WHEN FOOTBALL WAS FOOTBALL: SOUTHAMPTON

From humble beginnings the rise and fall and rise again of Southampton FC has been a real rollercoaster ride. The early days were a success in the Southern League but two FA Cup Final defeats were heartbreakers. But the Ted Bates era of the 60s were halcyon days for the club and they were promoted to the top flight. But it was the 70s and 80s that really put Southampton on the map. That barmy May day in 1976 when Lawrie McMenemy's side beat the great Manchester United in the FA Cup Final is still the club's finest achievement. And the marquee signing of European Footballer of the Year Kevin Keegan from SV Hamburg in 1980 was one of the biggest transfer coups ever. And the second place Southampton achieved in Division One in 1983/84 remains the club's best ever league finish. But the dark days of relegation from the Premier League administration and a further relegation from the Championship cast a shadow over the club. This lovingly compiled book is a photographic celebration of Hampshire's greatest club drawing on the thousands of outstanding pictures contained within the Daily Mirror's huge archive. All the club's legendary figures from Wayman to Bates Paine McMenemy Ball Channon Keegan Shearer and Le Tissier are of course featured but this is much more than a visual record of famous names and great games. It provides a unique behind-the-scenes insight into the day-to-day atmosphere of a great club down the years. The nooks and crannies of the old intimate Dell and more recently their impressive St Mary's home the players the fans and the off-beat quirks and curiosities that help make Saints such a special club. Wonderfully nostalgic and hugely evocative a must for all Southampton fans.