1976 FA Cup Final: When a Welshman led Southampton to unlikely Cup triumph

The 1976 FA Cup final was a memorable day in Wales for a number of reasons.

44-years-on, it’s still the last FA Cup final to be refereed by a Welshman and one of just four times the Cup has been lifted by a Welsh skipper.

Peter Rodrigues is the penultimate second division captain to lift the famous old trophy and he hails from Wales’ capital.

Having suffered FA Cup final heartbreak with Leicester City seven years prior, there would be no dwelling on what could have been for the former Saints defender.

Reminiscing about the match, Rodrigues remembers the feeling ahead of the showpiece. 

“My Final for Leicester had gone over my head. This time I was determined to take everything on board.

“Before the game, we noticed how nervous Manchester United were. We felt we could win it. 

Former Cardiff City defender Rodrigues had his crowning glory at Wembley in 1976 in an unlikely win for an unfancied Southampton.

“When we scored I did something I’d always wanted to do. I ran 40 yards and launched myself on top of everybody in the team, just like the Brazilians did!

Describing one of his best footballing moments to LCFC.com, Rodrigues said: “Receiving the cup from the Queen, who asked me if I had enjoyed the game, holding the cup aloft, turning towards the Southampton supporters and then being lifted onto the shoulders of the rest of the team… that was awesome!”

Cardiff lad Rodrigues wasn’t the only Welshman on the pitch that day and had a helping hand from a fellow compatriot.

Clive Thomas, who hailed from Treorchy was the referee that day and had a controversial call to make in the Saints’ only domestic glory.

Scotsman Jim McCalliog put through Bobby Stokes who scooped a left-footed shot past United goalkeeper Alex Stepney in the games only goal.

However question marks were made on whether Stokes was onside. 

Thomas didn’t have the luxury of a video assistant referee back then instead he had to rely upon his linesman. 

“My personal opinion, if I’m honest, is that Stokes WAS offside,” said Thomas to WalesOnline back in 2006. 

“I had to rely upon my linesman. That was the job he was there to do.

“He deemed Stokes was onside, so the goal stood – and Tommy Docherty, Manchester United’s manager, has never let me forget since!”

As well on the field representation, in the stands was British Prime Minister, James Callaghan, who hailed from Southampton’s bitter city rivals Portsmouth. However, he was an MP for Cardiff South East at the time. 

(Featured Image:John Firth)