The history of Southampton Football Club has been sorely neglected over the years, not least by the club itself, last night saw a big change and the first real exhibition documenting it's rich past.

Every Saints fan should make the effort to attend the new exhibition on the club at the Sea City museum in the Civic Centre, it contains a fascinating display of artefacts and memorabelia covering the club's formation in 1885 right up to the present day.

From the moment you walk in past an old turnstile from the Dell you sense that at last the club's history is now documented and there to see, whether it is a shirt worn in the 19th century, or more modern history that the visitor themselves can remember.

Certainly it was enjoyed by all and if there was one downside it was that you felt that this exhibition was only a snapshot of the club and a larger more permanent display is needed.

That was touched upon by Matthew Le Tissier who said that in his speech to the man stood next to him Ralph Krueger and the Saints Chairman agreed, yes he was put on the spot and could hardly say anything else, but hopefully now it has been put in his mind and Krueger himself can see what it meant to those there on this opening evening, it is something the club might now consider.

Le God was not the only guest there of note, Lawrie McMenemy, Mick Channon, David Peach Wayne Bridge and oldest Saints player alive Arthur House who made his debut in 1940 were there from the past both near and far and they were joined by several of the first team squad.

It was not a night when you could take in the whole exhibition, there was not enough time for that, most I spoke to agreed that there were too many people there and that they would need to return when not only was it quieter, but when they had more time to stroll around and take in everything.

The exhibition officially opens today 29th March and will run until 28th October and is only £3.50 to get into for Adults and £2.50 for concessions

Photo: Action Images

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