Memorial service for Markus

[beatlesaint]

why did he only buy one?

 

Spectaculalry missed the point haven't you ?

 

For one the watches were to be bought when the club won a trophy or promotion but on the day he died Markus bought one for Cortese.

 

So use your common sense and try and work out why he only bought one and why he had to buy it THAT day.

Edited 18 August, 2010 by beatlesaint

[shurlock]

...I think he bought one as he knew he was dying.

 

Wasnt in attendance but if true and it sounds true is heart-wrenching.

[S-Clarke]

Really nice post Wes. Sounds like he got the send off he deserved.

 

What a great man.

[beatlesaint]

the player who walked down the aisle after the service disrespectfully ambling along with his hands in his pockets.

 

Puncheon......i felt like telling him to take his hands out his bloody pockets and show a bit of respect.

Arrogant looking tosser.

[hypochondriac]

Spectaculalry missed the point haven't you ?

 

For one the watches were to be bought when the club won a trophy or promotion but on the day he dis Markus bought one for Cortese.

 

So use your common sense and try and work out why he only bought one and why he had to buy it THAT day.

 

I was just wondering if they had expanded on that point at the service. Unfortunately I couldn't elaborate on that because I was typing on my phone. Thanks Wes for the report.

[paris]

Thanks Wes apprecited....

[once_bitterne]

is a good enough man for Markus to trust/rely on then he is good enough for me, and dare I say for any true fan of the club.

[shurlock]

Puncheon......i felt like telling him to take his hands out his bloody pockets and show a bit of respect.

Arrogant looking tosser.

 

Sounds about right - this era's DMG, too big for his boots and not as good as he thinks he is...

[LA77]

I see it that Markus wished to give a gift to his dear friend. Cortese had insisted that they have a watch each for every milestone reached and that ML had agreed to humour him, possibly never intending to buy himself one. But this agreement was anyway apparently meant to be when the club was either promoted or won some silverware. So unless it was post-dated so that a watch was overdue for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, then nothing would have been due until much later in the season. So what had possessed Markus to buy the watch so far in advance? As I say, did he have some foreboding about his health?

 

The watch that he had seen at the airport was a brand new model and not on general sale. He had put in an order direct to the manufacturers and had collected it before the first match, but had been too ill to attend it. As it stands, it will be a lasting momento of Markus to his dear friend Cortese.

 

Good post again mate. Yeah, it seems he knew he was very ill indeed, and was determined to buy the gift before he passed away. I came away from the service feeling very confident about our future, and I truly believe the Liebherr family and Cortese will carry on his legacy.

[once_bitterne]

If Cortese is a good enough man for Markus to trust/rely on then he is good enough for me, and dare I say for any true fan of the club.

 

edited to make sense!

[hypochondriac]

Good post again mate. Yeah, it seems he knew he was very ill indeed, and was determined to buy the gift before he passed away. I came away from the service feeling very confident about our future, and I truly believe the Liebherr family and Cortese will carry on his legacy.

 

Any reason for that? I mean did anyone say anything or make any comment about our future?

[Wes Tender]

Wes, would be possible to let us know what was in the booklet you got?

 

Yes, certainly.

 

It was an A5 size booklet. On the cover was the Club's 125 year crest. The title, Memorial Service in Thanksgiving for the life of Markus Liebherr. Under, a lovely photo of him resplendent in black tie and DJ. Under that, St. Mary's Church - "The Saints Church" and the date.

 

Order of Service:-

Introit "Grosser Gott Wir Geloben / Holy God , we praise thy name, played by the organ and sung by the choir.

