Official Statement from Cortese about future

[INFLUENCED.COM]

I am encouraged by this statement and feel he is entitled to refer to outside parties within it, he is not or does not seem to be a media W!¬ore so perhaps he is aware it will be some time before his next public statement and hopefully one made under better circumstances. Fulfilling his objectives and indeed those of Markus can only be good for our club.

[Draino76]

/\

Woosh.

 

Well done Nic. Lets get on and smash this league.

[Weston Saint]

I am pleased the club have issued a statement to clear up the uncertainty which followed Marcus Liebherr’s sad passing.

 

However, things can never be the same in my opinion. Marcus & Nicola had a special relationship and Nicola was trusted implicitly by Marcus. Whilst it is clear from the statement that the family wish to continue that relationship in regard Nicola Cortese and Southampton Football Club it will by nature be a little more fragile than before. The very same strength of passion for the club will not be there although I am happy from the statement that, in the short term, the family will wish to continue the legacy.

 

Whilst Marcus & Nicola discussed in detail the future blueprint of the club it appears Marcus did not place money in trust to make sure his dream could be fulfilled. At least that is what the statement suggests. When Sir Jack Walker passed away he left £30m in trust for the sole use of Blackburn Rovers FC.

 

Of course we, as supporters, can have no influence on matters other than to turn up every home match and give our support to the team. The club is likely to be more dependent on income streams than ever before since Administration.

 

One thing is for sure, before Marcus & Nicola rescued us our future looked very bleak. That is not the picture today. Long may Nicola and the Liebherr family keep Southampton Football Club in their hearts and make this club great again and a leader and envy of the football world in general

[Saint_clark]

I really hope this is meant as a joke.

 

"Excuse me Nicola, I understand you are going through a tough time and all but can you please dress in black and well up so we can take a picture of the pain you are feeling please? Mehball would really appreciate it."

 

Bloody hell, it was clearly a joke.

[hypochondriac]

I am pleased the club have issued a statement to clear up the uncertainty which followed Marcus Liebherr’s sad passing.

 

However, things can never be the same in my opinion. Marcus & Nicola had a special relationship and Nicola was trusted implicitly by Marcus. Whilst it is clear from the statement that the family wish to continue that relationship in regard Nicola Cortese and Southampton Football Club it will by nature be a little more fragile than before. The very same strength of passion for the club will not be there although I am happy from the statement that, in the short term, the family will wish to continue the legacy.

 

Whilst Marcus & Nicola discussed in detail the future blueprint of the club it appears Marcus did not place money in trust to make sure his dream could be fulfilled. At least that is what the statement suggests. When Sir Jack Walker passed away he left £30m in trust for the sole use of Blackburn Rovers FC.

 

Of course we, as supporters, can have no influence on matters other than to turn up every home match and give our support to the team. The club is likely to be more dependent on income streams than ever before since Administration.

 

One thing is for sure, before Marcus & Nicola rescued us our future looked very bleak. That is not the picture today. Long may Nicola and the Liebherr family keep Southampton Football Club in their hearts and make this club great again and a leader and envy of the football world in general

 

I agree with this.

[Mowgli]

I thought sarcasm rather than a joke (which would be inappropriate at this time). I suspect he is just illustrating how some people seem to find the excuse to be negativty about everything that comes out of the club.

 

As has been said, we need to take a deep breath, count to 50 and realise that despite losing our owner (who was an unusually modest and kind man) we are as a club in a very fortunate position. We can't afford to be arrogant and assume we will walk this league but if we are going to be fans fit enough to support a club as good as Southampton then we have to stop the bickering and focus on the common interst we all have; our love of Saints. If we can't disagree with fellow fans without being rude or *****y, we probably deserve to stay in League one for a long long time.

 

The analogy long held on this forum was that this forum is like having a chat down the pub with a few friends. You get all sorts of different opinions and some quite ridiculous ones. The most I hear though is laughter - I rarely hear people saying F*** off or a fight breaking out...

[Mowgli]

Bloody hell, it was clearly a joke.

 

****. Forgot the quote thingy (again). This was the post I was responding to....

[JustMike]

yep good news indeed, so are we assuming that "the family" now own us?

