Welcome!
Ladies and Gentlemen! I am more than aware I had said that my lower league story with Sutton United was to be my last on FM15, but regrettably, the gremlins of technology infiltrated my elaborate collection of backups etc to ensure that was brought to an end early, with the save (and 2 backups!) corrupted, leaving me without a savegame to pursue.
Now, however, I am pleased to present a new adventure in the footballing world. Following a similar layout and style to my Sutton United story; a layout which is easy to follow, concise and easy to write, while also being detailed on a month-by-month basis. These monthly updates will also be punctuated by news articles, and insight into the rest of the league and the larger footballing world.
Below, you will find an index of all the posts made throughout the story, for easy navigation. Each update will also include a link back to this index, as well as quick links to the previous and subsequent update from myself, to make the reading of the story as quick and coherent as possible.
So, armed with a rolling save system, and a cloud backup, I am pleased to announce that I will be taking control of a club with massive potential to become a major player within world football.
Club History: Southampton FC
Formed in 1855, Southampton’s roots can be traced back to members of the St. Mary’s Church Young Men’s Association, who played their football in various venues around Southampton before moving on a permanent basis to The Dell, where the club remained until 2001 and the move to St. Mary’s Stadium.
After the First World War, Southampton joined the newly formed Division 3 in 1920, and were promoted promptly to Division 2, where they remained for 31 years. Cup success wasn’t far off, with the club reaching the FA Cup semi-finals in 1925 and 1927 where they lost to Sheffield United and Arsenal respectively.
The proud run in Division 2 ended in 1953, where they remained until 1960, which was closely followed by another semi-final defeat, this time to Manchester United, in 1963.
The First Division wasn’t far away, with the club promoted, finally, in 1966, which was the start of an 8 year spell in the top league of English football, with a highest finish of 7th (68/69 season, and 70/71). These finishes saw them qualify for the Fairs Cup, and subsequently the UEFA Cup before relegation in 1974. Southampton’s first FA Cup win came in 1976, when they defeated Manchester United 1-0 to lift the trophy.
In 1992, Southampton were one of the founding members of the Premiership, and remained so until 2005, when they were relegated for the first time in 27 years.
Ongoing boardroom controversy saw the Saints almost facing a second successive relegation, but they survived, and continued to play in the Championship until 2009/10 when they were relegated to League One; playing in the 3rd tier of English football for the first time since 1960. Since then, the club have seen a resurgence of sorts, regaining their top-flight status in 2012.
In this tale, I will be looking to take the club far beyond any success they have experienced so far, and grow the club to be a major force in world football.
Honours (Since 1960)
FA Cup: 1976
Johnstone’s Paint Trophy: 2010
Club Records
Highest Attendance: 32,363 (v Coventry) - 28/04/2012
Highest Transfer Fee Paid: £13m (Dani Osvaldo - Roma)
Highest Transfer Fee Recieved: £31m (Luke Shaw - Manchester United)
Top League Goalscorer: Derek Reeves - 1960/61 (44)
Here goes nothing...
