1976 - The 40th Anniversary Thread

I remember on one of TV coverage programmes that the commentator kept saying David Page instead of David Peach. I also remember the second guy saying "I am going to sit on the fence and plump for a draw", and then as they say the rest is history.

 

Tony Knapp was Knappy!

 

I was at University in Norwich and I had a mate who was a Bradford supporter. He had an old Mini so on the day of the game we set off together. The Mini broke down about 2 miles later so we never got there!

 

Sorry to nick Whiteley Saint's job, but she's obviously elsewhere today. In her absence, here's the the semi-final video:

Nice to see Paul Gilchrist giving his thoughts. And Peachie talking about his penalties. Like Rickie, he never missed.

 

Yep. Mel Blyth was the one I had trouble with because he was as big as Jim Steele way back. Just shows what age can do. Steely looks as if he could still turn out for a pub team. Also looks as though he may be Ally McCoist's cousin.

 

Just made the old guys look a little healthier and less cold :

 

Nice little article on the beeb...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36145080

 

Notice that Portsmouth people weren't terribly bothered that Stokesy played for Saints.? Just shows there wasn't much of an issue between the club and rival supporters as recently as 1976. Seemed to kick off in the 1980s, when some give dockside reasons that it all started as far back as the 1950s and even the 30s. Total rot, imo. They've attached real events to give the hatred some credibility.

 

Couple of mystery guests will be at the Mayflower on Sunday night that those attending will enjoy.
Should be a very good night.

 

Hugh and Jim! Lovely chaps. Hugh especially, from my experience.

 

It's great the club and the city are really celebrating it this year and marking the event for the players.
Not wishing to sound morbid, but in 10 years time there might not be as many to enjoy it.

Also, I've never seen the post match celebrations from the semi final before. Great scenes...anyone here go to that game?

 

Yep, I was at The Bridge, great day, great atmosphere. Hughie Fisher declared himself un-fit before the game, hence Paul Gilchrist coming into the team.
I remember Palace manager Malcolm Allison mouthing off before the game about how they were going to win 3 or 4 nill and on the day he wore an enormous fedora hat [which now resides in Mel Blyth's attic].
Also remember the monster hangover the following day.

 

I'm so excited for tomorrow. Off to the attic now.

 

Ok a bit battered and torn but the following is parts of the Echo from 76, including the centre pages Cup Special pull out

 

Look closely at the left hand one here and zoom in, you'll see that banner: YELLOW AND BLUE VERSUS MANCHESTER WHO

Whoever did that is genius. Anyone know?

 

I've just spent a happy hour reading this thread and basking in nostalgia. I've been a Saints fan all my life but the only period where I went to most games was in the mid-70s. I was 16 in 1976. I consider myself very lucky to have enjoyed the proudest moment in our history at first hand.
I was there at the Dell when Hughie delivered that last minute reprieve, and when Bobby Stokes knocked in that brilliant through ball.
I was there on the Sunday, following the bus around the city, and cheering the team when they appeared on the Civic Centre balcony.
I was there for Mick Channon's testimonial - is it still the only time Saints wore their away strip at the Dell?
I still have the Cup Final program, signed by Mick (bought in his Sports shop).

Thanks to everyone for the brilliant memories. Just wish I could be there for the procession tomorrow.!