[beatlesaint]

it appears Marcus did not place money in trust to make sure his dream could be fulfilled. At least that is what the statement suggests.

 

I agree with most of your post but I cannot see where in that statement this suggestion is made to be honest.

Trouble with reading between the lines is that you can often read too much or too little into things.

 

There will be enough people dissecting this statement over the next couple of days instead of taking it at face value.

The worry would have come if we had been soaked up into the MALI Group, but we haven't.

[Weston Saint]

I agree with most of your post but I cannot see where in that statement this suggestion is made to be honest.

Trouble with reading between the lines is that you can often read too much or too little into things.

 

There will be enough people dissecting this statement over the next couple of days instead of taking it at face value.

The worry would have come if we had been soaked up into the MALI Group, but we haven't.

You are right, I am reading between the line. That is why I said "appears" Until the full details are known it will only be an opinion.

 

Agree with you on the Mali Group. Much rather it be in the hands of the family who will likely respect Marcus's wishes than a hard nosed business.

[Cricketphilly]

What is promising is what was unsaid. No mention of any changes in the financing of the team for one.

[beatlesaint]

You are right, I am reading between the line. That is why I said "appears" Until the full details are known it will only be an opinion.

 

Agree with you on the Mali Group. Much rather it be in the hands of the family who will likely respect Marcus's wishes than a hard nosed business.

 

The other thing that makes me confident is that Cortese mentions the blue print they had/have for the club.

I cannot believe that in order to realise that plan the necessary funds have not been put into place.

A businessman as successful as Markus obviously was would not, I believe, have made no provision for the future and left it to his family to decide wether they would make money available should it be required.

 

I would be surprised if funding is not in place to see us back to the Premiership within the five year plan.

If we get back in that time I would imagine the club would then be expected to stand on its own two feet properly as the money is in the Premiership.

 

If we do not make the Prem within the next 4 years then we may see a different approach.

 

But as you say its all conjecture and opinion and none of us know for sure.

We must continue to trust Nicola Cortese and the Liebherr family and I for one am happy to do that.

[JustMike]

Just a thought but dont all league clubs have to declare who owns them, im not too sure they would settle for "the family"

[nickfinks]

A timely statement that clears the doubt, now lets win this league for Markus....

 

COYR

[Saint Fan CaM]

I hope we can now support Cortese as we did Markus. He is the guy who is charged with getting us to the premiership by the family and he will need support not criticism and petty squabbling. I am sure this will be a lot less fun for him than it would have been with Markus there and I'm also sure he is going to enjoy the ride a lot less than we do so let's at least make it easy for him. I, like many on here, would like to see the fans unite behind the club as we look forward - I don't care whether it's a full house saturday (although I'll be there with my 6 year-old) - but I definately want the support to be unambiguous then and for the rest of the season irrespective of the odd poor result. I think it's the least we can do - Markus' family and indeed Cortese are sacrificing a lot more than that for us.

 

Excellent post and this reflects my feelings entirely. Unfortunately reading further into this thread reveals the usual suspects descending into petty squabbles once again. Can't wait for Saturday now - I hope the lads are up for it. WIFM.

[dubai_phil]

You are right, I am reading between the line. That is why I said "appears" Until the full details are known it will only be an opinion.

 

Agree with you on the Mali Group. Much rather it be in the hands of the family who will likely respect Marcus's wishes than a hard nosed business.

 

Not sure of the exact details of the Walker/Blackburn thing, but personally I am not that concerned about the whole Trust Fund issue. From my experience of other business cultures I would imagine that provisions were made by Marcus under Succession Planning and/or his Will that would amount to the same effect.

 

Of course I may be wrong, but I think we're OK and off on our journey for now.

 

 

Providing we get a result tomorrow of course

[Leslie Charteris]

NC is not without fault, but, he has a plan and he wants to WIFM. Now we should just let the football do the talking and see where we are in two, three or four years time, secure in the knowledge that the future of the club is safe for the forseeable future

[eelpie]

I hope we can now support Cortese as we did Markus. He is the guy who is charged with getting us to the premiership by the family and he will need support not criticism and petty squabbling. I am sure this will be a lot less fun for him than it would have been with Markus there and I'm also sure he is going to enjoy the ride a lot less than we do so let's at least make it easy for him. I, like many on here, would like to see the fans unite behind the club as we look forward - I don't care whether it's a full house saturday (although I'll be there with my 6 year-old) - but I definately want the support to be unambiguous then and for the rest of the season irrespective of the odd poor result. I think it's the least we can do - Markus' family and indeed Cortese are sacrificing a lot more than that for us.

