Guardian article

[L1Minus10]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/feb/07/southampton-markus-liebherr-takeover

 

Good stuff....

[Saint_clark]

"Southampton have already broken the record for the biggest crowd in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with 26,000"

 

Yes, but that picture was from the 07/08 final day game against Sheffield United.

[SuperMikey]

Supposedly we nearly signed Coventry City's Wade Elliot. Hmm.

[Mustapha Fag]

*Cortese is said to have cancelled a January deal for Coventry City's Wade Elliott when the wage demand rose too high, even though Pardew thought the deal was done.*

 

hmmmm

 

*To coincide with the club's 125th anniversary the team will revert to the St Mary's Young Men Association's kit from 1885 and no logo is being sought to replace Flybe, who have not renewed their deal.*

 

can you remember that site that had all the previous Saints kits on it? Wondered what this kit was like, was it the Monaco style shirt?

[Matthew Le God]

The article is littered with errors, for example...

 

Meanwhile, Nicola Cortese, the equally elusive chief executive who banned the Dorset Echo over a triviality

 

Cortese is said to have cancelled a January deal for Coventry City's Wade Elliott when the wage demand rose too high, even though Pardew thought the deal was done.

 

Top quality journalism.

[maxi_sopez]

still nice article bar the errors, the owners and cortese are incredible....i just occasinaly fear a bit too good to be true! although if this week goes badly on the pitch could be the end of are season.

[Block 5]

still nice article bar the errors, the owners and cortese are incredible....i just occasinaly fear a bit too good to be true! although if this week goes badly on the pitch could be the end of are season.

 

Stepford FC?

[Plonko]

 

can you remember that site that had all the previous Saints kits on it? Wondered what this kit was like, was it the Monaco style shirt?

 

http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/

[Tom]

Bloody good read.

[tpbury]

For the sake of journalistic accuracy - this is an Observer article....Good read all the same.

[Eastcowzer]

For the sake of journalistic accuracy - this is an Observer article....Good read all the same.

 

....Liebherr's regular failure to attend games...

He's probably seen more home games than I have, this season and was even there on Boxing Day.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

For the sake of journalistic accuracy - this is an Observer article....Good read all the same.

 

The Guardian journos all do pieces for the Observer.

 

I enjoyed the read but was struck at how much emphasis Pardew placed on the pressure he is under and how NC is in a rush to get things done, I am hearing NC is in a real hurry and the 5 year plan is now a 3 year plan and AP is feeling the heat.

 

Yesterday will have upped the anti.

 

I gather AP faced some stern questions after the Millwall game.

[Toomer]

The Guardian journos all do pieces for the Observer.

 

I enjoyed the read but was struck at how much emphasis Pardew placed on the pressure he is under and how NC is in a rush to get things done, I am hearing NC is in a real hurry and the 5 year plan is now a 3 year plan and AP is feeling the heat.

 

Yesterday will have upped the anti.

 

I gather AP faced some stern questions after the Millwall game.

 

If that is the case Duncan lets just hope we don't get the revolving door back again.

[moonraker]

Enjoyable read, never read anything in the press that wasnt error strewn so no surprises there, really enjoyed the last para...

 

"This will eat Portsmouth fans to the bone, but at least they know now it is possible to escape extinction and thrive again, within six months. Or it is, if you have a stadium as good as St Mary's."

 

How true

[Huntingdon]

The Guardian journos all do pieces for the Observer.

 

I enjoyed the read but was struck at how much emphasis Pardew placed on the pressure he is under and how NC is in a rush to get things done, I am hearing NC is in a real hurry and the 5 year plan is now a 3 year plan and AP is feeling the heat.

 

Yesterday will have upped the anti.

 

I gather AP faced some stern questions after the Millwall game.

