Lawrie McMenemy had now established the Saints as one of the biggest teams in England by the start of the 1980 – 1985 league campaign and the season proved to be a mighty success for the Saints as they embarked on their finest ever league campaign, finishing it off in sixth position. They also managed to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup however they suffered defeat against Everton after extra time in what was a great performance by the Saints.
Southampton enjoyed another fine campaign during the 1981 – 1982 season as they finished it off in seventh position. It was a campaign that was notable for the emergence of future England player; Mark Wright coming in to the Southampton side. The Saints put on another decent display during the 1982 -83 season in a 12th place finish. The 1983 - 1984 season has proven to be their finest ever league campaign to date as they were involved in the title race through out the season and went on to finish in second place in the top flight. In what was a great season, they also reached the semi finals of the FA Cup, however suffered a 1-0 defeat against Everton in the last four.
The 1984 – 1985 season proved to be the last one that saw Lawrie McMenemy in charge at the club as the Saints finished it off strongly in an impressive fifth place. Steve Moran was emerging himself as a fine player in football. Chris Nicholl took charge at Southampton at the end of the campaign.