The 90's

[Burnsie]

I forgot Chester Warren and Michael Stensgaard

[MarkSFC]

Doesn't it annoy everyone how Sky go on about "since the start of the premier league" like football never existed before 1992. It drives me nuts.

 

Yes

[Robsk II]

The nineties were my formative Saints years. I first went in the 80s but really remember the 90s as my Saints youth. Not yoof. Despite the multiple escapes, it was always a good laugh and while I know we had to move, I feel lucky that I'm not too young to have known the intimacy and history of the Dell.

[Mao Cap]

The "Mankbusters" t-shirts sold by Pirate Paul following our third victory against them at the Dell. Pretty much lived in it until I had a growth spurt at 15 and it became too small.

When we beat Villa 4-1 during one of those desperate April-time games, and they went on the pitch and pulled the Archers end goalposts down (and pwned the Saints blokes who went on to oppose them ).

The blue blanket of fag smoke hanging around under the Dell floodlights during night games.

Dave Beasant swapping dirty jokes with the crowd.

The always unbelievably tedious and crap games whenever we played QPR or Wednesday.

Away fans having a sing-song outside the Winston.

Getting knocked out of every cup going by Fulham during the latter part of the decade.

[lambertsrightleg]

the 90's.....

 

Ian Walkers dodgy curtains.

Michael Owen being world class

Kevin Davies being a young, agile striker with fast feet.

Dellhurst Park

Neil Shipperly, Gordon Watson, Franny Benali etc......all players I'd love to have back now

Lee Todd

 

and for me the best vthing about the 90's. Turning up to a game, supporting Saints and being the underdog. Applauding every header and tackle won and not moaning when we weren't 3-0 up at half time.

[Sour Mash]

Peter Reid

Patrick Colleter

Gordon Watson

Kevin Davies

Ian Andrews

Ken Monkou

Duncan Spedding

Ulrich van Gobbel

Neil Maddison

Frankie Bennett

Neil Shipperley

 

Good list that, Duncan Spedding! Chris Woods in goal? Steve Wood centre back? Paul Moody upfront?

[Sour Mash]

Good list that, Duncan Spedding! Chris Woods in goal? Steve Wood centre back? Paul Moody upfront?

 

Richard Dryden as well, with Graham Potter left back. Other class players such as David Lee, Perry Groves and Mark Draper should be commended for their contributions to Saints throughout the 90s!

[theyin]

early 80's were my time, best kit by far, running down Hill Lane, mostly away from marauding opponents, a disallowed overhead kick and too many semi finals for my liking

 

Ronny Rosenthal in the 90's shocker, being on tv behind Giggsy taking corners, blizzard on Valentines night against the scousers, leaving the ground before Horne smacked one in

 

being in Manc for the big one when we beat their behinds

[channonwindmill]

Standing on the Milton up at the back near a guy called Dennis (I think) who always used to bring his little boy along who stood on a beer crate up against one of the railings.

MLT's two wonder goals against Newcastle.

MlT's penalty miss against Forest, but the incredible goal he also scored in that game.

Beating Ipswich 4-3 with 3 goals in the last ten (or so) minutes.

Ken Monkou marking Ian Wright out of the game and making him look extremely ordinary.

Ronnie Ekelund

Grobelaar's penalty save against Shearer

 

I could go on...

[Sour Mash]

early 80's were my time, best kit by far, running down Hill Lane, mostly away from marauding opponents, a disallowed overhead kick and too many semi finals for my liking

 

Ronny Rosenthal in the 90's shocker, being on tv behind Giggsy taking corners, blizzard on Valentines night against the scousers, leaving the ground before Horne smacked one in

 

being in Manc for the big one when we beat their behinds

 

2-0 up at home at half time in the FA Cup replay to Spurs, going on to lose 6-2 after extra time, probably my low point of the 90s!

 

Barry Horne's two screamer's in the cup were a definite highlight, great cup run that was beating United on pens at Old Trafford, who said Branfoot was all bad?

[Sour Mash]

Standing on the Milton up at the back near a guy called Dennis (I think) who always used to bring his little boy along who stood on a beer crate up against one of the railings.

MLT's two wonder goals against Newcastle.

MlT's penalty miss against Forest, but the incredible goal he also scored in that game.

Beating Ipswich 4-3 with 3 goals in the last ten (or so) minutes.

Ken Monkou marking Ian Wright out of the game and making him look extremely ordinary.

Ronnie Ekelund

Grobelaar's penalty save against Shearer

 

I could go on...

 

To be fair Iain Wright always seemed to get plenty of goals against us (or that's how I remember it), can remember at least one if not more hatricks, used to hate him for it.

 

Good shout on Ekelund, although I'm never sure why he was hero worshipped so much, couple of quality performances in a good run of wins, but wasn't here long enough to really become established in my eyes.

