In 1894 Southampton St Mary's FC enter the southern league. Initially, they were refused entry but a later vacancy allowed them in.
Also in 1894, Charles Miller departs for Brazil where he is instrumental in setting up the game there. Many Brazilians still consider him to be the father of their game.
Saints picked up their first Southern league win in 1896/97 and the move was made from the Antelope Ground to the County Cricket Ground.
1897/98 saw Southampton become a limited company and the St. Mary's part of their name was dropped.
Southampton would also win the Southern League title for the second time and reach the semi finals of the FA Cup.
Saints tenure at the County ground would last only a year before they rented the Dell for £250 per annum. The Dell had been built at a cost of £10 000 and could hold 24,500
Saints go on to win their third consecutive Southern League title.
