We cast our minds back to a truly unique chapter in the Saints’ rich history. The year was 1984, and as Lawrie McMenemy’s formidable Southampton squad embarked on a memorable FA Cup journey, they did something rather extraordinary - they headed into a recording studio to lay down their very own musical anthem!

This wasn't just any rendition of the beloved club classic, “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Oh no, this was the Saints like you'd never heard them before! 

Infused with a vibrant, irresistible disco beat, their bouncy take on the song was destined for the airwaves and record players of fans across the city. 

The heroes of the Dell, swapped their boots for headphones and their muddy pitches for soundproofed rooms, all in the name of footballing glory and a catchy tune.

The Saints weren't alone in this musical endeavour. 

They were expertly backed by the talented local group, Milton Rhodes and the Archers, whose musical prowess helped transform the traditional chant into a genuinely groovy track.

 The recording sessions took place at Frett Music Studios in Shirley, a hub of local musical creativity. By all accounts, the players were in high spirits and good voice, clearly enjoying this quirky deviation from their usual training routines.

But the musical magic didn't stop there! The disc itself was a collector's item, featuring an instrumental version on the flipside – perfect for those who wanted to belt out the lyrics themselves without competing with the players' vocals. 

And it wasn't just the music that was special; the record came encased in a glossy package, adorned with captivating images of the Saints in thrilling match-day action, making it a true keepsake for any devoted fan.

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An initial press run of 5,000 copies hit the shelves, eagerly snapped up by supporters across Southampton. 

You could find this slice of Saints history at iconic local spots like the Saints Shop, Sperrings, Newsmarkets, and Henry’s Records. 

The dream was clear: if McMenemy's men could navigate their way to the hallowed turf of Wembley, this vibrant disco anthem was poised to challenge for a coveted Top 40 slot in the national charts!


Alas, fate had a cruel twist in store. 

Despite their valiant efforts and the soaring hopes of fans and record sales alike, the Saints narrowly missed out on their Wembley dream. 

On April 14, 1984, in a tense semi-final clash against Everton at Highbury, they succumbed to a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat in extra time. 

While the FA Cup journey ended there, the memory of the Saints' disco anthem lives on.