IT’S the latest five-a-side footballing craze to sweep the country.

Now human table football is coming to Southampton as part of action-packed celebration of Saints’ 125th anniversary.

The city’s revamped Guildhall Square will next month play host to a World Cup style tournament of the huge inflatable version of the pub game.

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Remember the famouse Morecambe and Wise table football sketch?

The celebrations on Sunday, February 13 will also see Saints’ 1976 FA Cup winning manager Lawrie McMenemy unveil a unique sculpture commissioned by Southampton Solent University as a lasting tribute to the club’s glorious history.

Saints fans can join in the fun with four free team places up for grabs in a Daily Echo competition run in conjunction with the university.

Thirty-two teams will battle it out in a 50ft x 30ft inflatable arena, where players are strapped to poles mimicking the game that has been a feature of bars across the country for decades.

The competition, sponsored by city law firm Moore Blatch, will be run on a World Cup format with each of the teams guaranteed at least three group games before moving into the knock-out stages.

Trevor Thorne, the university’s marketing director, said: “It’s five minutes each half and the great thing is that all people need to play is their shirts, jeans and trainers.

“Mixed teams are positively encouraged, especially as there are no offsides to argue over! And provided you are over 18 and physically fit, you and your friends can be part of the action.”

He added: “To add a bit of spice an ex-Saints team will be representing the club’s honour.”

There will also be soccer skills coaching for youngsters and a screening of Saints greatest moments in the university’s Sir James Matthews building, which borders Guildhall Square.

The Saints sculpture, which will be unveiled by Big Lawrie himself and former Saints greats, will be put up on the site of the former Tyrrell and Green building, just off Guildhall Square.

Crafted out of sheet steel by Patrick Butler, of local firm Swansfield Engineering, it takes the form of a typical Saints team as they might line up for a photograph. The players represented are wearing a selection of the strips worn by the club over its 125-year history.

The sculpture, sponsored by Barratt Homes, was named “Saints for all Seasons” by lifelong Saints fan and Fair Oak electrician Melvyn Wiseman in a Daily Echo competition.

He said: “I’ve been a Saints fan for more than 45 years. Players and the different kits come and go but the Saints go marching on forever.”

Mr Thorne added: “The idea was to make the sculpture interactive. It depicts the Saints through the ages and fans will be able to sit on the bench and just relax, or have their photos taken in their Saints shirts as if they are part of the team.

“The sculpture will be a great addition to the city’s cultural area.”

The human table football tournament will be self funding thanks to the business community and sponsors.

WIN Four free human football team places

Want to become part of the action? The Daily Echo has teamed up with Southampton Solent University to offer four free team spaces in the Human Football tournament taking place in Guildhall Square on Sunday, February 13.

If you want to be in the hat to win one of the places for your team of five (plus a reserve if you wish) then simply send in the name of your squad plus a contact name, address and telephone number. All team members must be 18 or over and you can wear your kit but jeans and trainers will be fine (no boots required). Usual Daily Echo competition rules apply, for a complete set of rules visit dailyecho.co.uk and click on “Offers and Comps”. Send your entry to: Table Top Football Competition, Editor's Secretary, Southern Daily Echo, Newspaper House, Test Lane, redbridge. SO16 9JX. Closing date for entries is Friday, February 4.

For those wishing to pay to enter a team, the fee is £250 and more details are available from the contact details in the panel right.