Southampton FC

Southampton FC, the Saints, represent England's premier port city from their modern home at St. Mary's Stadium. Known for a strong footballing tradition and a celebrated academy that has produced a string of England internationals, Southampton have long been admired for developing talent that goes on to shine at bigger clubs. The Saints' south-coast identity and passionate local following give the club a distinct character even through the ups and downs of competing near the top of English football.

Founded in 1885 as St. Mary's Y.M.A., the club took the Southampton name in 1896 and became a Football League fixture after joining the Third Division in 1920. The Saints have never won an English top-flight title, with their best league finish coming as First Division runners-up in 1983-84. Southampton's proudest domestic moment came in 1976, when the Second Division club stunned Manchester United to win the FA Cup, a result still remembered as one of the great cup final upsets.