The 2001-02 campaign was a season of profound change and dramatic mid-season revival for Southampton, as The Saints navigated their emotional first season at the new St Mary's Stadium. After a terrible start cost manager Stuart Gray his job, the arrival of the fiery Gordon Strachan quickly turned the team's fortunes around, guiding them from a relegation scrap to a secure 11th-place Premier League finish. Leading the charge was the clinical Latvian forward Marians Pahars, whose 14 league goals, alongside strike partner James Beattie, proved decisive. It was also a deeply significant year that marked the retirement of club legend Matthew Le Tissier, bringing an end to his 16-year playing career at the club.