Southampton: What happened to 2002/03 FA Cup Quarter-Final side?

The Quarter-Finals of the FA Cup have arrived but Southampton will not be there after being knocked out in the Third-Round by Derby County.

An interesting line-up to the last eight of this years competition remains though with Watford and Manchester City through to the semi-finals. Ties between Wolves and Manchester United and Brighton and Millwall are also still to be played.

Southampton’s disappointing exit this year has seen them afforded more focus on the league, but they did have a successful run to the semi-finals last season whilst also battling relegation too.

The best run by a Saints side in the Premier League era was seen by Gordon Strachan’s side in 2002/03 as they reached the final in Cardiff but lost 1-0 to Arsenal.

That cup run included a 2-0 quarter-final win over Wolves as a strike from Chris Marsden and a Paul Butler own goal sent Strachan’s men to the last four. Below, we take a look at the Saints players from that day and where they went after leaving the club:

SOUTHAMPTON – MARCH 9: Matt Oakley of Southampton battles with Nathan Blake of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Marys Stadium, Southampton, on March 8, 2003. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) /

Next. Saints' Under-23s set for cup semi-final at St Mary's. dark

Starting 11

Antti Niemi, Goalkeeper

Became a fan favourite with Saints because of his ability to make crucial reflex saves, but left shortly after relegation from the Premier League. 115 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Most recently appeared back in 2014 as Goalkeeping Coach at Brighton.

Jason Dodd, Right-Back

With the club for 16 years and amassed 357 appearances as a reliable full-back. Returned to Saints with former teammate Paul WIlliams to coach Under-18s side but they were mysteriously sacked in 2014.

Currently the head of football at Winchester College.

Claus Lundekvam, Centre-Back

Became a cult hero with the club after 373 appearances and built a solid partnership with Svensson.

Suffered with injury and personal problems but now works as a pundit with Norwegian TV station TV2.

Michael Svensson, Centre-Back

Plagued by injuries that halted his progress but a class act on his day when playing for Saints. 83 appearances for the club in all.

Following retirement, has been manager of Halmstad’s Under-19s and is currently boss of Vinbergs IF in the Swedish Fourth Division.

Wayne Bridge, Left-Back

An often overlooked product of the Saints academy who went on to gain 36 caps for England.

Has since hit the the headlines after a certain rift with John Terry and appeared on I’m a Celebrity in 2016.

Matt Oakley, Central-Midfield

Another underrated academy product these days who spent 11 years with Saints before joining Derby County.

Was still playing for Exeter City back in 2017 at the age of 39.

Anders Svensson, Central-Midfield

Solid midfielder in his four years at St Mary’s, made 137 appearances and popped up with some important goals.

However, his legacy in Sweden is much more impressive after 314 games for Elfsborg and 147 international caps. Currently works for Elfsborg as a Scout.

Fabrice Fernandes, Right-Wing

97 games played but never made a significant impact on the South Coast.

Also had spells with Stade Rennais, Fulham, Dinamo Bucharest, Bolton Wanderers and Marseille.

Chris Marsden, Left-Wing

With Saints for five years and will be best remembered for his ‘Messi’ like goal away to Ipswich in 2001.

Left the club for a brief six month spell in South Korea.

James Beattie, Striker

Crucial for the club at this time. Netted 24 goals in the 2002/03 season and 68 in all for Saints before leaving for Everton.

Has since managed Accrington and been Garry Monk’s Assistant at Swansea, Leeds and now Birmingham City.

Brett Ormerod, Striker

Didn’t score anywhere near as much as Beattie but provided the perfect partner due to his endless running.

Retired from football in 2016 and has since opened a successful gym business.

Substitutes

Paul Jones, Goalkeeper

The second-choice goalkeeper in this squad but a very good one at that.

196 games for Saints and a very respectable 50 caps for Wales.

Danny Higginbotham, Centre-Back

103 appearances in three-and-a-half seasons with Saints and stayed with the club until 2005 relegation.

Now appears as pundit and analyst for SkySports among others.

Paul Williams, Centre-Back

42 appearances in two years with the club but returned to coach Under-18s with Jason Dodd.

Has since had a host of Assistant Manager roles with English clubs and with the England national youth setup, but is currently Manager of Norwich City Under-18s.

Kevin Davies, Striker

Two spells with Saints that yielded 109 appearances and 21 goals, but went on to have his most successful time with Bolton Wanderers.

Became manager of Southport last season but was sacked after six month in charge.

Jo Tessem, Midfielder

Six years with Saints and a decent 116 appearances to show for it.

Amazingly, Saints fans can still go and see him playing for Hythe and Dibden at the age of 47.

(Stats and information in article taken from transfermarkt.com and premierleagueheroes.com)