 

Welcome by the Rector

 

Hymn

Oh God our help in ages past

 

Reading by Herbie Taylor (football League Fan of the Year) St Paul's letter to the Collosians Chapter 3 Verses 12-17

 

Tribute

Councillor Royston Smith, leader of the Council

 

Psalm 23

Sung by the choir

 

Reading by Jake Flannigan, the Academy player

Success. A poem by Bessie A Stanley

 

Hymn

Now thank thee all our God

 

Address (Sermon) by the Rector Rev. Dr Julian Davies

 

Reflection

Accompanied by the Choir singing Ave Maria (Very moving)

 

Prayers

 

Hymn

Abide by Me

 

Tribute

David Bick - Club Media Consultant

 

Closing prayer and blessing

 

On the back inside cover the photo of Markus with scarf waving to the fans, (or as it seems to me now, waving goodbye to us all) Under the photo, the dates 1948 - 2010

[beatlesaint]

I was just wondering if they had expanded on that point at the service. Unfortunately I couldn't elaborate on that because I was typing on my phone. Thanks Wes for the report.

 

The guy said at the end he would leave it to people to draw their own conclusions as to why he only bought the one.

[beancounter saint]

I was glad I went today, even though I ended up tucked away at the back of the church where I couldn’t really see anything.

 

Within the watch story was some information about how Markus flew over to watch the Plymouth game but was unable to attend in the end due to his health. Made me wonder whether there might be some credence to the theory that the photographers ban may have been at least in part due to concerns for his privacy.

 

Anyway, whatever the truth or otherwise of that, it all just confirmed my honest belief that Cortese is really the strongest link to the vision of Markus Liebherr for the Saints and I, for one, am prepared to give him the benefit of any doubt in his dealings on behalf of the club.

[Pancake]

Thanks Wes.

[hypochondriac]

The guy said at the end he would leave it to people to draw their own conclusions as to why he only bought the one.

 

Right well thanks for explaining that. I couldn't attend so I didn't know. That's a nice story.

[beatlesaint]

The other thing I will say is what a class act Alan Pardew is.

As they all walked out, past the supporters stood at the back on either side of the gangway most of the players looked straight ahead (Connolly looked very emotional actually) but AP looked to his right, smiled and nodded at supporters then did the same to his left where I was stood right in front of him.

 

A genuinally decent guy, I have noticed that about him before but it really bought it home today.

 

Some people know how to conduct themselves, others don't - ie Puncheon.

[holepuncture]

Just got back. I had arrived half an hour before the service was due to commence and was lucky to be amongst the first allowed to enter the church to fill space available at the rear. I also managed to be given one of the printed booklets with the order of service and will keep it as a souvenir and reminder of the day. As mentioned already by another attendee, it was a very moving service

 

As well as Alan Pardew, all of the players, the senior team and the younger Academy players, there were a few of the old Saints players there too. Also the Lady Mayor of Southampton.

 

There was a reading by Herbie Taylor, the Football League fan of the year. Also a tribute by Coucillor Royston Smith, the leader of the Souhampton City Council, who said what the club meant to the City and what a massive part Markus Liebherr had played in the fortunes of the Club.

 

Jake Flannigan an under 15s Academy player read a poem entitled "Success". He was fluent and accomplished, a credit to the youngsters involved with the Club.

 

Another tribute came from David Bick, the Club Media Consultant, his voice reminding me very much of Michael Caine's. He divulged some very interest background to the relationship between Markus and Cortese, the anecdote about the Swiss watches that they would give to each other when we were promoted at the end of the season, but which Markus had obtained especially from the makers to give to Cortese the Saturday before he died. Did he have some foreboding? He also gave us an insight into Markus' family and his partner Laura.

 

The Rector of Southampton had also given a very moving address detailing the origins of the Club at that Church and stating that Markus was its saviour during its darkest hour since its founding. He pointed out that the halo above Christ's head on the stained glass windows behind the altar was coloured red and white matching the team's colours.

 

In front of the steps to the raised area where the pews for the choir were, visible to the congregation, was a framed picture of Markus. It was I believe the one we would all know and love, him wearing his scarf and waving his arm in salute to the fans at the first match after he bought us.

 

I am glad that I took the time to attand the service. It was a very emotional and moving experience, but I felt indebted to him for bringing happiness to my life, although only having known of him for such a short time.

 

The only blots in the service were the two mobile phones that rang in the church which should have been switched off and the player who walked down the aisle after the service disrespectfully ambling along with his hands in his pockets.