 

Spot on.

Petty squabblers take note

 

In NC I trust.

[wild-saint]

The way NC is dressed and sat in this pic is unbelievably disrespectful. His relaxed posture should not be in the same statement about ML's passing away. I cannot believe the club used this. It doesnt take much to take a new picture in all black and hands behind his back does it?

 

YOu have to be joking surely? I bet in your world he isnt allowed to fart for 12 months our of respect.

[scott_saints]

YOu have to be joking surely? I bet in your world he isnt allowed to fart for 12 months our of respect.

 

ffs.

[Weston Saint]

Occasionally (more so of late) silly posts appear on serious threads. If they were ignored they would stand out as what they were, sill posts. To respond not only gives "credibility" to the post but usually causes the serious thread to decend into farce.

 

Just a passing thought!

[S-Clarke]

yep good news indeed, so are we assuming that "the family" now own us?

 

I don't think his ''entire'' family own us, it's more likley to be one of his siblings that have takne over control - similar to what has happend with the mali businesses. the quote bellow suggests the ownership stays within the family -

 

" I can confirm to our supporters that ownership of Southampton Football Club shall remain solely within Markus' family's personal interests."

[Pip]

The other thing that makes me confident is that Cortese mentions the blue print they had/have for the club.

I cannot believe that in order to realise that plan the necessary funds have not been put into place.

A businessman as successful as Markus obviously was would not, I believe, have made no provision for the future and left it to his family to decide wether they would make money available should it be required.

 

I would be surprised if funding is not in place to see us back to the Premiership within the five year plan.

If we get back in that time I would imagine the club would then be expected to stand on its own two feet properly as the money is in the Premiership.

 

If we do not make the Prem within the next 4 years then we may see a different approach.

 

But as you say its all conjecture and opinion and none of us know for sure.

We must continue to trust Nicola Cortese and the Liebherr family and I for one am happy to do that.

 

Quite agree. A very sensible appraisal which means we all know what needs to be done.

[Frank's cousin]

My twopenneth worth:

 

1. Great statement, showed class and also highlights the MOST important things... what the club meant to Markus and how inmportant it is to continue to fulfil what was his dream and ambition

 

2. As Weston has mentioned, there will long term be more fragilty...however, I would add the following: Fans and the attitude we display, the maturity with which we deal with issues and challenges - especially where we often dont see teh bigger picture and react to the personal impact of decisons, the atmosphere we create and the 'family' of Saints and culture that is truely representative of the club... can have a major impact on how Markus's family view the long term.

 

If we create the right culture, a ne culture based on the shear joy of the game and love for the club that Markus displayed, and taht have defined his short but impressive spell as owner, then it woudl be no surprise tio me if his family come to hold the club with same deep affection that Markus did... I am sure we all know fans who maybe were not really into football, but after being taken to games, and experiencing the passion, the culture and the atmosphere, get hooked, and that seed then grows to full out support.

 

If we get this right, use this sad event as the catalyst for FINALLY letting the past squabbles go, I believe we will see a bright future WITH Markus's family and Nicola fulfilling his dreams - and that woudl be the best way to remember all this great man did for our club.

 

3. Yes there will be decsions that some dont agree with (although I suspect a few of those that fuel those debates are not actually saints fans, but others ona wind up - so simply ignore), and yes some of thsoe decsions do have a personal impact, but NIcola wont be able to please everybody all the time, and mistakes will be made... afterall everyone is fallable. But we should at least acknowledge that the strategy and approach Nicola has taken is for the long term and with Markus's blessing. Be CONSTRUCTIVE in our debate and discussion and we might be pleasently surprised by the way in which teh club responds, but also be patient in that often what we conside to be major issues, are simply under the radar for the management looking to implement a long term strateggy that is in teh best interests of the club.

 

 

As I mentioned, The best way we can respect Markus's contribution and legacy is to create a spirit and unity that defines the Saints family and brings us all together; Nicola, Markus's family, staff, players and importantly fans and acheive the success that he would have wanted.

[Sour Mash]

Well some of the criticism is justified really.

 

Jesus Christ! How can you say this? And on this thread of all places!!!

[alpine_saint]

The other thing that makes me confident is that Cortese mentions the blue print they had/have for the club.

I cannot believe that in order to realise that plan the necessary funds have not been put into place.

A businessman as successful as Markus obviously was would not, I believe, have made no provision for the future and left it to his family to decide wether they would make money available should it be required.

 

I would be surprised if funding is not in place to see us back to the Premiership within the five year plan.

If we get back in that time I would imagine the club would then be expected to stand on its own two feet properly as the money is in the Premiership.

 

If we do not make the Prem within the next 4 years then we may see a different approach.

 

But as you say its all conjecture and opinion and none of us know for sure.

We must continue to trust Nicola Cortese and the Liebherr family and I for one am happy to do that.

 

Agree with you. I think on this occasion Weston Saint was being a little on the negative side. I read NCs statement and saw no indication that the financial support has come to an abrupt halt.

[hypochondriac]

Agree with you. I think on this occasion Weston Saint was being a little on the negative side. I read NCs statement and saw no indication that the financial support has come to an abrupt halt.

 

That isn't what he said.

[alpine_saint]

That isn't what he said.

 

Not biting.

[hypochondriac]

Not biting.

 

Reply sensibly perhaps?

[Frank's cousin]

Weston was merely senibily mentioning a note of caution that Markus's family long term may not have the same passion for saints as Markus did, and I merely added as fans the culture we create form now on could have a positive impact on that... so maybe we shoudl give it a try?

[alpine_saint]

Weston was merely senibily mentioning a note of caution that Markus's family long term may not have the same passion for saints as Markus did' date=' and I merely added as fans the culture we create form now on could have a positive impact on that... so maybe we shoudl give it a try?[/quote']

 

I said he was being a little on the negative side, since he admitted reading between the lines. I said nothing about wrist slitting or the other usual abuse terminology employed in these parts.

[kpturner]

...so nothing to do with Mali group is my interpretation.

Was that ever in question? Perhaps only by people who having been paying attention for the past year or so.

[Wade Garrett]

Can't believe I am agreeing with Frank and alpine, but they have both posted extremely well on this topic.

[eelpie]

It really is tiresome that threads are so frequently spoiled by petty squabbler point scorers (PSPS). Time methinks that admin warn and infract them.

[corsacar saint]

The future is red and white.The statement sounds good to me.

[saintsub]

I thought that too... Also we have given out a lot of stick to "The Franchise" in the past, but I checked a couple of their forums and they seem a respectful bunch... Not wishing to start a love-in, but fair play to them and hope they get a good (and appreciative) reception when we get round to playing them...

 

 

Here, here - what a top man their chairman is and I for one will applaude him.

[bpsaint]

Think it would be pretty naive of people to assume that just because there was no mention of a trust fund in the statement that one was not set up. Its pretty clear that Markus had grown a great affection for the club,and the fact that he was gravely ill instead of suffering a sudden death makes it all the more likely provisions were put in place. Besides,why would the club want to announce we had a trust fund with millions of pounds in,it'd only see other clubs asking more in transfer fees from us for their players.

 

The statement from Cortese tells me all I want to hear,that the future of the club is secure and that the plan to reach the Premier League remains intact. I'm delighted NC is in charge of us,its nice to finally be run by someone whose primary concerns are the prosperity and financial security of the football club,and not lining the pockets of him and his mates on the board like Mr Lowe.

Edited 20 August, 2010 by bpsaint

[rooney]

Nicola is going to need all our support now. Being "in charge" can be a lonely job at the best of times, but when you lose a Mentor and friend who you have worked with, it can be devastating. We have a future with him as CEO and Markus' family with him.

[saintsub]

Think it would be pretty naive of people to assume that just because there was no mention of a trust fund in the statement that one was not set up. Its pretty clear that Markus had grown a great affection for the club,and the fact that he was gravely ill instead of suffering a sudden death makes it all the more likely provisions were put in place. Besides,why would the club want to announce we had a trust fund with millions of pounds in,it'd only see other clubs asking more in transfer fees from us for their players.

