Is the Itchen Bridge going to be renamed after Lawrie McMenemy?

The move comes ahead of the 50th anniversary of second-division Southampton defeating the might of Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley Stadium after a Bobby Stokes goal.

To celebrate the anniversary, one Southampton fan has made a presentation to Court Leet – an annual tribunal where residents can make suggestions to Southampton City Council – asking for the Itchen Bridge to be renamed after former Saitns manager Lawrie.

Standing before a jury in the council chambers on Tuesday morning, Nick Illingsworth told the Sheriff of Southampton: “As a born and bred Sotonian, I wish that the Itchen Bridge be changed in name, to either The Lawrie McMenemy Bridge or The Lawrie McMenemy Itchen Bridge.

“Lawrie McMenemy arrived in Southampton in 1973 to manage Southampton Football Club, since then he has not only put the football club on the map by winning the FA Cup, but also the city itself.”

He added: “Renaming the Itchen Bridge in his honour would make an apt tribute to his legacy, in that it not only overlooks Saints’ current home at St Mary’s, but it overlooks St Mary’s Church, the birthplace of the club in 1885.”

In 12 seasons as Southampton manager, McMenemy not only won the FA Cup, but also recorded a club-record finish of second in the First Division (now Premier League) in 1984.

READ MORE: Itchen Bridge lights - Court Leet hears bid from Southampton FC fan

Reacting to the news, Mr McMenemy told the Echo: “It’s quite a surprise. It’s very kind of the supporter, especially if he’s a big Saints fan.

“I’m just pleased that people remember the final, they don’t have to rename the bridge after me as long as people remember the final!

“It’s really touching – I was manager of the club for a long time and was involved with the club for many years after that – it’s nice to have had a positive impact on the people in the city that’s close to my heart.”

The proposal comes after taxi driver Perry McMillan requested the council change the lights on the Itchen Bridge from blue to red and white, to which the former Saints manager quipped: “Well, I can understand that!”

Speaking to the Echo, Mr Illingsworth added: “Lawrie McMenemy built on the foundations of the football club that started with his predecessor, Ted Bates.

“It’s only right that he is honoured in some way.”

Former Saints player Franny Benali was signed by McMenemy as 14-year-old schoolboy and told the Echo the proposal would be a ‘fitting tribute’ to his former manager.

He said: “We’re coming up to the big anniversary of our only FA Cup win and it would be a fitting tribute, particularly with such a big landmark in our city.

“Lawrie signed me as a schoolboy and spoke to my mum on the doorstep of our house in Southampton, telling us the club would be the best place for me – not that I needed much convincing!

“It’s those little things and his time for people that make a huge difference as well.”

A response to the two bids is due around November.