THEY are two of Saints’ most dedicated fans who have seen nearly every home game in the last half century despite the fact that, for most of that time, neither has lived within 50 miles of the ground.

Andrew, 60, and Matthew Carpenter, 57, estimate they have spent around £500k between them and clocked up hundreds of thousands of miles following their favourite team.

The brothers grew up in Frome, in Somerset, and their love for Saints began exactly 50 years ago today on September 9, 1967, when they watched a 1-1 draw with Leeds.

Their father had been a Saints fan since being stationed in Totton during the war and he was determined his sons would follow in his footsteps rather than support either of their local teams – Bristol Rovers or City.

The boys loved their first taste of league football so much that dad, Noel, took them to every home game thereafter – a 110-mile round trip each time. This included midweek games, school night or not.

“We would set off at about 10.30am so we could get to the Dell by midday so we would be first in the queue to get our places at the front by the wall next to the dugout,” said Andrew, who is now the chief executive of the Structural Timer Association.

“Dad made us boxes to stand on, which we took with us, so we could see.”

“For midweek matches we probably get back about 11pm. We would get fish and chips on the way home as a treat.”

As the pair grew up, their love of Southampton did not fade although Andrew’s attendance was restricted after he became a referee – he officiated at The Dell three times for reserve matches but when a back injury curtailed his career he was able to rejoin the ranks ofthe supporters.

Matthew, who pursued a successful a career in banking and insurance, moved to the east Midlands for his work but continued to attend every home game at the Dell and then St Mary’s as well as away games. Ironically his longest journeys were to home fixtures

When Saints were in League One Matthew was even Adam Lallana’s shirt sponsor.

His petrols bills have reduced dramatically in the last two years since he moved to Southampton.Andrew said the undoubted high

point was the 1976 cup win but that the most enjoyable football he had seen was under the recent regimes of Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman.

The brothers have passed on their love Saints to their families. Andrew’s son, three of Matthew’s sons and and two cousins are also regular Saints supporters.

To celebrate their 50th anniversary the brothers and ten other family members are enjoying corporate hospitality at the ground for the Watford game this afternoon.