 

Eyal Berkovic was absolute class for us when he was in the mood.

 

ALways remember Neil Heaney getting loads of stick from the lower east, yet another player who showed promise but never kicked on with his career!

[Special K]

It's funny how you remember specifics.

Beating the Geordies 3-1 after being 1 down with about 3 mins left.

David Hughes overhead kick to draw 2-2 up at QPR on a cold december night

Going absolutely mental after equalising against Blackburn (3-3) (i think, too drunk to really remeber) in a big relegation scrap at the Dell.

Still bang one out about Ekelunds goal away to Coventry when the interplay with Magilton was just like watching Brazil.

Monday night Qtr final FA cup away to Manure when Ships goal was disallowed. We payed brilliant that night and should have gone through.

Fighting up at Wimbledon away with some bored Palearse / Dons hybrid types.

Getting chased out of a geordie pub after MLT won us the game up there 1-0.

[channonwindmill]

To be fair Iain Wright always seemed to get plenty of goals against us (or that's how I remember it), can remember at least one if not more hatricks, used to hate him for it.

Good shout on Ekelund, although I'm never sure why he was hero worshipped so much, couple of quality performances in a good run of wins, but wasn't here long enough to really become established in my eyes.

 

Eyal Berkovic was absolute class for us when he was in the mood.

 

ALways remember Neil Heaney getting loads of stick from the lower east, yet another player who showed promise but never kicked on with his career!

 

Yeah, he did. I just have very strong memories of one particular game when Monkou didn't let him have a kick all afternoon and he (Wright) got very frustrated and arsey.

[Robsk II]

It's a good point that it was sort of fun being clear underdogs in virtualy every game. Winning was fantastic, and draws were usually a triumph for several seasons. And yes, every tackle, every header. Brilliant.

[The Mac Attack]

Most enjoyable game entertainment wise of the nineties for me was the 4-3 win against ipswich back in the 92/3 season. Three two up into injury time and some dross defending let in Chris Kiwomya, i think it was to poke home the equaliser. Cue saints going straight up the other end and scoring the winner, followed by 15000 people going nuts and me smashing my nine nine year old palm repeatedly onto the top of my dads bald and fairly shiney bonce.

[COMEONYOUREDS]

patrick colleter's son was a little ***** at school

[benjii]

The nineties were my formative Saints years. I first went in the 80s but really remember the 90s as my Saints youth. Not yoof. Despite the multiple escapes, it was always a good laugh and while I know we had to move, I feel lucky that I'm not too young to have known the intimacy and history of the Dell.

 

This echoes my thoughts exactly.

 

Yes, it was a shame to miss the early 80s successes and yes, we had a couple of rotten seasons, but what a laugh overall. So much fun.

 

Particular stand out memories are Matty against Newcastle, Liverpool at home with the orange ball, 6-3 v Man U, Matty's free-kick against Wimbledon, West Ham (?) at home when Mickey Evans headed the post and ball into the net, Villa fans in fancy dress invading the pitch, £3 pay on the day for league cup games, Marco Almeida(!), Cosimo Sarli(!), Franny, Doddsy, The Ugly Inside (despite the politics it was often pretty funny), The Polygon Hotel, On The March, "One Vision" by Queen, being able to say stuff to the linesman and knowing he could hear you, being able to say stuff to opposition players and knowing they could hear you (eg. David Beckham wedgie-mooney), leaving parents' evening early to go to a match...

 

ahh, great days!

[BJBSAINTS]

For me it has to be watching the most skillfull player of that generation week in week out.

 

Matty's wonder strikes against Newcastle (being behind the goal on the milton and seeing myself on sky!!), the genius strike against his old mate Timmy Flowers and celebration afterwards and the sublime chip vs manure.

 

First away trip to notarf krap for alan sh1tes testimonial and Dave Beasant coming out afterwards and telling jokes to us lot who were being kept behind as the blue few smashed their own place up!

 

Evening games at The Dell were always special and although there have been some moments at SMS the 90's era for me will always be remembered as good times.

[benjii]

How could I forgot Barry Horne's goas!?

 

It curved right, then left, then dipped, then rose a bit, then curled again...

 

Also, that cup match against Spurs. FFS.

[MK Saint]

Watching Gary Speed score a hat trick up at Goodsion 4 days shy of my 9th birthday, still full of optimism just weeks after the 6-3 triumph over United.

[Rory]

The 90s was a magical time. The Dell was always an awesome experience. Every time I saw the luscious pitch, the hairs on my neck stood on end.

 

This cannot be said about the St Mary's, but I guess the alcohol has something to do with numbing my senses.

 

Who remembers the Philips blimp above the ground when Sky were in town?

 

Craig Maskell is still kicking about in the lower tiers of English football.

