Kevin Keegan is a name that often comes up when discussing the greats who have graced Southampton.

But who do you think deserves the title of the greatest Southampton player of all time? Cast your vote in our poll below or share your thoughts via email at greatest@dailymail.co.uk.

At Mail Sport, we’re on a quest, with your help, to uncover the greatest player in history for each of the 20 Premier League clubs. Today, we’re focusing on Southampton, a club known for its legends, from record-appearance holder Terry Paine to the extraordinary Matt Le Tissier.

Southampton’s football history took a memorable turn in 1976, when they clinched their only major trophy by stunning Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

Despite being a Second Division side at the time, their picturesque south coast location has always attracted top talent, and many local stars have chosen to stay.

Terry Paine: The Record Holder

Terry Paine stands out as the club’s all-time record appearance holder, featuring in an impressive 816 matches for Southampton between 1957 and 1974.

His talents were recognized by England manager Sir Alf Ramsey, and Paine earned 19 England caps. He was part of the 1966 World Cup squad, making an appearance in their opening win against Mexico before Ramsey’s tactical shift.

Paine’s accurate crosses were a boon for centre-forward Ron Davies, who was renowned for his heading ability.

Davies netted 153 times for Southampton between 1966 and 1973, a record still standing.

His remarkable achievement of 37 goals in the 1966/67 First Division season remains unbeaten, even by players like Erling Haaland. He also shared the Golden Boot with George Best the following year.

The 1976 FA Cup Triumph

The pinnacle of Southampton’s history came in 1976 with their unforgettable FA Cup victory.

Bobby Stokes scored the decisive goal, but the real standout of Lawrie McMenemy’s squad was Mick Channon.

Channon, who began his career at The Dell and made his debut as a teenager in 1966, was known for his dynamic play and memorable windmill goal celebration. He remains the club’s all-time top scorer with 222 goals, bridging different eras from the 1960s through to the early 1980s.

Keegan, Ball, and International Flair

McMenemy’s era also saw the arrival of big names like Kevin Keegan and Alan Ball. Keegan’s transfer from Hamburg was a significant moment in English football, while Ball, a World Cup winner at just 20, showed his quality during two stints at the club.

McMenemy was also known for his innovative signings, such as Yugoslav defender Ivan Golac, who joined in 1978 from Partizan Belgrade.

Golac’s technical skill and his ability to form strong partnerships with Ball and Channon made Southampton one of the most exciting teams of that period.

Homegrown Talent and Modern Stars

The 1980s brought local talent like Danny Wallace, who made his debut at 16 and played over 200 times for the club before his career was cut short by multiple sclerosis.

Despite the challenges, Southampton managed to stay in the top flight for 27 years until 2005, a remarkable feat given the competition and rising budgets in the Premier League.

Matt Le Tissier, known for his incredible skill, played a key role in Southampton’s success. His memorable goals, including a decisive one in the final match at The Dell, secured his place in the club’s history.

Although many top clubs sought him out, Le Tissier’s loyalty to Southampton made him a legend.

Key Players in Recent History

In recent years, players like Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert have made significant contributions.

Lallana’s skillful midfield play and Lambert’s goal-scoring prowess, including being named Championship Player of the Season in 2012, helped Southampton return to the Premier League. Both players have left a lasting impact on the club’s recent success.

To have your say on who is the greatest Southampton player, click the voting button or email us at greatest@dailymail.co.uk with your pick if they’re not on the list.

We’ll reveal the results of the greatest all-time players for all 20 Premier League clubs before the 2024/25 season kicks off.

TDPel Media

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn