THE football results over the weekend – with Southampton FC scoring an emphatic victory over Aston Villa – mean that, barring a turn-up for the books, the club is likely to be playing in Europe next season.

True, the squad have to watch to see whether Arsenal beat Villa in the FA Cup final to ensure the Saints reach European football status, but the odds on a trip to the Continent seem good.

It is with this in mind the city should be also preparing for the 2015-16 season if it is to make the most of the valuable exposure such competition brings.

The Premier League may be the most watched tournament in the world, but for a team to be playing in European competition brings with it a certain cache.

In short, this is a tremendous opportunity for Southampton and Hampshire as a whole to make its play on the European stage.

And so it is to be hoped the various bodies charged with ensuring prosperity for the city region – the City Council, Hampshire Chamber, Associated British Ports, Future Southampton, Destination Southampton, to name but a few – are turning their thoughts to how best to ensure the most is made of Southampton FC’s foray into Europe.

Saints appear to have played their part; now it is up to others to follow their lead.

And, in the meantime, we can but just enjoy the last games of the season – and support Arsenal in the FA Cup Final of course (sorry Villa).