[ivangolac]

Even taking into account the mighty MLT, there was more to cheer for Saints fans in the 80's, and generally more fun all round, than the 90's. I was obviously younger then so that might have an affect on my judgement.

 

I see those years spent in the 'smoke' were wasted on you .....

 

Although the football was worse , the rest of the 'experience' was much better than the 80's

[100%Red&White]

Although the 70s/early 80s gave me the best memories with Saints the 90s also provided some great days, particularly the Alan Ball era. Probably from the first days of (believe it or not) SISA, getting rid of Branfoot and the arrival of, one of my heroes, Bally. That first game away to Newcastle watching in the Hulse Road club, then the St Valentine's Day Massacre of Liverpool on a snowy night in front of the Sky cameras, Bally's first home game and Le Tiss setting off on his greatest ever period.

 

Being priviliged to watch Le Tiss throughout his career, culminating in that goal against the Arse at the Dell's final (one that mattered) game - although that one just crept into the 2000s of course.

[100%Red&White]

Although the 70s/early 80s gave me the best memories with Saints the 90s also provided some great days, particularly the Alan Ball era. Probably from the first days of (believe it or not) SISA, getting rid of Branfoot and the arrival of, one of my heroes, Bally. That first game away to Newcastle watching in the Hulse Road club, then the St Valentine's Day Massacre of Liverpool on a snowy night in front of the Sky cameras, Bally's first home game and Le Tiss setting off on his greatest ever period.

 

Being priviliged to watch Le Tiss throughout his career, culminating in that goal against the Arse at the Dell's final (one that mattered) game - although that one just crept into the 2000s of course.

 

And all those last day 'Great Escapes' were pretty good too!

[hypochondriac]

Happy days, Britpop and Le Tissier at his best.

 

And after all your my wonderwall;

 

 

Look at those two nobodys watching Matt only but dreaming for an ounce of his skill.

 

I have that in a picture frame!

[Lord Duckhunter]

One player who never gets a mention because he didn't really play too many games was Trond Soltvedt. Must have been around the end of the 90's. Never rated him at Cov, but he really surprised me when he turned up at The Dell.Mickey Evans was another one who I liked but didn't stay around too long.

[Seany S]

blizzard on Valentines night against the scousers

 

Ha ha I remember that one, the crowd started chanting "Orange ball, orange ball" to "'Ere We Go" when they switched to the, erm, orange ball.

[Sergei Gotsmanov]

Ha ha I remember that one, the crowd started chanting "Orange ball, orange ball" to "'Ere We Go" when they switched to the, erm, orange ball.

 

I thought the game would be called off when we were 4-0 up.

[TheCholulaKid]

Forest away - Mickey Evans scoring twice to virtually keep us up (and send them down I think) - quality away trip.

Swindon at home - 4-2 aet - Matty freekick in League Cup

Andy Ritchie/Roger Milford

Barry Horne v Bolton - can someone please post a clip?

Terracing

Norwich away in quarters - cheating **** Robert Fleck

Beating United on pens and getting lashed in Manc afterwards

Walking onto the terrace for a night game and seeing that vivid green pitch

5000 Saints fans singing Alan Ball's red and white army for 15 minutes solid prior to Matty popping in that freekick - last day of season at WHU - pitch invasion carnage

Matthew Le Tissier

Sitting in the Corner Post playing pool all afternoon instead of going to the game (cheese and onion rolls)

Convincing the steward my car needed moving and then going for a cheeky half time pint.

[70's Mike]

Mid 90's was when my going to football became a family thing, son born in 88 had his season ticket at the Dell from 94/95 season. strange to not be going with old mates and friends, but still many in the old boys area of the Chapel those in Block 20 could tell some stories of the old days

[dune]

Winning 5-4 away at Norwich.

 

I was there, and I have got the video of the game.

[Andy_Porter]

The highlight of the 90's for me was Dellhurst park, what a game/day/experience that was!

 

Other than the obvious things like Le Tissiers wonder goals, the games against United at the Dell, Magiltons double against the skates etc the one thing that stood out was quite how many players we had who would give everything they could for the shirt every single game, the effort put in was top notch and all Southampton was about at the time.

 

Just isn't the same since we left the Dell.

[Jonnyboy]

The "Mankbusters" t-shirts sold by Pirate Paul following our third victory against them at the Dell. Pretty much lived in it until I had a growth spurt at 15 and it became too small.

When we beat Villa 4-1 during one of those desperate April-time games, and they went on the pitch and pulled the Archers end goalposts down (and pwned the Saints blokes who went on to oppose them ).

The blue blanket of fag smoke hanging around under the Dell floodlights during night games.

Dave Beasant swapping dirty jokes with the crowd.

The always unbelievably tedious and crap games whenever we played QPR or Wednesday.

Away fans having a sing-song outside the Winston.

Getting knocked out of every cup going by Fulham during the latter part of the decade.