 

I'm not at all surprised by that

 

When you see Cortese's lack of patience when dealing with The Echo, I can't imagine he'll be too patient with Pardew

 

I hope he isn't too hasty though, I'm confident AP will get it right

 

Football success is often about momentum. Even if we miss out on this years play-offs, with Norwich & Leeds probably promoted, we'd be a banker to win the league next year and that could easily lead to a double promotion the following season

[NickG]

made me feel bit better after the draw

[Thedelldays]

The Guardian journos all do pieces for the Observer.

 

I enjoyed the read but was struck at how much emphasis Pardew placed on the pressure he is under and how NC is in a rush to get things done, I am hearing NC is in a real hurry and the 5 year plan is now a 3 year plan and AP is feeling the heat.

 

Yesterday will have upped the anti.

 

I gather AP faced some stern questions after the Millwall game.

but FF..no one want to read this..there is no pressure apparently.

[Leslie Charteris]

It's interesting to hear that AP likens himself to Alex Ferguson. Is he asking for a similar amount of time as Fergie had at Man Ure? If memory serves correct, he had a lean first couple of years and was close to the sack. I get the feeling that the deal is now promotion next year and create a decent Championship team or else!

[forever a red and white]

the owners have done well with investment but i still have my resevations:

 

a) are they patient enough to stick aroudn for the long haul,]

b) they need to understand football, we wil not be in the prem in 3 years, not as a sustainable club anyway in terms of squad etc

c) is this bit of extra pr on the website slightly turning into the Nicola Cortese show.

 

Hayward refers to Randy Learner, alot can be learnt by the way he has run Villa since being at the club

[beatlesaint]

I think reading between the lines AP knows he has to get promotion next season and that failure to do so will not be an option.

[adrian lord]

very enjoyable read.

[alpine_saint]

The Guardian journos all do pieces for the Observer.

 

I enjoyed the read but was struck at how much emphasis Pardew placed on the pressure he is under and how NC is in a rush to get things done, I am hearing NC is in a real hurry and the 5 year plan is now a 3 year plan and AP is feeling the heat.

 

Yesterday will have upped the anti.

 

I gather AP faced some stern questions after the Millwall game.

 

I think the 5yr plan is a load of b*ll*cks, conjured up to demonstrate to the fans a sense of long-term commitment.

 

3 or 4 years sounds right: from L1 to CCC with one allowed f**k-up, and from CCC to PL again with one allowed f**k-up.

 

Ergo, AP will be gone at Xmas if we aint sitting pretty.

[paris]

Good and positive read on a Sunday morning...

[Weston Saint]

I think the 5yr plan is a load of b*ll*cks, conjured up to demonstrate to the fans a sense of long-term commitment.

 

3 or 4 years sounds right: from L1 to CCC with one allowed f**k-up, and from CCC to PL again with one allowed f**k-up.

 

Ergo, AP will be gone at Xmas if we aint sitting pretty.

The real plan is 3 years to reach the Premiership is what I have heard away from SMS but from someone who might have contact with what Cortese is saying privately.

 

Pardew is under immense pressure as he says in the article. His job is very much on the line. Failure to get in the playoffs (now unlikely) or only a couple of points from it will likely bring an end to his involvement. He now has the players he desired (Elliott Ward excepted although, it seems from the article, he tried to screw us on wages) and must have a better second half to the season than the first half.

 

Exeter was not a good start.

[Genk]

I think the 5yr plan is a load of b*ll*cks, conjured up to demonstrate to the fans a sense of long-term commitment.

 

3 or 4 years sounds right: from L1 to CCC with one allowed f**k-up, and from CCC to PL again with one allowed f**k-up.

 

Ergo, AP will be gone at Xmas if we aint sitting pretty.

 

I agree. If we aren't say top 4, close to automatic then I can see AP gone.

[theyin]

" We had so many young players who had no experience, no real desire or hunger to understand what it means to be a full-time professional, so we got into them a little bit."

