'Lucky' Saints mirror stolen

The owner "desperately" wants the mirror back by Saturday's cup final

A "lucky" mirror commemorating Southampton's FA Cup victory in 1976 has been stolen days before the team attempts to recapture the title.

The Saints are to play Arsenal on Saturday in the final of domestic football's top cup competition.

The wooden-framed mirror was taken from The Football Shop, in Old Northam Road in the city, where it was on loan for display during the FA Cup run.

The owner, an elderly local man, visited the shop before each cup tie and would touch the mirror for good luck.

It is very much a lucky talisman

Pc Mike Florit

The souvenir, which measures 24 inches by 27 inches was taken between 1800 BST and midnight on 6 May, when a thief smashed through the shop window.

It features the names of the cup-winning squad in the tie 27 years ago, in which the Saints beat Manchester United 1-0.

Pc Mike Florit, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: "The owner is devastated by the loss of his prized possession.

"It is very much a lucky talisman, and he desperately wants it back before this Saturday.

"All the local traders in the St Mary's area are keeping a look out and we urge everyone in the area to be on the look out for the mirror too," he said.

"Anyone who has been offered one for sale or has recently come into possession of such a mirror should call us as soon as possible so that we can reunite it with its rightful owner."