Southampton made the bold move from their traditional red and white regular striped shirts to this iconic design in the summer of 1980. And to herald this change, the Saints – managed by the gregarious Geordie Lawrie McMenemy – began to develop from First Division also-rans to one of the leading club sides in England.
During this time, The Dell was called home by the likes of international stars Peter Shilton, Mick Mills, Mick Channon, Steve Williams, Danny Wallace, Mark Wright and, of course, Kevin Keegan – who swapped the glamour of the Bundesliga and European Cup with Hamburg for life on the south coast.
This Patrick-manufactured gem was sponsored by various companies during it’s use; probably most memorably by the IT and printing company Rank Xerox.
1983-84 would prove to be the peak for Southampton during this fabulous era. McMenemy guided them to the runners-up spot in the old First Division (finishing just three points behind champions Liverpool whom they beat 2-0 at home – see below) and an FA Cup semi-final where they lost to eventual winners Everton.
Classic Retro shirts now available from Campo Retro www.camporetro.com