 

Who the feck are these kids with 'no real desire or hunger'? I thought that was the thing about youth. This is football FFS. It is a sign of our times when ungrateful little ***ts who think the world owes them a living have to be cajooled into doing their bit in what is THE easiest life. These numbskulls would be at the end of the till packing grocery bags if they weren't kicking a football about.

 

I love Saints, I love football, I just can't abide the eeejits who play the game.

[Bucks Saint]

"Southampton have already broken the record for the biggest crowd in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with 26,000"

 

Yes, but that picture was from the 07/08 final day game against Sheffield United.

 

Killjoy

[suewhistle]

" We had so many young players who had no experience, no real desire or hunger to understand what it means to be a full-time professional, so we got into them a little bit."

 

Who the feck are these kids with 'no real desire or hunger'? I thought that was the thing about youth. This is football FFS. It is a sign of our times when ungrateful little ***ts who think the world owes them a living have to be cajooled into doing their bit in what is THE easiest life. These numbskulls would be at the end of the till packing grocery bags if they weren't kicking a football about. .

 

I sometimes do wonder about the world they live in. I'm currently taking a break from preparing lessons for new classes to post here. No match today as it was called off but on Friday night there were 18 girls and women at training in 12 cm of snow, even knowing there was no game. We train and play for the love of it after full days at work or school. The rewards in professional male football are in reach early and generously and they still don't make the effort.

[VectisSaint]

I think the 5yr plan is a load of b*ll*cks, conjured up to demonstrate to the fans a sense of long-term commitment.

 

3 or 4 years sounds right: from L1 to CCC with one allowed f**k-up, and from CCC to PL again with one allowed f**k-up.

 

Ergo, AP will be gone at Xmas if we aint sitting pretty.

Bloody glad I don't work for you. So not getting promotion in 1 season is a **** up. **** me you are a plonker. Sometimes I agree with a lot of what you say, at other times you are just a prize *****, as most others think.

[VectisSaint]

" We had so many young players who had no experience, no real desire or hunger to understand what it means to be a full-time professional, so we got into them a little bit."

 

Who the feck are these kids with 'no real desire or hunger'? I thought that was the thing about youth. This is football FFS. It is a sign of our times when ungrateful little ***ts who think the world owes them a living have to be cajooled into doing their bit in what is THE easiest life. These numbskulls would be at the end of the till packing grocery bags if they weren't kicking a football about.

 

I love Saints, I love football, I just can't abide the eeejits who play the game.

Don't disagree with you, but it also has a lot to do with the coaches that work with them. Sadly too many of the kids that AP inherited had been coached by eejits who thought that they were God's gift to football, with the blessing of a Chairman who thought that you just turned the handle and out came superstars from the Academy. It is not just the kids themselves that are to blame, but the whole ethos of the Club under the previous regime(s).

[Ash]

"Southampton have already broken the record for the biggest crowd in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with 26,000"

 

Yes, but that picture was from the 07/08 final day game against Sheffield United.

How would they get a picture from a game which is yet to take place?

[qwertySFC]

Markus has spoken in the press dispite what the article informs us, they just need to keep abreast of the European newspapers,

 

http://www.lagruyere.ch/fr/le-journal/les-editions/2009/20090711/football.html

 

Markus spoke some time ago in an exclusive with La Gruyere, explaining his reasons for purchasing the club and that he does not intend to buy Kaka ...yet

 

If your French and German is good there are often interviews in the papers with Markus.

[Saint_Jimbo83]

I was pleasantly suprised to see a double page article on Saints in the Observer today. Was a good read too.

 

Nice to see positive news about saints again!

[stardustonmyfeet]

Does anyone know about Greg Dyke's comments from last week about us? Never heard anything about that other than in this article.

[theyin]

Markus has spoken in the press dispite what the article informs us, they just need to keep abreast of the European newspapers,

 

http://www.lagruyere.ch/fr/le-journal/les-editions/2009/20090711/football.html

 

Markus spoke some time ago in an exclusive with La Gruyere, explaining his reasons for purchasing the club and that he does not intend to buy Kaka ...yet

 

If your French and German is good there are often interviews in the papers with Markus.

