'Better than Bazunu' - Fans react to Tommy Forecast's debut for Southampton legends

Southampton fans react to keeper Tommy Forecast’s memorable Saints debut in the recent Friendly game against Man United legends for the 1976 FA Cup victory celebration.

Following the World Cup elimination of most of their on‑duty stars, the international break had been a subdued affair for Southampton. But the recent Saints legends vs Manchester United legends game at St. Mary’s must have added some much‑needed spice.

The two legendary sides met to mark the 50th anniversary of Southampton’s 1976 FA Cup final victory over Manchester United at Wembley. Though the friendly ended 5‑3 in favour of the United legends, fans would’ve loved to host legends like Dimitar Berbatov, Wes Brown and Louis Saha at St. Mary’s.

In response to United’s star‑studded lineup, the Saints legends featured some special names of their own. While fan-favourites like Rickie Lambert, Matt Le Tissier, Franny Benali and Lee Barnard were in action, it was keeper Tommy Forecast who drew particular attention from the crowd.

That’s because the friendly celebration marked the keeper’s debut appearance for a Southampton side. Though Forecast had been on the Saints’ books for over five years, his role as a backup never saw him feature for the club until now.

Tommy Forecast stood impressive Vs Man United legends

The friendly was always going to be a challenging affair for Forecast against United’s star‑studded legends. Though the 5‑3 scoreline tells part of the story, the keeper had his magic moments in the game.

Notably, Forecast was key in keeping Southampton ahead for most of the first half. While he had the help of the woodwork on a couple of occasions, he also made some good saves before Phil Bardsley equalised for United on the stroke of half‑time.

As the final score suggests, Forecast conceded four goals in the second half. While that’s far from impressive, the keeper got a lifetime memory when he denied Dimitar Berbatov from the spot.

With the game poised at 3‑2 to the United legends, Victor Wanyama’s foul on Berbatov in the box handed the visitors a chance to extend their lead. Forecast, however, showed exceptional composure in correctly predicting Berbatov’s effort to stop the United icon.

Though Man United legends won the game in the end, Saints fans didn’t hesitate in celebrating Forecast’s save on Berbatov. Southampton admin praised the keeper on the fans’ behalf, quoting: “Tommy Forecast denies Dimitar Berbatov from the spot.”

Fans react to Forecast’s performance Vs Man United legends

Tommy Forecast’s performance, and especially that penalty save, had fans swooning with a flood of reactions to his display. One supporter didn’t hesitate in hailing him better than ex-keeper Gavin Bazunu. The fan mentioned, “Still better than Bazunu”

Another supporter built on this light-hearted comment by mentioning the idea of calling current keeper Daniel Peretz for this friendly game. The fan quoted: “Can’t believe we dropped Peretz!”

Given that Tommy Forecast was picked for the friendly despite having no senior appearances, Peretz could have been a more valid pick for his Saints career credentials. If he had played, maybe he could have helped Saints legends pull off a win over Man Utd legends.

Finally, the supporters stood curious in addressing Forecast’s Southampton future. Following his appearance in the friendly, fans asked: “Does that lose him legend status?”

Probably, Matt Le Tissier invited Forecast for this friendly to hand him a special Saints debut on the 50-year Cup win celebration. Now that he’s had an unforgettable debut, fans are left wondering if he’ll be called upon again.

While that remains unknown, the supporters would’ve thoroughly enjoyed Forecast and Saints legends’ display against Man Utd legends. After all, not every day one sees Tommy Forecast denying Dimitar Berbatov from the spot.