Southampton FC

Southampton and Ipswich have more in common than you might think. Both were successful in the 1970s, both have badges designed by competitions around the same time, and both feature wavy lines to symbolise their ties to the sea.

But, before we dive into the badge, let’s start with their stadium history.

The iconic Dell, with its wedge-shaped Milton Road end, was one of the most famous stadiums in England. It was demolished in 2001 and replaced with apartments. Each block is named after a legendary Saints player. It is possible to live in Le Tissier Court—though you might need to be white, unvaccinated, and believe aliens built the pyramids to live there…

That said, I do like how housing on old football grounds often honours their heritage. For example, Colchester’s former Layer Road is now Turnstile Square. But I digress...

What’s truly impressive is the naming of Southampton’s new stadium, St Mary’s. The club was originally founded in 1885 by members of St Mary’s Church and the club spent its first decade as St Mary’s YMA and then later Southampton St Mary’s (hence their nickname, The Saints). To return to that name a century later is remarkable. Built in 2001 during the dawn of the Premier League’s big-money era, they resisted the temptation of a corporate name like the American Express Stadium. St Mary’s Church itself dates back to the 11th century, that we still use the name every weekend is incredible.

Now to the badge—starting with the halo, which is now self-explanatory as it ties directly to the St Mary’s legacy. Beneath it lies a red and white scarf, a straightforward nod to the club’s colours.

The tree symbolises the New Forest, located north of the city. It was designated a royal forest by William the Conqueror after 1066—so not exactly "new." Like Suffolk, it provided high-quality timber for the Royal Navy, but Southampton’s contribution stands out. In the 18th century, local man Walter Taylor revolutionised the production of rigging blocks, essential for controlling the ropes and sails of ships. The New Forest literally built the British Empire.

The forest itself has a fascinating history. King William II died there in a mysterious hunting "accident," and during WWII, SOE agents used it for training. Perhaps the most unique aspect is the New Forest Commoners—descendants of families granted rights to the forest by William the Conqueror. These rights, passed down through generations, are still honoured today. It’s quintessentially English.

Beneath the tree on the badge are two wavy lines representing Southampton’s strong maritime ties. The city claims to be the original starting point of the Mayflower—though Plymouth and Harwich might argue otherwise.

At the bottom of the badge lies the Hampshire rose. While typically a Tudor rose, Southampton uses a white variation, possibly linked to a pre-Tudor Hampshire emblem (some say even as far back as the legendary King Arthur who is supposed to have resided at nearby Winchester).

So that's Southampton. A great and iconic badge. A thousand years of saintly protection, a forest that powered the Empire and is today still protected by an ancient society, and a city that served as a gateway to the continent and the New World—Southampton has a lot to be proud of.

Let’s just hope the Saints are not looking out for their team this weekend.