On 29th April 1978, Spurs headed to the South Coast to face Southampton at The Dell, knowing a draw would secure promotion back to the First Division, after one season in the second tier.
By a twist of fate, Southampton also needed just a point to secure promotion – with Brighton in fourth knowing they’d be promoted if either Spurs or the Saints slipped up. With both teams needing just a draw, there seemed just one outcome – certainly that was the view of the Seagulls fans after the 0-0 result came through from The Dell, calling it The Great Stitch Up.
There was no suggestion of collusion between the two teams, with Southampton hitting the post – but human nature and fear of being the one making a mistake, it was little surprise that a draw unfolded.
The 0-0 meant Southampton finished 2nd on 57 points, Spurs 3rd on 56 points and Brighton winning on final day also saw them finish on 56 points. Spurs were promoted on goal difference – there’s being +34 to Brighton’s +25
Much is made of the difference being nine goals and reference back to Spurs 9-0 victory over Bristol Rovers earlier in the season – and whilst there is a nice symmetry to link the two, but had Spurs won that match 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 they’d still have been promoted – so it makes a nice coincidence, but that’s all.
A bigger impact was Steve Perryman’s late goal in 1-0 victory in previous match over Hull. Late in the game, with Hull City keeping Spurs at bay in a match that would leave promotion in Spurs hands if they won, a tense affair at White Hart Lane was heading for a 0-0 draw when the Hull keeper was heavily challenged by Spurs forward causing him to drop the cross to the feet of Stevie P who put the ball in the net and secured the win that left promotion in our hand to the great relief of the Lane’s crowd.