 

Thanks Wes - I wanted to be there but work committments put an end to that, it sounds like there were plenty of Saints there to represent those of us that couldnt make it.

 

Sounds like a fantastic service , well done to all.

 

The watch story is remarkable, Nicola Cortese must be a very humbled man recieving such an important gift.

 

That story symbolises the quality of man Markus was, I cant imagine how he must have been feeling at the time.

 

I am so proud to be a Saint. Proud to bleed red and white, proud to be associated with SFC.

 

I know its not the scenario anyone wanted, but today, and this post (Wes') illustrates just what a brilliant community we are, all the way through.

 

I love being a Saint.

 

Thank you Markus, turns out you were an angel afterall

 

Up the Saints

[LA77]

Any reason for that? I mean did anyone say anything or make any comment about our future?

 

No, no ITK from me. Just a gut feeling. His family were there, the tribute from David Bick confirmed the strong relationship between Cortese and Markus, and that they were "joined at the hip". He said he was confident our plans will be seen through. I just have a feeling the Liebherr family have a strong bond with SFC and would like to be part of our future.

[Wes Tender]

Any reason for that? I mean did anyone say anything or make any comment about our future?

 

I read between the lines here. Things that were said during the service by several people give hopes that we will be cared for by Cortese and the family. David Bick had talked about the 3 year plan and then the five year plan that had been hatched between Markus and Cortese. Also it had been mentioned more than once the love that had grown for the club by Markus. Bick had said that Markus had fallen in love with the club the first day that he had visited. Mention was also made by the rector of how Markus had taken time out especially to visit St Mary's church, recognising it as the spritual home of the club. The rector had also said things which give confidence to us that we will be provided for and which IMO he would not have said unless he had discussed it with Cortese or the family. Likewise, Bick had cleared it with the family that he could reveal the details of those anecdotes about Markus. The rector had intimated that it was Markus' wish that the club would be successful and had called on Cortese to fulfill the legacy left to him by Markus. It was clear that the family knew exactly what we meant to him and he to us.

 

I am optimistic that they will not dessert us.

[dubai_phil]

Wes

 

 

Thankyou.

[cadiz saint]

Much appreciated Wes.

[martel]

Really nice post Wes. Sounds like he got the send off he deserved.

 

What a great man.

 

I would like to add my thanks as well Wes, a great post and so pleased a real Saints fan managed to attend in the Church as well.

[beatlesaint]

I read between the lines here. Things that were said during the service by several people give hopes that we will be cared for by Cortese and the family. David Bick had talked about the 3 year plan and then the five year plan that had been hatched between Markus and Cortese. Also it had been mentioned more than once the love that had grown for the club by Markus. Bick had said that Markus had fallen in love with the club the first day that he had visited. Mention was also made by the rector of how Markus had taken time out especially to visit St Mary's church, recognising it as the spritual home of the club. The rector had also said things which give confidence to us that we will be provided for and which IMO he would not have said unless he had discussed it with Cortese or the family. Likewise, Bick had cleared it with the family that he could reveal the details of those anecdotes about Markus. The rector had intimated that it was Markus' wish that the club would be successful and had called on Cortese to fulfill the legacy left to him by Markus. It was clear that the family knew exactly what we meant to him and he to us.

 

I am optimistic that they will not dessert us.

 

Totally agree, I came out feeling very positive about the future of the club and my belief it will continue to be owned by the Liebherr family.

[COMEONYOUREDS]

Thank you Wes for your post. Great insight for those who couldn't make it

[bowers-sfc]

Puncheon also just had jeans and a shirt on, where as the rest of the squad had suits.

[beatlesaint]

Puncheon also just had jeans and a shirt on, where as the rest of the squad had suits.

 

Think AP needs to take him to one side and have a quiet word. We dont want any Billy Big Balls here thankyou very much !

Edited 18 August, 2010 by beatlesaint

[St.Patrik]

Thats not really showing respect is it? And with the money he makes he could afford a suit for gods sake. I think NC will have a word or two with him.

