It was a run for Saints fans to cherish, and a day out at Wembley to remember, but overall it just wasn’t quite to be.
Fifty years on from their FA Cup win of 1976, Southampton made it to the semi-final stage, beating two Premier League sides along the way, before being halted by Manchester City.
While Tonda Eckert’s side didn’t quite make it all the way, they truly honoured the class of ‘76, and offered a look into the club’s future - if all goes to plan.
A run to be proud of
The beginning of Southampton’s FA Cup journey coincided with the debut of goalkeeper Daniel Peretz in a 3-2 win at Doncaster Rovers.
Between the signing of Peretz and the cup semi-final clash with Manchester City, the Saints had lost just once in 21 games.
And it has been no coincidence that Peretz has come in and made such an impact. All the stars have aligned as far as Saints are concerned, with them picking up a season-changing vein of form.
Southampton then visited Craven Cottage, where they met Premier League outfit Fulham in the fifth round. A late Ross Stewart penalty sent them through to the quarter-finals, and deservedly so.
When a quarter-final meeting with Arsenal was drawn out of the hat, a team that was chasing the ‘quadruple’ at the time, most of the footballing world thought Southampton’s run was going to come to an end.
But not Tonda Eckert, who claimed he had found ways to exploit the then Premier League leaders. An exceptional display saw the Saints win the game late on once again, with a Shea Charles strike sinking Mikel Arteta’s Gunners in front of a raucous St Mary’s crowd.
Wembley didn’t quite leave the same satisfactory feeling, but Southampton have really made it a year to remember, and can have confidence that they are heading in the right direction.
A glimpse into the future
Three games against Premier League opposition, and three spirited performances, going toe to toe with them have been produced. That’s the good news Southampton can take out of this FA Cup run into the future.
It has been five years since this was last a reality for the club, and it’s a position they must get themselves into once again.
For a significant period, they’ve been on the receiving end of torrid affairs, especially last time out in the top flight in 2024/25. Tonda Eckert is galvanising a group and setting them up to compete with anyone on their day.
That’s why the remaining games of the season are going to be absolutely crucial - Southampton must win promotion to the Premier League, to ensure they keep hold of their exciting young manager and best players.
Eckert is providing a blueprint for the Saints to follow - promotion is their next natural step.
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