 

So whose O level French is still up to scratch?

 

Liebherr: «Je ne vais pas acheter Kaka»

Agé de 61 ans, Markus Liebherr a repris le club anglais de Southampton. Le Bullois en explique les raisons.

 

 

 

Le Bullois Markus Liebherr compte bien redonner ses lettres de noblesse au club de Southampton.

 

 

 

Comme une trainée de poudre, la nouvelle a fait le tour des sites internet anglais: «Un Suisse au secours de Southampton». La BBC, le Times et tous les autres journaux anglais d’envergure en ont parlé sur la toile, avant d’être relayés par les sites sportifs étrangers. Ce Suisse se prénomme Markus Liebherr: un nom bien connu dans la région. Après Hans, ancien directeur de l’entreprise Liebherr-International AG et la cavalière Christina, voici donc son oncle Markus. Discret jusqu’à présent, cet homme d’affaires de 61 ans a quitté la fratrie Liebherr en 1993 pour fonder sa propre entreprise basée à Fribourg: MALI International.

 

 

 

Markus Liebherr, pour quelles raisons avez-vous décidé de reprendre Southampton (22 millions)?

 

Le club se trouvait en grande difficulté financière et quelqu’un devait investir. J’ai donc profité de l’occasion pour reprendre une équipe qui évolue en troisième division, mais qui s’appuie sur des supporters fidèles et qui a le potentiel pour figurer en première division. C’était une belle opportunité à ne pas manquer.

 

 

 

Un Suisse qui prend en main un club anglais. Cette décision peut surprendre…

 

Non, je ne crois pas. Il ne fallait pas manquer une telle occasion. J’ai beaucoup moins investi que si j’avais repris un club en bonne santé.

 

 

 

Etiez-vous déjà impliqué auparavant dans le monde du football?

 

Je suis régulièrement les principaux résultats. Mais j’avoue que le football n’est pas ma passion. Avec cette acquisition, je vais davantage découvrir ce milieu que je ne connais pas encore beaucoup.

 

 

 

Quelles sont vos intentions?

 

L’objectif est simple: Southampton doit retrouver sa place dans l’élite du football anglais. Maintenant, cela ne sert à rien de brûler les étapes en prenant trop de risques financiers. Mon but est de construire une équipe solide, formée par les joueurs du cru. C’est pour cette raison que je vais m’entourer de personnes de confiance, qui seront prêtes à s’engager pour que le club retrouve des couleurs.

 

 

 

Vous n’allez donc pas imiter Florentino Perez, le nouveau président du Real Madrid, qui offre une pléiade de stars à ses supporters?

 

Désolé, mais je ne vais pas acheter Kaka (rires). Franchissons doucement les différents paliers qui vont nous permettre de réussir notre pari.

 

 

 

Pourquoi avoir choisi de vous expatrier en Angleterre et ne pas avoir choisi d’investir dans un club suisse, par exemple?

 

En Suisse, aucun club n’était dans la même situation et ne m’offrait l’opportunité de repartir à zéro.

 

 

 

L’attente semble énorme du côté des supporters. Sentez-vous cette pression?

 

Je sais que Southampton est un club de tradition qui a eu la chance de compter de grands joueurs par le passé, soutenu par beaucoup de supporters. Le club a coulé ces dernières années, car plusieurs personnes tentaient de le diriger. Je suis désormais le seul maître à bord et j’espère bien le mener vers le chemin du succès.

 

 

 

Est-ce-que c’est une première pour la famille Liebherr d’intégrer le monde du football?

 

C’est vrai que ma famille est davantage attirée par les sports équestres. Mais c’est plutôt mon frère Hans, qui est passionné par les chevaux. J’ai bien essayé, petit, sur des poneys, mais cela ne s’est pas avéré concluant (rires).

