FRUSTRATED organisers have arranged for Saints' 1976 FA Cup celebrations at the Mayflower to be pushed forwards to the later time of 8pm on May 1.

The 40th anniversary show will now start 30 minutes later than scheduled.

It will mean there is more time for revellers to get to the city's theatre after Saints' match against Manchester City at St Mary's, which kicks off at 4.30pm on the same day.

Organiser Mike Osman has felt the frustrations of supporters who want to watch Ronald Koeman's side in action and get to the FA Cup tributes.

The Manchester City game was originally scheduled for the Saturday, meaning Sunday, May 1 was left completely clear for Lawrie McMenemy's triumphant squad to host a 40th anniversary reunion at the Mayflower.

However, Sky then selected the game for a Sunday broadcast before Manuel Pellegrini's side reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

That development resulted in the kick-off time being pushed back to 4.30pm on the Sunday.

"It has been frustrating for everyone," said Osman. "But we've finally got it sorted after fans expressed concerns over the later kick-off time at St Mary's."

The celebrations on a week Sunday also include an open-top bus parade from Guildhall Square to St Mary's stadium.

All the surviving members of the team will be on board the bus, which will be in situ at around 2.45pm before making its way down the stadium with arrival set to be 45 minutes before the start of the game.

The bus will follow the route below before travelling along Marine Parade to the front of the stadium led by members of Southampton Albion Band.

Daily Echo:

Prior to that, there is gala dinner being held at St Mary's on Friday, 29 April, which will include numerous entertainment acts as well as featuring the members of the victorious team.

There is also a golf day a week Wednesday that will again feature members of the team.

Find out more about the events: thedaywewonthecup.com/

  • THE Daily Echo is celebrating Saints’ momentous FA Cup 1976 victory by releasing a special publication in celebration of the 40th anniversary of that famous day.

Read more about that here >>>>