Cherries legend Steve Fletcher – a loyal Dean Court servant – revealed he never thought he would get the chance to feature in a derby against Southampton.

But with the two clubs this afternoon set to meet in the league for the first time in five decades, the 38-year-old is eager to finally feature in the south coast showdown.

The club’s record appearance-maker told the Echo: “For years, I used to go and watch Southampton play teams like Liverpool and Newcastle.

“I used to go to the Dell and watch them if they were playing midweek when we didn’t have a game.

“Southampton were always a team that did well in the Premier League. A few years they escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth, but that’s the way they were.

“There were sometimes two or three leagues between us and I never thought, in my time, Southampton would be in the position they are.

“But they are still the biggest club in the league in my view and I think it will only be a matter of time before they’re back where they belong.

“I didn’t think I’d be part of it. I just hope I do get to play a part on the pitch.”

Confounding the pre-season odds, Cherries go into the match a full eight points ahead of Saints, with Eddie Howe’s men second and their rivals down in 17th.

Speaking after Cherries beat Exeter 3-0 on Tuesday, Fletcher said he felt his team were full of confidence following their fine start to the campaign but that league positions would “count for nothing” at St Mary’s.

Fletcher added: “I think if anyone put their hand on their heart they would say Southampton are still going to be up there at the end of the season because we know how good they are and the quality they have got in the squad.

“It’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere. We sold out our allocation within hours and it’s |something the supporters have been looking forward to all these years. I just hope we don’t disappoint.

“We can’t go there with any more confidence than we have got, but we don’t want to be complacent and think we’re better than we are.

“We’re second in the league but, in the blink of an eye, it can be taken away from you. So we’ve got to keep our feet on the ground and go into the game to give Southampton a right run for their money.”