 

 

 

Vous êtes désormais propriétaire d’un club anglais. Allez-vous changer vos habitudes?

 

Bien sûr, je vais souvent aller au stade pour voir l’équipe. Mais j’habite à Bulle et je compte bien y rester. J’effectuerai simplement plus de voyages.

 

 

 

 

Un passé glorieux

 

En début de semaine, l’homme d’affaires résidant à Bulle a donc décidé de reprendre en main le club anglais de Southampton. Le montant de 22 millions a semble-t-il été nécessaire pour que le Gruérien puisse trôner dans le magnifique stade du sud de l’Angleterre. A la dérive depuis sa chute de première division en 2005, Southampton a, cette saison, été relégué en Division One (3e division) à la suite de la faillite des anciens propriétaires, qui ont laissé une dette de 52,7 millions de francs. Avant l’arrivée de Markus Liebherr, seule l’histoire du club pouvait donc être considérée comme riche. Evoluant en Premier League de 1978 à 2005, Southampton a remporté la célèbre Cup en 1976. Plus récemment, cette formation a échoué en finale face à Arsenal (2005). Des joueurs comme Kevin Keegan, Peter Shilton, Alan Shearer, Peter Crouch ou le jeune talent Theo Walcott ont d’ailleurs porté les couleurs de ce club. C’est donc avec le poids de ce glorieux passé que Markus Liebherr va tenter de réussir son pari: remettre le club à flot pour qu’il revienne à bon port, en Premier League. Ce qui augmentera logiquement la valeur financière de sa nouvelle acquisition. vac

[miserableoldgit]

Liebherr: "I'm not going to buy Kaka"

Aged 61, Markus Liebherr resumed the English club Southampton. The Bullois explains why.

 

 

The Bullois Markus Liebherr well restore its former glory to the club from Southampton.

 

Like wildfire, the news made the rounds of English websites: "A Swiss to the rescue of Southampton. The BBC, The Times and other major English newspapers have spoken on the canvas before being relayed by the foreign sports venues. This name is Switzerland's Markus Liebherr: a name well known in the region. After Hans, a former director of the company Liebherr-International AG and rider Christina, so here is his uncle Markus. Discreet far, this businessman of 61 years left siblings Liebherr in 1993 to found his own company based in Freiburg: MALI International.

 

Markus Liebherr, why did you decide to return to Southampton (22 million)?

The club was in serious financial trouble and someone should invest. So I took the opportunity to take a team who plays in the third division, but relies on loyal fans and has the potential to be in first division. It was a great opportunity not to be missed.

 

A Swiss who took over an English club. This decision may surprise ...

No, I do not think so. You should not miss such an opportunity. I have invested far less than if I had taken a club in good health.

 

Were you ever involved earlier in the football world?

I am often the main results. But I admit that football is not my passion. With this acquisition, I will further explore this environment that I do not know much.

 

What are your intentions?

The goal is simple: Southampton must find its place among the elite of English football. Now, this does no good to cut corners by taking too many financial risks. My goal is to build a strong team, formed by the players believed. For this reason I surround myself with people you trust, who will be willing to commit to the club color return.

 

You will not imitate Florentino Perez, the new president of Real Madrid, which offers a host of stars its supporters?

Sorry, but I'm not going to buy Kaka (laughs). Slowly crossed the different levels that will allow us to get our bet.

 

Why did you choose to go abroad in England and not have chosen to invest in a Swiss club, for example?

In Switzerland, no club was in the same situation and offered me the opportunity to start over.

 

The wait seems huge side fans. Feel the pressure?

I know that Southampton is a club tradition that has been blessed with great players in the past, supported by many fans. The club has sunk in recent years because many people trying to lead. I am now the sole master on board and I hope to pursue the path towards success.

 

Is-it's a first for the Liebherr family entering the world of football?

It is true that my family is more attracted to equestrian sports. But it's more my brother Hans, who is passionate about horses. I have tried small, on ponies, but this did not prove conclusive (laughter).

