 The side finished comfortably in 14th place in its first season back in the top flight, and in the following season, it returned to Wembley in the final of the League Cup, when they acquitted themselves well, losing 3–2 to Nottingham Forest.In 1980, McMenemy made his finest signing, capturing reigning European Footballer of the Year Kevin Keegan.Although Keegan's Southampton career lasted only two years, Saints fielded an attractive side also containing Alan Ball, Phil Boyer, Mick Channon and Charlie George and in 1980–81; the club scored 76 goals and finished in sixth place, at the time its highest league finish.