After Ryan Manning's decisive show against Wrexham yesterday, ex-fullback Nathaniel Clyne follows suit by lifting the Community Shield, proving the mettle of Southampton's backup fullbacks.
Like it or not, Saints fans, but more than boss Will Still, Ryan Manning's recent Wrexham show surprised us more in the face. And while the Englishman has got the latest addition excuse, the supporters appear to be the ones at fault, being ignorant of Manning's true potential.
Especially considering that Manning could have become the third-choice left-back, should the fans have been given the transfer authority not long ago.
Fighting back those doubts to deliver a match-winning show as a substitute, Manning deserves all the praise. But if the full-back couldn't have done more in a single game, Manning has become an inspiration with this performance.
That's because, taking a leaf out of the Irishman's comeback story as a backup, former full-back Nathaniel Clyne has got his hands on the inaugural trophy this season. Well, the only difference is that while Manning needed a free-kick to turn things around, Clyne earned his second medal in recent months simply from the bench.
Clyne clinches second trophy with Palace in exact replica fashion
Alike the previous FA Cup win against Man City, Nathaniel Clyne bagged another winners' trophy as Crystal Palace got the better of Liverpool in the Community Shield. And while a moment somewhat emotional for the former-Reds fullback, Clyne can hardly be unhappy with his Crystal Palace success, for now he has more trophies stacked with them than his Liverpool spell.
Well, notice the dots about Clyne gathering silverware against the previous two English champions? Definitely, the 34-year-old is surrounded by a sharply drilled team and an in-form gaffer.
So, this trophies vein of form can carry on in the Conference League too. There are ex-Southampton figures who have spread their hands around that trophy, and Clyne shouldn't be ruled out from practising the same.
Will he receive starting orders there, but who cares much if titles only ask Clyne to sit out for his turn at holding them aloft.