 

You are now the owner of an English club. Will you change your habits?

Of course, I often go to the stadium to watch the team. But I live in bubble and I plan to stay there. I will perform more than just travel.

 

 

A glorious past

 

Earlier this week, businessman residing in Bulle decided to take control of English club Southampton. The amount of 22 million has apparently been necessary for the Gruérien to be enthroned in the magnificent stadium in southern England. A drifting since his fall from first division in 2005, Southampton this season, were relegated to Division One (3rd division) following the bankruptcy of former owners, who have left a debt of 52.7 million francs. Before the arrival of Markus Liebherr, only the club's history could be considered rich. Becoming Premier League from 1978 to 2005, Southampton has won the famous Cup in 1976. More recently, this training has failed in the final against Arsenal (2005). Players like Kevin Keegan, Peter Shilton, Alan Shearer, Peter Crouch or the young talent of Theo Walcott has also played for the club. So with the weight of this glorious past that Markus Liebherr will attempt to succeed his bet: put the club afloat for him to come back safely, in the Premier League. What logically increase the financial value of its new acquisition. vac

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Thedelldays]

Is-it's a first for the Liebherr family entering the world of football?

It is true that my family is more attracted to equestrian sports. But it's more my brother Hans, who is passionate about horses. I have tried small, on ponies, but this did not prove conclusive (laughter).

 

oh no

[alpine_saint]

Bloody glad I don't work for you. So not getting promotion in 1 season is a **** up. **** me you are a plonker. Sometimes I agree with a lot of what you say, at other times you are just a prize *****, as most others think.

 

We dropped unnecessary points against Milwall, Orient, Brighton, Brentford and Exeter.

 

Yes, a f**k up.

 

Really sorry I have antagnoised, you, not a lot I can do about it if a lot of people think I am a pr*ck. I only describe things the way I see them.

[It's There]

ta for that. interesting read

[ypbl]

http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/

 

So, according to that site, our original kit wasn't red and white stripes, but red and white quarters (I never knew that!)... not sure I like that too much.

 

http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Southampton/Southampton.htm

[Kingsland Nick]

Meanwhile, Nicola Cortese ... has not denied reports that he has been courted by AC Milan.

Apart from here

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~1945835,00.html

(unless he was also being courted by Juve or Inter, but if he was, why didn't the journo mention that)

[Kingsland Nick]

Apart from here

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~1945835,00.html

(unless he was also being courted by Juve or Inter, but if he was, why didn't the journo mention that)

OK, technically he didn't deny he was courted, but the article gives the impression that he could be joining Milan.

[jam]

oh no

 

The skates would love that...

[Neil]

"the unfeasibly venomous south-coast rivalry..."

 

Nice article, and like this quote, Guardian has been one of the few papers to understand this rivalry, and did so before, I remember a similar description from the '96 FAC tie.

[saint_stevo]

Wade Elliot? close.....

[Plumstead_Saint]

A reasonable article, albeit with the usual inaccuracies - Dorset echo etc.

Don't the quality papers employ fact checkers anymore?

 

This is the St Mary's YMA shirt 1885 style:

 

 

or there is the 1899 style:

 

 

well....I like the idea of no sponsor's logo.

[SW11_Saint]

Really sorry I have antagnoised, you, not a lot I can do about it if a lot of people think I am a pr*ck. I only describe things the way I see them.

I think that is the key - rarely ever based on fact or substantive knowledge though!

[SW11_Saint]

Great article. Pardew always comes across so well. Nice to see intelligence and ambition back at the club. I am not worried by Cortese's apparent impatience for success - christ, rather that than the 'make do and mend' mentality we've had in the last 10 years! - and I rather think Pardew is enjoying the challenge.

 

By the way, the written article has few of the errors people are *****ing about (e.g. it says 'local Echo' not 'Dorset Echo', the main picture references it is the Sheff Utd game when we stayed up etc.). Just enjoy the fact we have a double page spread in a quality paper FFS - it's been a while!

