Thanks Lambo for your kind words, I had the idea a while ago but thought I would save it for when there isn't much Saints related news going on. Of course it's impossible to get everyone to agree on what the best XI is because it is all subjective to everyone's personal experiences of watching Saints, but the thing i'm happy about is that there is someone representing each of the last six decades in the team. I was hoping to open some debates and I think it has been successful in doing that. Now, should I run a poll for who would manage this great team and what do fans think this team would've achieved if they all played together at their peak?. Personally I think the side is definately good enough to have finished in the top four..
I've gone for Channon and SRL. Here's why. I am old enough to remember twice European footballer of the year Keegan; as an 11 or 12 year old I stared at his autograph all night after a match when I got it. He was my no 1 footballing hero. BUT, from that era Channon may not have been the better striker, but was Mr Southampton. Keegan only stayed for two years and if you ask most (non saints) about him, they won't remember his time here. I decided to choose someone more recent for the second choice, and it had to be Lambert. Without Rickie, there is no way we would be here today with Europa League football, discussing whether we should or shouldn't sign this or that International footballer. I agree he is not worthy to lace someone like Keegan's boots, BUT he was for Southampton truly inspirational and a huge part of who and where we are. Just my view.
Channon and Davies for me. Felt bad about leaving Keegan and Moran out though. Looking at the team selected so far I must say it looks rather well balanced despite some of my choices not making it I think Paine would be shouting at Ivan a lot during the game though.
Keegan for me. I can still remember the shock when he signed for little old Southampton. Still probably the biggest transfer shock we ever pulled off?
And a very good view too! Proves how hard these things can be. Rickie is one of my latter day heroes. Great character, a proper old fashioned striker who can hit a ball with real ferocity, but aslo a much better footballer than many give him credit for. Channon will always be a shoo-in for any "greatest ever" Saints team. For those lucky enough to see him in his pomp he was a magnificent sight. Quick, with great control and a keen eye for goal. Being the lone striker in the Ted Bates 9-0-1 formation he had to be! I went for Ron Davies for almost the same reasons you went for Rickie. In his first season (66/67) we would have been relegated but for Ron Davies. Simple as. Rickie will always be loved for the way that he developed and in doing so helping to drag the team over two promotion lines.