 

remember the villa game, the cvnts

[Denzil]

Brings a tear to my eye reading all this, St Marys sucks.

[bender]

What do you mean? I can only see one person in that picture.

 

chuckles. What annoys me is when they came out in a different kit for the 2nd half, they actually won that half 1 - 0 giving them fuel for their theory on the shirts.

[bender]

Greatest day had to be Dellhurst Park. Was in the line of the ball when MLT floated it in for JBT. Knew it was in as soon as it left his head.

[Redondo Saint]

Had my season tickets during the 90s and remember great times, even though the 80's produced better teams imo.

 

Remember the T shirts (The boys are back in town) when Ball and Lawrie came back for their first game after Branfoot.

[theyin]

chuckles. What annoys me is when they came out in a different kit for the 2nd half, they actually won that half 1 - 0 giving them fuel for their theory on the shirts.

 

one day I will get hold of the press conference footage from Old Trafford on the Monday. I reckon I can count myself as one of the only people to have ever stumped Fergie with a question.

[Breeny]

I'd agree, more consistently travel these days but the best away trips I've ever had were in the 70s/80s. The difference today is it's far easier to travel and unlike the 70s/80s it's relatively safe to do so now. As you mentioned it was very likely you would encounter trouble back then which put many of the more sensitive types off from travelling on a regular basis.

 

Saints could take away a great crowd one week and then, for no apparent reason, considerabley less the next. But big games, particularly in the cup, thousands could travel, many on the old football specials, we had 10k on the road on a number of occasions. When it was good it was fantastic!

 

Ipswich away was always huge !

[alehouseboys]

Ipswich away was always huge !

 

Can't remember it being particular huge but was a popular fixture...tho' not for the 'Warrens' that day as Millwall played Salisbury at the Dell in the FA Cup!

 

I think the Ipswich v Saints game was on MOTD as I can recall McMenemy praising the travelling support in the aftermatch interview...meanwhile back in Southampton the infamous 'Battle of the Warrens' was taking place.

 

A good night at Portman Road, last game of the season in Keegan's days, win needed to get into Europe. Won 3-2.

[Ian the Red]

Terry Hurlock!!!

[Denzil]

Kevin Gibbens getting chased out of Jumpin Jacks after insulting my brother's then girlfriend. Classic.

[Badvoc]

Awesome atmosphere at Carrow Road for the FA Cup QF against Norwich in March '92. Fantastic noise in the corner under the old away stand..

[dune]

Thinking about it Norwich and Ipswich always seem to be good away days on the p1ss.

[Right sider]

Wondering how Dowie managed to balance those albino slugs above his eyes for so long!

[rolosfc]

Definitely my era, first Saints game in the 90's and some fantastic memories from the family centre and then Milton Road end at The Dell.

 

Le Tiss, Magilton, Watson, Micky Evans, Pahars, Ostenstad, Berkovic, Dodd, Benali, Ecklund, Ali Dia! The list is endless.

 

Matty's goals against Newcastle, 3-1, 6-3 and 1-0 against Man Utd. Great Escape season in 98/99.

 

Those were the days

[sebastian firefly]

Even taking into account the mighty MLT, there was more to cheer for Saints fans in the 80's, and generally more fun all round, than the 90's. I was obviously younger then so that might have an affect on my judgement.

it was usually that last rum that affected your judgement

[david in sweden]

Was this your time?

 

If so talk about it.

 

 

well....the 90's ..and the 80's ...and the 70's ....and the 60's ..and EVEN a game in two in the 50's...

Not always fun, not always good results ..but Saints all the way.

 

Classic moments

 

..big time goalscorers; Reeves, George O'Brien, Ron Davies, Mick Channon, MacDougall and Boyer, and MLT...etc.

 

great goalies...Campbell Forsyth .(till he broke a leg 1967). Peter Shilton ..of course ... and later Antti Niemi.

 

Memorable players (other than those mentioned above).

Paine and Sydenham (naturally). Jimmy Gabriel - could (and did) play anywhere. Ivan Golac, Brian O'Neil, John McGrath, Peter Osgood, Nick Holmes (So'ton born, one-club man and team captain)...Marian Pahars...pity about the injury.

 

Unforgettable matches. Three FA Cup games against top flight Notts Forest (complete with England players) ..before we dumped them 5-0 in a second replay. Beating Derby County 6-4 at home ...with only NINE men. Slaughtering Wolves 9-3 in our 65-66 promotion season.

Beating Arsenal, Tottenham Liverpool and Chelsea at The Dell on a regular basis in the old Div.1.. winning 8-2 over Coventry.

Those wonderful home wins over Man utd...(even when they did have the right colour shirts on ) ...ALMOST winning the league title in 83-84 and just behind a floundering Liverpool side... and for the rest..there's too many memories.

 

still ... nice post !

Edited 22 October, 2010 by david in sweden