The 1975 – 1976 campaign was arguably the finest in the history of Southampton FC despite only being a second division club. They reached the final of the FA cup, meeting Manchester united in the final and Lawrie McMenemy guided the club to a fine victory over the mighty Reds. It was a single goal scored by Bobby Stokes that defeated Manchester United in the final. The Saints also enjoyed a fine league campaign finishing the season off in sixth position.
The Saints enjoyed another decent FA cup run in 1977, reaching the fifth round of the competition, this time Manchester United gaining revenge on the club as the Saints were defeated 2-1. They also managed a respectable ninth position finish in the league.
The 1977 – 1978 campaign was another fine one for the Saints as they enjoyed a great season in the second division that ultimately resulted in as second place finish at the end of the year, in turn resulting in promotion in to the top flight.
Their first season back in the first division was a great one; they reached the league cup final for the first time, meeting Nottingham Forest in the final of the cup competition, suffering a 3-2 defeat in a thrilling encounter. They enjoyed a fine run in the FA Cup and a decent 14th position finish in the league.
They were outstanding in the first division during the 1979 – 1980 season as they finished the campaign off in eighth position. Chris Nicholl and Alan Ball both played for Southampton in the late 1970’s period.