 Saints stayed among the elite for eight years, with the highest finishing position being seventh place in 1968–69 and again in 1970–71.These finishes were high enough for them to qualify for the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969–70 (going out in Round 3 to Newcastle United) and its successor, the UEFA Cup in 1971–72, when the club went out in the first round to Spanish side Athletic Bilbao.In December 1973, long-term manager Ted Bates stood down to be replaced by Lawrie McMenemy, who was unable to prevent The Saints becoming the first victims of the new three-down relegation system in 1974 when it was relegated, along with Manchester United and Norwich City.