It was five years ago today that Saints lifted the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy – with Dean Hammond believing that triumph was the catalyst for the incredible success the club has enjoyed since.

Hammond captained Alan Pardew’s team to their 4-1 victory at Wembley on March 28, 2010, against Carlisle, as they secured a first piece of silverware since the 1976 FA Cup.

The day was all the more special for Saints, as it came just under a year after they had been plunged into administration.

Markus Liebherr’s takeover in 2009 had saved the club and provided fresh hope, but the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy was perhaps the first major stepping stone on the team’s journey from the depths of League One to the Champions League contender they are now.

“It kickstarted everything,” said Hammond, who lifted the trophy alongside club captain Kelvin Davis, before leading Saints to back-to-back promotions, in 2011 and 2012, into the Premier League.

“I remember during the season Alan Pardew instilling into us how important it was to do well in the competition.

“Winning breeds confidence and we needed a bit of that, and every round we went through just built our season up a bit more.

“I think that was the catalyst of the club really growing again and us going on to get back-to-back promotions.

“It was a really important day, and it’s one I feel very proud to have been a part of.”

Daily Echo:

Dean Hammond (left) in action in the 2010 Johnstone's Paint Trophy final

Hammond still vividly remembers the players’ journey to the ground, accompanied by Liebherr, his family and chairman Nicola Cortese on the coach, watching a motivational video of how far the club had come in the previous year.

He also recalls seeing the sea of fans outside the stadium, with about 50,000 Saints supporters having descended on the capital.

“It obviously wasn’t an FA Cup final, but it was still like you picture as a kid – pulling up to Wembley and seeing all the red and white everywhere,” he said.

Saints went on to win comfortably, with Rickie Lambert setting the ball rolling from the penalty spot, before Adam Lallana headed a second towards the end of the first half.

Papa Waigo added a third shortly after the break, before Michail Antonio made it 4-0.

Gary Madine scored a late consolation for Carlisle, but by then the game was over.

“At 4-0 up, you could really appreciate the atmosphere and have a bit of a look round and appreciate where you were,” said Hammond.

“It couldn’t have gone any better to be honest.”

Daily Echo:

Saints' goalscorers (from left): Michail Antonio, Adam Lallana, Papa Waigo, Rickie Lambert

Hammond, who believes the victory also helped kick-start his own career, described lifting the trophy with Davis as a “special moment”.

“You could see how much it meant to everyone – the players, staff and the fans,” he said.

“The club had been through some difficult times, and to have a day out like that I think they could sense it was a real turning point and the start of bringing back the glory days to the club.

“Some of the staff had been through a lot, and you could see it in their faces how much it meant to them.

“It still is one of the best moments of my career.”

Despite then helping the club return to the Premier League, Hammond did not get a chance to play for them in the top-flight, but he retains only fond memories of his time at St Mary’s.

“It was a great period of my life and the best time of my career, without any doubt,” said the 32-year-old, who is now with Leicester.

“It’s a brilliant football club and to play at Wembley, win at Wembley, and have back-to-back promotions, I couldn’t have dreamt of it going any better really.

“It was a great set of players, a really good atmosphere. The team spirit was great, and we were successful, but we were friends as well.

“Of course, I would have loved to have played for the club in the Premier League, but it wasn’t to be. I have no regrets about it, and I still support the club to this day.

“They’re doing amazing, they’ve kicked on again, and I really hope they get what I think they deserve and get into the Champions League. They’ve been brilliant this season.”