SAINTS legend Lawrie McMenemy has become an official ambassador for the club.

McMenemy is arguably Saints’ greatest manager after leading them to FA Cup glory in 1976 when they beat Manchester United.

The club were in the Second Division at the time which makes the feat even more astonishing.

However, his achievements in the Saints dugout go beyond that famous win.

He oversaw the club’s promotion back into the First Division and took them to within three points of winning the league title in 1983/84.

McMenemy took Saints into Europe on five occasions and was the engineer behind reigning European Footballer of the Year Kevin Keegan arriving at The Dell in 1980.

The 83-year-old spent a total of 12 years in charge of the south coast side, while later having spells as director of football and a non-executive director on the club’s board.

During his time in management, McMenemy was appointed to lead Northern Ireland’s national team and also spent time as Graham Taylor’s assistant at England. 

The Saints icon received an MBE in 2006 for his services to sport and continues to write a weekly column for this paper.

By becoming an ambassador, he joins fellow Saints greats Franny Benali and Matt Le Tissier in the role.

McMenemy said: "I was very, very surprised and delighted to be asked. It's something I treat as a great honour and a privilege. It's a very special club.”

Saints’ chief executive, Martin Semmens, added: “Lawrie has made an incredible contribution to this club over so many decades, and I am delighted that he has accepted our offer of becoming an official Club Ambassador.

“His achievements speak for themselves, but they are by no means the only reason for this role.

“Lawrie is as strong and passionate a supporter of the club as anyone I have met, and he has been an inspirational figure to so many people through his charitable work. He is a truly fitting person to represent us.”