THERE were emotional embraces as members of Saints'  triumphant 1976 FA Cup team reunited at Royal Winchester Golf Club today. 

Six members of the team who played during that famous run and legendary manager Lawrie McMenemy beamed with joy as they got together for a special golf day, which is the first of three anniversary celebrations this week. 

Hughie Fisher, who scored a last gasp equaliser against Aston Villa in the third round to send the game to a replay, Wembley man of the match Jim Steele and Jim McCalliog, the midfielder who assisted Bobby Stokes for the winning goal in the final, all gathered round the original FA Cup parade bus at the Sarum Road club and chatted about old times. 

They were joined by fellow 1976 heroes Nick Holmes, Mel Blyth and David Peach as well as ex-Saint Gerry O'Brien, who was in the 1975/76 squad before he left for Swindon Town that same season.

Before heading on to the course at Royal Winchester, the '76 lads were treated to a trick shot golf show laid on by specialist Dave Edwards.

Saints legend and big golf enthusiast Matthew Le Tissier was in attendance.  He said: "It must be brilliant for them. To of gone through what they did 40 years ago and to have events like this where they can get back together again, and just have the adulation of the fans that remember that day, must be superb.

"All the events Mike's (organiser Mike Osman) organised will be superb.

"I'm going Sunday night to the Mayflower, so I'm really looking forward to seeing all the stories they're going to come out with."

Former St Mary's striker James Beattie, who scored 76 goals in 235 appearances during a seven-year spell at Saints, joined in too along with former England, Tottenham and Liverpool goalkeeper Ray Clemence. 

The celebrations continue on Friday when the 1976 greats will head to St Mary's stadium for a gala dinner in the Mike Channon Suite.

Attentions then turn to Sunday when a bus parade and anniversary show at the Mayflower will take place either side of Saints' match at St Mary's against Manchester City.