IT WAS the day the city of Southampton will never forget.

It was May 1, 1976 that underdogs Saints defeated Manchester United 1-0 at a packed-out Wembley to clinch the FA Cup.

Bobby Stokes' late goal sparked massive celebrations across Southampton as the city welcomed home its heroes.

Now a week of events to mark the 40th anniversary is due to begin tomorrow.

Surviving members of the iconic team and legendary former manager Lawrie McMenemy will be part of the festivities dedicated to the greatest day in the club's history.

Three events have been organised, starting with a reunion golf day tomorrow before a swanky black-tie gala dinner at St Mary's Stadium on Friday.

The celebrations, which have been organised by local entertainer Mike Osman, are topped-off with the special anniversary show at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre on Sunday night following an open top bus parade ahead of Saints' match at home to Manchester City.

Seven members of the squad, McMenemy and Saints legend Matthew Le Tissier are all involved in the golf day at Royal Winchester Golf Club.

Daily Echo:

PICTURED: The open top bus parade route

Cup icons Mel Blyth, Jim Steele, David Peach, Jim McCalliog, Nick Holmes, Gerry O'Brien and Hughie Fisher will all gather for tee-off at 11.15am, with 22 teams taking to the 18 hole course.

The actual bus used in the 1976 open-top parade will be parked up at the golf club for the occasion and a replica of the FA Cup, complete with yellow and blue ribbons to represent Saints' colours in the final, will also feature.

Just 48 hours later, the party moves to St Mary's Stadium where Osman will host the gala dinner in the Mike Channon Suite, which will feature numerous entertainments acts.

On Sunday, which is exactly 40 years to the day since Saints won the FA Cup, comes the grand finale.

For the team, the day starts with a reception at the Civic Centre with Mayor of Southampton Cllr Linda Norris at 1.45pm.

Following that there will be repeat of the open-top bus parade, which saw mass crowds gather across the city to greet the Wembley heroes 40 years ago.

Organisers have issued a rallying cry to supporters to line the streets once more to cheer on the 1976 boys.

They will be in place at Guildhall Square aboard the bus at 2.45pm where the cup winning legends will mix with supporters.

At 3.10pm, the bus will travel to St Mary's with members of the Southampton Albion Band leading the bus up Marina Parade to the stadium.

The players and McMenemy will then be shown to the crowd at St Mary's before the City match and will then head over to the Mayflower for the show which starts at 8pm.