The Dell

• Ground Opened: 1898
• Ground Closed: 2001
• Number of years at ground: 103
• First Competitive Game Played: Southampton 4-1 Brighton, September 1998
• Last Competitive Game Played: Southampton 3-2 Arsenal, April 2001
• Record Attendance: 31,044 vs Manchester United, October 1969
• Club moved to: St Mary’s Stadium in 2001
• Distance from the Dell to St Mary’s Stadium: Two miles.

The stadium had a capacity of 15,200 spectators and was constructed in a rectangular shape with four stands, the Northam, Itchen, East, and Milton Road stands. The Northam stand was the largest.

The Itchen Stand was constructed in 1977 and was the most iconic feature of the stadium. It was designed to resemble an ocean liner and could hold up to 4,500 spectators.

The East Stand was the newest and was constructed in 1993. It was the only all-seater stand at the stadium and could hold up to 4,000 spectators. The Milton Road stand was the smallest stand and could hold up to 1,500 spectators.

The Dell was also known for its unique architectural features, including the iconic Itchen Stand. The stand was constructed in 1977 and was designed to resemble an ocean liner. It was a two-tiered stand with a cantilevered upper tier that provided an unobstructed view of the pitch. The stand was also known for its distinctive red and white seats arranged in a checkerboard pattern.

The stadium was closed in 2001 and demolished in 2002 to make way for a new housing estate.

The move away from the Dell was a long time coming as the club had been searching for a new home since the mid-1990s. They felt that a new, modern stadium was needed to take the club to new heights.

Southampton 4-1 Liverpool – 16th August 1997

Saints legend Matt Le Tisser scored twice, while Edil Ostenstad and Neil Shipperley added the other two. Former Czech Republic international Patrick Berger scored Liverpool’s goal on a memorable night for the Saints.

Southampton 6-3 Manchester United – 26th October 1996

Eyal Berkovic scored twice, while Le Tisser, Neil Shipperley, Ken Monkou and Egil Ostenstad ensured Southampton won that night, despite Eric Cantona scoring twice and David Beckham adding a third for the Red Devils.

Southampton 4-3 Norwich City – 23rd September 1995

Alan Shearer scored twice, while Matt Le Tisser and Neil Ruddock scored the other two in a 4-3 win against the Canaries. Ruel Fox, Robert Fleck and Ian Crook scored for Norwich.

Southampton 3-2 Arsenal – 23rd November 1991

In a match that saw Southampton stun the Gunners, a young Alan Shearer scored twice while Matt Le Tisser added the third. Kevin Campbell and Alan Smith score the two goals for the Gunners in a game dominated by English strikers.

A new housing development now occupies the space previously taken up by the Dell. The apartment blocks on the housing site are named after iconic Southampton players:

• Stokes Court
• Ted Bates Court
• Le Tissier Court
• Wallace Court
• Channon Court

The area of the centre circle has remained intact somewhat and is used as the housing estate’s green space.

Then

Southampton moved to The Dell in 1898. It developed steadily over the years, eventually ending up with two similar side stands, a small seated cover at one end and an odd-shaped stand at the south end. The final league game was played here in May 2001. Houses now cover the site. pic.twitter.com/GZt9E2QZuQ

— Paul Groundtastic (@paul_gtastic) July 18, 2019

Now

Questa costruzione di appartamenti riprende la struttura che hanno sostituito. Il mitico “The Dell” di #Southampton.
La corte che sta al centro è intitolata alla leggenda che ha calcato quello stadio.
La “Le Tissier Court”. pic.twitter.com/KeOfbuF23G

— Football e Dintorni (@Thisisf94539980) December 22, 2022

During its final season in operation, the capacity at the Dell had a capacity of 15,200. However, up until the early 1990s, the capacity was around 30,000 when fans were allowed to stand at football matches.

Southampton 3-2 Arsenal – 19th May 2001

The final match played at the Dell was a cracker between Southampton and Arsenal. In a match twisted one way and then the next, it was won in the dying minutes by Matt Le Tessier with a stunning volley. It was a fitting final goal to be scored at the stadium by a legend of the club.

On this day in 2001, Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7) scored the final goal at The Dell.

Southampton beat Arsenal 3-2 in the last game at their old ground, with the club’s best ever player scoring the winner.

You couldn’t have written it better #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/8rQTkib8p0

— Saints Analysis (@saints_analysis) May 19, 2023