of people trying to get on the pitch. There was definitely no one trying to get on the pitch to chase Spurs fans off! Our coach had windows done at Luton at a brick thru the windscreen on leaving Leyton. Still that didn't matter - more time in the pub whilst a replacement coach disptached.

It was the start of the glory years when Saints played football, attracted some great players and established themselves on a shoe string.

Then we went public - plc and shares issues.

Someone sold out and made loads of money.

The rest is history.

We've got a club back on the verge of something extremely exciting - back to back promotions (like Norwich) would be truly fantastic. But we have a 5-year plan - let's not spoil it!

[kalkansaint]

well, that reminds me too beacause I think that was the Easter that the home game was against Charlton and pretty much a must win. I remember Chivers loping up the right wing with Terry Paine busting a gut to keep up on a run down the middle, Chiv hit a low crosss and Terry went down on the deck to sweep it in for 2-1 I think ? --happy Dell days !

Think I feel the same now as then so COYS