Rodrigues' FA cup winners medal returned - courtesy of 'ruthless' Rupert Lowe

Last updated : 04 October 2004 By Themightysaints
FA Cup winning captain Peter Rodrigues declared himself "thrilled" that his winners medal - put up for auction by his daughter - was staying at home when the identity of the auction's mystery £10,200 winner was revealed to be chairman Rupert Lowe, on behalf of the club.

With the much-quoted turnover of managers at the Saints having been used against the chairman in an attempt to paint him as the next Deadly Doug Ellis, and with commentators saying that the club's family reputation has been tarnished by the dominance of business over football at St. Mary's, this is a timely reminder that the club still trades on the same values as ever.

Rather than being buried amongst the private collection of a foreign millionaire, the medal is now expected to take pride of place at St. Mary's, on view for visiting fans.

In another piece of good news for the club, plans to commemorate Ted Bates' 65-year contribution are gathering pace. The city council have stated that in principle they have no objection to the erection of a memorial statue, which also polls as the overwhelming choice of the fans.

Rupert Lowe threw his full support behind the plans, stating that "in every way possible, the club would like to honour a man who helped to put us where we are today."