[theyin]

Liebherr: "I'm not going to buy Kaka"

Aged 61, Markus Liebherr resumed the English club Southampton. The Bullois explains why.

 

 

The Bullois Markus Liebherr well restore its former glory to the club from Southampton.

 

Like wildfire, the news made the rounds of English websites: "A Swiss to the rescue of Southampton. The BBC, The Times and other major English newspapers have spoken on the canvas before being relayed by the foreign sports venues. This name is Switzerland's Markus Liebherr: a name well known in the region. After Hans, a former director of the company Liebherr-International AG and rider Christina, so here is his uncle Markus. Discreet far, this businessman of 61 years left siblings Liebherr in 1993 to found his own company based in Freiburg: MALI International.

 

Markus Liebherr, why did you decide to return to Southampton (22 million)?

The club was in serious financial trouble and someone should invest. So I took the opportunity to take a team who plays in the third division, but relies on loyal fans and has the potential to be in first division. It was a great opportunity not to be missed.

 

A Swiss who took over an English club. This decision may surprise ...

No, I do not think so. You should not miss such an opportunity. I have invested far less than if I had taken a club in good health.

 

Were you ever involved earlier in the football world?

I am often the main results. But I admit that football is not my passion. With this acquisition, I will further explore this environment that I do not know much.

 

What are your intentions?

The goal is simple: Southampton must find its place among the elite of English football. Now, this does no good to cut corners by taking too many financial risks. My goal is to build a strong team, formed by the players believed. For this reason I surround myself with people you trust, who will be willing to commit to the club color return.

 

You will not imitate Florentino Perez, the new president of Real Madrid, which offers a host of stars its supporters?

Sorry, but I'm not going to buy Kaka (laughs). Slowly crossed the different levels that will allow us to get our bet.

 

Why did you choose to go abroad in England and not have chosen to invest in a Swiss club, for example?

In Switzerland, no club was in the same situation and offered me the opportunity to start over.

 

The wait seems huge side fans. Feel the pressure?

I know that Southampton is a club tradition that has been blessed with great players in the past, supported by many fans. The club has sunk in recent years because many people trying to lead. I am now the sole master on board and I hope to pursue the path towards success.

 

Is-it's a first for the Liebherr family entering the world of football?

It is true that my family is more attracted to equestrian sports. But it's more my brother Hans, who is passionate about horses. I have tried small, on ponies, but this did not prove conclusive (laughter).

 

You are now the owner of an English club. Will you change your habits?

Of course, I often go to the stadium to watch the team. But I live in bubble and I plan to stay there. I will perform more than just travel.

 

 

A glorious past

 

Earlier this week, businessman residing in Bulle decided to take control of English club Southampton. The amount of 22 million has apparently been necessary for the Gruérien to be enthroned in the magnificent stadium in southern England. A drifting since his fall from first division in 2005, Southampton this season, were relegated to Division One (3rd division) following the bankruptcy of former owners, who have left a debt of 52.7 million francs. Before the arrival of Markus Liebherr, only the club's history could be considered rich. Becoming Premier League from 1978 to 2005, Southampton has won the famous Cup in 1976. More recently, this training has failed in the final against Arsenal (2005). Players like Kevin Keegan, Peter Shilton, Alan Shearer, Peter Crouch or the young talent of Theo Walcott has also played for the club. So with the weight of this glorious past that Markus Liebherr will attempt to succeed his bet: put the club afloat for him to come back safely, in the Premier League. What logically increase the financial value of its new acquisition. vac

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fantastic, thanks for the translantion. I know it's an old article but I think it sets out more in that piece than anything we've known before - unless of course it's been up on a thread before????

[Foxstone]

Cracking good read !

 

How refreshing it is to see so many positives being written and said about our club in recent times, rather than so much negativity that preceeded it for far too long.