THE Daily Echo is celebrating Saints’ momentous FA Cup 1976 victory by releasing a special publication in celebration of the 40th anniversary of that famous day.

The glossy 84-page souvenir magazine contains a vast collection of never seen before pictures of that remarkable occasion, which reveals a candid new insight into the jubilant aftermath of Saints’ 1-0 win over Manchester United at Wembley.

The heroes of the day have had their say, with the likes of all-time Saints top-scorer Mick Channon giving a first-hand account of the cup run.

Channon talks in-depth about a sickness bug that swept the team and his hat-trick in the fifth round replay against West Bromwich Albion.

Hughie Fisher recalls his last-gasp goal in the third round that gave Saints a replay when all seemed lost against Aston Villa at The Dell, and David Peach tells all about that crucial penalty in the semi-final against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

Accompanying the players’ views is an exclusive foreword by then manager Lawrie McMenemy, which sets the scene for that legendary run to Wembley, which ended in glory with THAT goal by the late Bobby Stokes against United.

On top of all of that, fans have had their say with varying and colourful tales of the day.

  • The magazine will go on general sale from next Wednesday (April 20) in all local independent newsagents and is available on pre-order now.

For enquiries and to place orders as from today, please email sarah.reilly@dailyecho.co.uk

Daily Echo:

SAINTS fans are being encouraged to gather at Southampton’s Guildhall Square on May 1 for a 40th anniversary parade in celebration of the club’s famous 1976 FA Cup victory.

The actual open-top bus that carried the winning team on a victory tour around the city after the momentous 1-0 win over Manchester United at Wembley has been restored to its original condition.

It will now feature in a throwback event to partly replicate the fanfare that greeted Lawrie McMenemy’s side on that incredible day.

It will all take place before Saints take on Manchester City in the Premier League at 4.15pm at St Mary’s.

Supporters are asked to gather in Guildhall Square where the bus and all the surviving members of the 1976 team will be in place from 2.45pm.

They will then, at around 3.20pm, start the parade towards St Mary’s, see the route pictured and make their way along Marine Parade to the stadium with the Southampton Albion Band leading them.

“Get to Guildhall Square to see the boys,” said organiser Mike Osman. “It’s a huge opportunity for everyone to come and see Lawrie and all the players.

“Please come out and support the lads. It would be fantastic to see everyone.”

It is all a part of the 40-year celebrations.

The event victory parade is followed by a special show at the Mayflower theatre after Saints play City as well as golf day on April 27 and a gala dinner on April 29. 

  • Find out more by visiting thedaywewonthecup.com.