ON Wednesday, the Daily Echo published two pages of pictures from our memorable FA Cup win at Fratton Park 21 years ago.

The interesting thing to me was that, of the ten Saints players signed by me (Nick Holmes was a youngster on the books when I arrived in 1973), almost all of them were either free transfers (such as Mark Dennis), or youngsters who came through our system (such as Reuben Agboola, Steve Williams, Steve Moran and Danny Wallace).

It's always good to see what players from bygone days are up to in the present and while the present day top flight players, after a few years in the game, will probably have no financial worries whatsoever, everyone in that team has had to go out and make a new living for themselves.

Peter Shilton, in his recent autobiography, said he had five most enjoyable years at The Dell and he quoted that team as one of the best he had ever played in.

Pointing out that, while in some of my previous teams players such as legends Mick Channon, Kevin Keegan and Alan Ball shone, the '84 team had more success without any of these bigger names.

We went on, of course, to the semi-final of the cup and finished second in the league.

For me, of course, it was probably the fifth team I had built in my period as manager and, although second in the league, has to go down as one of the best achievements alongside winning the FA Cup. It was the style of play which we all enjoyed - one touch play, lots of movement and lots of goals.

The significant thing to me, looking at that whole team against Pompey, was the number of natural left-sided players, starting with Mark Dennis and Nick Holmes at the back, David Armstrong in midfield - probably the best in his position in the country at that time - and young Danny Wallace.

I always think the best teams play with plenty of width.