[Colinjb]

Thats not really showing respect is it? And with the money he makes he could afford a suit for gods sake. I think NC will have a word or two with him.

 

More then a word I would guess.

[Wes Tender]

Totally agree, I came out feeling very positive about the future of the club and my belief it will continue to be owned by the Liebherr family.

 

I am just trying to imagine what this service meant to the family. They heard several people telling them what a giant of a man Markus was, a modest man, with humility and respectful towards others. He talked little but had a dry sense of humour, apparently. But it must have been very moving for them to hear the leader of the Southampton Council voicing the opinion that in such a short space of time he had touched the lives of several thousand citizens of the city and far beyond. He said that when Southampton won a match, the whole city were winners too. I can't recall who it was, but somebody had said that Markus was a Saint, but also an honorary Englishman! I'm sure that the family will have attended a memorial service by the employees of his company, but I doubt that they will have been touched as much as by this service.

 

Now I also recall that the rector had spoken of the birth of the club 125 years ago and said that Markus was responsible for the rebirth.

[hypochondriac]

Puncheon is pretty sh*t IMO anyway. Lack of respect in churches is something which really irritates me.

[alpine_saint]

Puncheon also just had jeans and a shirt on, where as the rest of the squad had suits.

 

What a w*nker

[beatlesaint]

I am just trying to imagine what this service meant to the family. They heard several people telling them what a giant of a man Markus was, a modest man, with humility and respectful towards others. He talked little but had a dry sense of humour, apparently. But it must have been very moving for them to hear the leader of the Southampton Council voicing the opinion that in such a short space of time he had touched the lives of several thousand citizens of the city and far beyond. He said that when Southampton won a match, the whole city were winners too. I can't recall who it was, but somebody had said that Markus was a Saint, but also an honorary Englishman! I'm sure that the family will have attended a memorial service by the employees of his company, but I doubt that they will have been touched as much as by this service.

 

Now I also recall that the rector had spoken of the birth of the club 125 years ago and said that Markus was responsible for the rebirth.

 

If they were in any doubt that it was just words one look at the front of St Marys when they returned there for the after memorial gathering would show them just how much he had been taken to the hearts of Saints fans and the people of Southampton.

 

To my mind that display speaks a thousand words over and over again.

[LA77]

I am just trying to imagine what this service meant to the family. They heard several people telling them what a giant of a man Markus was, a modest man, with humility and respectful towards others. He talked little but had a dry sense of humour, apparently. But it must have been very moving for them to hear the leader of the Southampton Council voicing the opinion that in such a short space of time he had touched the lives of several thousand citizens of the city and far beyond. He said that when Southampton won a match, the whole city were winners too. I can't recall who it was, but somebody had said that Markus was a Saint, but also an honorary Englishman! I'm sure that the family will have attended a memorial service by the employees of his company, but I doubt that they will have been touched as much as by this service.

 

Now I also recall that the rector had spoken of the birth of the club 125 years ago and said that Markus was responsible for the rebirth.

 

I think it was David Bick that said he was a Saint and an honorany Englishman. It was good to hear the story of Markus giving him the thumbs up at the final whistle of the JPT.

[for_heaven's_Saint]

Thanks for the info Wes. Sounds like a fitting tribute.

 

Was expecting to see 'Oh when the Saints' on the hymn sheet though!

[ART]

Sincere thanks to Wes Tender for the wonderful accounts of todays Memorial Service. I hope the Admins will see fit to save your account elsewhere as a token reminder of what today means to us all.

 

I read early on a German site that Markus has been unwell for sometime and that he had meticulously plotted out the Saints future with Nicolas Cortese before the season began. From what was written it gave the impression Markus was aware he didn't have long to live.

 

With regard to Puncheon standing with his hands in his pockets, it something seen in many footballers. I also might observe that he may have needed to do so to keep his hands from shaking. That he attended the service is enough for me and it's not something we should use in our usual fashion to humiliate or draw unnecessary attention to.

[ssaints]

Sincere thanks to Wes Tender for the wonderful accounts of todays Memorial Service. I hope the Admins will see fit to save your account elsewhere as a token reminder of what today means to us all.

