DESPITE hundreds of games for Saints, they had never played on a pitch like it.

A team of ex-Southampton FC stars pulled on the famous red and white stripes again to take part in a human table football contest to help celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary.

Former heroes Jimmy Case, Paul Jones, David Howells, Steve Baker and Nicky Banger were in the side who took on seven other teams on an inflatable pitch in Guildhall Square watched by scores of people sheltering under umbrellas from the rain and wind.

Sadly the former players could not recreate the magic of 1976, when Saints lifted the FA Cup at Wembley, and the knockout competition was won by public relations firm Lee Peck Group with a 3-1 victory over We Are Not Fit.

Following the tournament Saints’ legendary manager Lawrie McMenemy helped unveil a sculpture, commissioned by Southampton Solent University, to mark the anniversary. The commemorative bench will be located on the site of the former Tyrrell and Green building. It takes the form of a typical Saints team as they might line up for a photograph with “players” wearing a selection of the strips used by the club over its 125-year history.

The sculpture was named “Saints For All Seasons” by lifelong fan Melvyn Wiseman in a Daily Echo competition.

Melvyn said: “The idea for the name came about because the seat will be out in all weathers and seasons. The players play in different football seasons over the years in different kits.

“It’s great and, as a lifelong Saints fan, I’m proud to have been a part of it.”

•Saints legends wish the club a happy 125th.
• For exclusive pictures and interviews with Keegan, Shearer, Souness, Channon and Le Tissier only in today's Daily Echo