MARKUS LIEBHERR DIES

On South Today it has just been announced that Markus Liebherr has died. Obviously this is a massive shock to everyone concerned, notably his family and friends. RIP Markus and thank you for saving the Saints.

I am completely stunned

RIP Markus

What a shame and only 62, condolences to his family. Could tell his joy and pride last march at Wembley when saints lifted the JPT such a shame he wont be able to see the further success his investment will deliver.

He seemed a real gentleman and will be sorely missed, clearly didn't want the limelight so unlike most Football club owners.

I can't take it in, feel close to tears. Thanks for everything Markus!!

On the Guardian website.........

Markus Liebherr, Southampton's billionaire owner, has died aged 62. His passing came after a period of illness during which, those close to him have stressed, he made provision for the League One club's future.

The Switzerland-based, German-born industrialist took the club out of administration in July 2009 and immediately injected sums aimed at providing the foundations ultimately for promotion to the Premier League.

According to the club's accounts to the year ending 30 June last year "the company's indebtedness to the bank, tax authorities and trade creditors were settled."

Cumulative losses over the previous two years had run at more than £30m but, the accounts added: "The club is now financially stable. The directors are optimistic about the future prospects for the club both on and off the field." Liebherr's death has not altered that optimism.

The executors of his estate were made aware of his emotional attachment to Southampton, which was only strengthened in the 13 months of his ownership.

The increased running costs incurred by investment in the playing squad in line with Liebherr's ambitions are understood to have been met through equity investment 12 months ago, with no director loans having been placed on the balance sheet. That situation is expected to remain unchanged as Liebherr's family prepares to carry out his wish for the club's future to be secured.

Some comments from the Southampton World page on Facebook........

Sean 'k' Page: A great man, a saviour, a legend! I know who is going to be on my shirt this season!

Emilyy Katiee Louuise: R.I.P

Lynne Jefford: RIP Markus. You will be missed

Dave Read: one of the greatest chairmen we've had in the shortest time RIP

Nicky Joséfontebaby Shakespeare: Such a sad loss :'( R.I.P. Markus, look down on us with happy thoughts, I know we will be thinking of you whenever we're at SMS x

Liz Stone: RIP.

Having met Marcus on many occasions during match days I would like to say what a cheerful and unassuming gentle man he was he will be sadley missed RIP Marcus hope you will look down on yours pride and joy during this season and reap the rewards that your enthusiasm for our beloved club deserves.

I am stunned and great saddened by this news. I never met him but hold him in highest regard for what he did for us. And I have great sympathy for his friends and family. It is a tragedy that he will not be around to see his plans come to fruition with the club.

This is a very sad day.

A gentleman that saved a club that I love with all my heart.Because of Markus I have the memory of taking my son to the new Wembley for the JPT final.It is a memory I will treasure for a lifetime, and I will never forget the man who made this possible.My deepest sympathy to all his family and friends.Lets rename the stadium after him,after all, if it wasn't for Markus we would not be here today.My abiding memory of Markus will be his face,and the sheer joy he got from Saints winning at Wembley,He really was one of us.R.I.P. MR Liebherr and God bless you.

I'll always remember seeing his happy smiling face on tv when we won the JPT Final. Like most of us, I didn't know him personally but he always seemed a happy, jolly man whenever there were pictures or tv footage of him and I am glad that the club won a trophy and that he got to see it.

What I would like to see most of all now, like all of us I suspect, is the club to win League One for Markus and to make his dreams of eventually getting to the Premier League come true.

This is such a shame. RIP Markus, we owe you a lot.