Recollecting the events of Southampton’s 1995/96 Premier League season is a somewhat tricky, not to mention foggy, for me, given that I was one at the time. Scrolling back through the squad list to jog any possible semblance of memory (albeit a fairly useless exercise) or nugget of information from my father, my eyes immediately dart to the entirely infamous Matt Le Tissier, as well as Jason Dodd. Both names ring bells from late childhood, when frequenting St. Mary’s was an enjoyable pastime for a sporty young lady actively supporting Saints.
My most helpful, dogged friend, the internet, has aided me in my quest for further tidbits about the season that Saints avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth, or, the stitching of their socks. Before I proceed, I must add that it feels rather strange to speak of Saints so pejoratively, in light of their recent spell of fairly good, promising, top four fortune.
Saints earned themselves seventeenth place in the league in ’96, with joint 38 points tied to Coventry City at sixteenth, and Manchester City just below at eighteenth (please let the latter ring true this season once more – make them finish below). This happens to average at a point per game, with Saints narrowly avoiding relegation merely due to goal difference. On this count, Saints grasped a hefty seven points in favour of remaining in the league, waving farewell to City, QPR and Bolton Wanderers.
It appears their best position ranked fourteenth within the same league bid, so their general performance was completely lacklustre; but, with such a commanding, knowledgeable and intelligent boss as Ronald Koeman in charge now, perhaps it’s this season that stands somewhat anomalous.
Perhaps more baffling is how many teams have come and go, with City being quite alarmingly out of the competition, when they are such wealthy giants, both financially and in terms of hotshot players, nowadays.
After the carrot had been dangled at Alan Ball, Saints were left dismayed, seeking leadership from long-standing coach, David Merrington. This sudden change to the structure of the club could have been the crux of the issue for Saints, but somewhat ironic revenge came their way as Ball had been poached by City, who were well on the road to relegation. It was the two strong victories in the latter weeks for the side in stripes that earned them the boost they required to avoid the danger zone, and retain their spot in the Premier League.
Merrington was sacked the following year, with Saints reaching another not-so-glorious position on the table: sixteenth. Although, I suppose that’s one better. Relegation had somehow been evaded in a similar fashion, this instance with City nowhere to be seen, weapons ready in another division. Oh how times have changed; to witness a board were Chelsea and Leeds United circled around a similarly poor area. But oh how the table is similar, in peculiar ways; Saints and City eagerly grappling at one another to fight for the more desirable place.
Clearly much has altered within nearly ten years of feisty football; one thing that will remain identical about the Premier League as it progresses is its untameable ability to surprise, shock and entertain managers, players and fans alike.
For Saints, an echo of dancing on the cusp of relegation is often the norm. This was a fairly familiar notion whilst growing up. The James Beattie era gave some degree of hope, and last season and this will certainly fill many with glee and anticipation for a newfound successful south coast club, who make it to top four, instead of brushing the edge of demoted defeat.
Perhaps it was the knowledge of seasons such as 95/96 that led supporters to lessen their expectations for their home team? But now, they can be raised; tentatively, of course.
Back then, the squad comprised mostly English natives. Now, there are still many growing, budding English youths and players climbing the ranks of the same nationality, but they’re blending with many talented starlets from a wealth of different countries. This recipe seems to be cooking up a storm at St. Mary’s; perhaps had this been possible for Saints back in 95/96, relegation wouldn’t have appeared so tangible. Learning from others on the training field and pitch seems to pay dividends in football, and Saints sitting in third position is testament to this.
Le Tissier and Neil Shipperley were arguably Saints’ top goal scorers during their 95/96 campaign, but even these names were splattered unevenly and fairly sporadically about the match recap reports. Currently, Victor Wanyama and Nathaniel Clyne have had weeks randomly mirroring form of the sort, but neither is in the sole position of a forward to take charge in such a way. Shipperley was at the helm of this area for Saints back then, it appears, but his prowess was clearly not as dominant.
With my infancy in full swing during this period, some judgements cast might not match with those flicking through this piece that have a full visual account of the season still vivid in their minds. However, on paper, we can see the flaws and the massive differences which create what might resemble two entirely separate clubs. In a sense, this is true; almost ten years has passed since Saints were on the edge of the cliff, peering down into devastation. Now, they stand remarkably tall, still humble, and rather mighty.
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