To the Sheriff, Aldermen and ex Councillors of Southampton I would like to submit a presentation to Court Leet.
As a born and bred Sotonian and someone who was educated in Southampton and has worked in the City for over 45 years.
I, Nick Ilingsworth [Southampton], wish that Itchen Bridge, be changed in name, to either The Lawrie McMenemy Bridge or The Lawrie McMenemy Itchen Bridge.
The reason for this are: Lawrie McMenemy arrived in Southampton in 1973 to manage Southampton Football Club, since then he has not only put the football club on the map in world soccer by winning the FA Cup in 1976, but also as a consequence of that, the City of Southampton itself.
Both as manager of Southampton FC and also other roles within the club, but also with his work on television and the media, he was the face of Southampton and never missed an opportunity to champion not only the football club [but the city] itself.
In 2007 he was made a Freeman of the city, a great honour, but as he celebrates 50 years in Southampton, it is surely a sad thing that there is nothing in the city itself commemorating a man who has done so much for the area.
Renaming The Itchen Bridge in his honour would make an apt tribute to his legacy, in that it not only overlooks Saints current home at St Mary’s, but it overlooks St Mary’s Church, the birthplace of the club in 1885.
Hundreds of Southampton supporters travel across the bridge on foot or vehicles when attending matches at St Mary’s and indeed for work & leisure.
With the 50th anniversary of Saints winning the FA Cup, coming in 2026. It would also be a perfect way to celebrate this famous victory and show that Southampton FC is an important part of the community in the city and indeed brings in much valued trade and income into the City on a matchday..
This City in my opinion has long failed to champion itself and it’s achievements and has fallen behind other comparative Cities in the country who have been quick to honour their sons, daughters and indeed adopted sons & daughters in the sport and entertainment industries, who have helped put them on the map.
Honouring Lawrie McMenemy in this way would be a popular decision, not only with supporters of Southampton FC, but also those with little interest in the sport, but who are proud of their City and all of those who have helped make it the great place it is to live & work.
Please support this presentation and take a step forward in reminding us of the pride that we should have in our city and it’s achievements in all walks of life.
Nick Illingsworth
Born & Bred Proud Sotonian
