SOLENT Sports Journalism proudly boast that their lecturers that have industry experience that is second to none.
Currently, they have a combined 200-plus years of journalism in their locker, but the man with stories in abundance is Graham Hiley.
As the longest serving lecturer on the BA Sports Journalism course at Solent University, it was only right that the former Southampton FC employee and super fan started the ‘Show ‘n’ Tell’ series.
Graham had worked for ‘The Pink’ / The Daily Echo between 1982-2001 and was Southampton FC’s leading Saints football correspondent.
During his time with the club, his journalistic ability meant he built strong relationships with players, officials and important club personnel, which often lead him to getting inside scoops and breaking many stories.
During his ‘Show ‘n’ Tell’ he proudly presented a double page spread of an article that was written about his time working for his local football club, and in particular Saint’s last ever football game at The Dell – their previous home of 103 years – before leaving in 2001 to move into St Marys.
When people think of iconic Saints goal scorers, names like Matt Le Tissier, Mick Channon or Rickie Lambert come to mind, in particular Le Tissier, who scored the last ever goal at The Dell, a winner against Arsenal in the league back on 19th May 2001… but was it really?
Well, Graham would believe not so as to his knowledge – which is very good – he scored the final penalty in a charity game against Brighton.
“I slotted the ball in the bottom right corner, I gave the keeper the eyes and put it the other way.” – Graham Hiley’s description of his penalty.
For the last ever game at the Dell, Saints staged a friendly against Brighton – their very first opponents at the stadium in 1898.
They even wore a replica kit in red and white quarters to match the shirts they wore 103 years previously.
Uwe Rosler scored the only goal in the first half with little action of note after the break as fans focused on unscrewing their seats ready to take home while preparing for a mass pitch invasion to dig up the turf. as the whistle sounded for the last time at The Dell.