 

I read early on a German site that Markus has been unwell for sometime and that he had meticulously plotted out the Saints future with Nicolas Cortese before the season began. From what was written it gave the impression Markus was aware he didn't have long to live.

 

With regard to Puncheon standing with his hands in his pockets, it something seen in many footballers. I also might observe that he may have needed to do so to keep his hands from shaking. That he attended the service is enough for me and it's not something we should use in our usual fashion to humiliate or draw unnecessary attention to.

 

Agree on Puncheon, whatever peoples views lets keep this on remembering Marcus.

[Pancake]

With regard to Puncheon standing with his hands in his pockets, it something seen in many footballers. I also might observe that he may have needed to do so to keep his hands from shaking. That he attended the service is enough for me and it's not something we should use in our usual fashion to humiliate or draw unnecessary attention to.

 

Are you trying to hint the JP has an alcohol problem ART?

[MINIBARCELONASAINT]

Pics?

 

In a church? Classy.

[Sevvy]

Cheers Wes.

A fitting tribute to a true Saint.

[Burger]

The other thing I will say is what a class act Alan Pardew is.

As they all walked out, past the supporters stood at the back on either side of the gangway most of the players looked straight ahead (Connolly looked very emotional actually) but AP looked to his right, smiled and nodded at supporters then did the same to his left where I was stood right in front of him.

 

A genuinally decent guy, I have noticed that about him before but it really bought it home today.

 

Some people know how to conduct themselves, others don't - ie Puncheon.

 

The people that don't know how to conduct themselves were at the back with mobile phones ringing........

[ART]

Are you trying to hint the JP has an alcohol problem ART?

 

Many people entering churches find their hands or lips shaking in fear of being in the House of the Lord. Others tend to look to the roof or bell tower hoping that it doesn't happen to fall upon them. Elsewhere I was just trying to suggest that discussion on Puncheon's hands in pocket had no relevance on this thread dedicated to Wes Tender's admirable account of the Memorial Servcves.

[alpine_saint]

With regard to Puncheon standing with his hands in his pockets, it something seen in many footballers. I also might observe that he may have needed to do so to keep his hands from shaking. That he attended the service is enough for me and it's not something we should use in our usual fashion to humiliate or draw unnecessary attention to.

 

Dont agree, I dont want no Billy Big Balls anywhere near the team this season.

 

I bet he wears a suit when he feels like it.

[saint_stevo]

Thank you all who have let those of us who couldn't make it know how the day went.

 

Appreciated.

 

s_s

[hypochondriac]

Many people entering churches find their hands or lips shaking in fear of being in the House of the Lord. Others tend to look to the roof or bell tower hoping that it doesn't happen to fall upon them. Elsewhere I was just trying to suggest that discussion on Puncheon's hands in pocket had no relevance on this thread dedicated to Wes Tender's admirable account of the Memorial Servcves.

 

Eh?

[SNOWY]

Thanks Wes. Well done to all the Saints fans who made the effort to be there.

[ART]

Body language meaning

Hands in pockets: Dejection, feeling that the world is about to end

 

Therefore Puncheon unconsciously may have been showing just how bad he felt.

[Burger]

Dont agree, I dont want no Billy Big Balls anywhere near the team this season.

 

I bet he wears a suit when he feels like it.

 

Relax and don't jump on bandwagons that you have no first hand knowledge of. There was no disrespect shown by any of the team and certainly no BBB - whatever that is. It was a good service and respect shown all round - except by those that left mobile phones on to ring during service readings.

[Master Bates]

Absolutey brilliant service, like Wes I was there half hour beforehand, was pretty shocked when they started allowing us inside.

 

One thing though, i'll never understand why people don't either turn off their phone or put it on vibrate at things like this.

[Pancake]

Body language meaning

Hands in pockets: Dejection, feeling that the world is about to end

 

Therefore Puncheon unconsciously may have been showing just how bad he felt.

 

But you said it had something to do with being a footballer?

 

You're an odd fellow Art, that's for sure. Im levaing it now.