If you're old enough to remember when football existed pre-Premier League you'll realise that Southampton were a well organised club with a proud history. Possibly were everyone's favourite second side because of the friendliness of the club and style with which they tried to play football.
Don't ridicule the clubs like the Saints, Norwich, Luton, Derby, Forest, Leeds,Bradford etc , these so called run of the mill clubs helped entertain fans before the bland Sky / Premier League ruined football.