The statement from Cortese tells me all I want to hear,that the future of the club is secure and that the plan to reach the Premier League remains intact. I'm delighted NC is in charge of us,its nice to finally be run by someone whose primary concerns are the prosperity and financial security of the football club,and not lining the pockets of him and his mates on the board like Mr Lowe.

 

Oh lord now see what you have done - you could have set off a chain reaction by mentioning the RL word!! Standing back and listening for inevitable explosion of hand grenade rolled across the floor of the forum..

[skintsaint]

Cracking statement of intent. Lets smash Orient and get the ball rolling!!

[NickG]

I am pleased the club have issued a statement to clear up the uncertainty which followed Marcus Liebherr’s sad passing.

 

However, things can never be the same in my opinion. Marcus & Nicola had a special relationship and Nicola was trusted implicitly by Marcus. Whilst it is clear from the statement that the family wish to continue that relationship in regard Nicola Cortese and Southampton Football Club it will by nature be a little more fragile than before. The very same strength of passion for the club will not be there although I am happy from the statement that, in the short term, the family will wish to continue the legacy.

 

Whilst Marcus & Nicola discussed in detail the future blueprint of the club it appears Marcus did not place money in trust to make sure his dream could be fulfilled. At least that is what the statement suggests. When Sir Jack Walker passed away he left £30m in trust for the sole use of Blackburn Rovers FC.

 

Of course we, as supporters, can have no influence on matters other than to turn up every home match and give our support to the team. The club is likely to be more dependent on income streams than ever before since Administration.

 

One thing is for sure, before Marcus & Nicola rescued us our future looked very bleak. That is not the picture today. Long may Nicola and the Liebherr family keep Southampton Football Club in their hearts and make this club great again and a leader and envy of the football world in general

 

it could work the other way, when Markus was around him and Nicola could have had a falling out or difference in opinion and Markus could have changed his view.

 

Now the family are aware of the affection that their father had for Nicola- and that will never go away. They already may have a different view on him to that of their father but want to honour their father's wishes.

[alpine_saint]

Cracking statement of intent. Lets smash Orient and get the ball rolling!!

 

This.

[Viking Warrior]

Great post Franks cousin

 

PS Alpine and DBP can you for a short while at least show some compassion and humilty towards each other for a change.

[Toadhall Saint]

A very good and timely statement.

 

As to Weston Saints comments re the reationship - I see what your saying but Markus's family would not want Markus's last project (for want of a better word) to fail. Of course that is just my opinion.

[martel]

I hope we can now support Cortese as we did Markus. He is the guy who is charged with getting us to the premiership by the family and he will need support not criticism and petty squabbling. I am sure this will be a lot less fun for him than it would have been with Markus there and I'm also sure he is going to enjoy the ride a lot less than we do so let's at least make it easy for him. I, like many on here, would like to see the fans unite behind the club as we look forward - I don't care whether it's a full house saturday (although I'll be there with my 6 year-old) - but I definately want the support to be unambiguous then and for the rest of the season irrespective of the odd poor result. I think it's the least we can do - Markus' family and indeed Cortese are sacrificing a lot more than that for us.

 

Great post, however, perhaps we should show a little empathy toward those who continue to moan, after all they could be going through the change of life.

 

WIFM

[scott_saints]

He needs to stop sucking up to us fans, it's not washing with me.

[Minsk]

You are right, I am reading between the line. That is why I said "appears" Until the full details are known it will only be an opinion.

 

Agree with you on the Mali Group. Much rather it be in the hands of the family who will likely respect Marcus's wishes than a hard nosed business.

 

Indeed, there may or may not be a trust fund. If there were one I don't think NC would come out and say so (it would just put up the transfer prices and wage demands of players). However, one other thought, the Liebherr family as a whole are far, far, wealthier than Markus was on his own.

 

A great statement, all in all, given recent (very sad) events.

[Minsk]

I think we can all agree it's time for a special 'sarcasm font' to avoid confusion.

 

Still, no reason to think plans/finance have changed. Mayeb the family aren't fans in the same way, but they have motivation to help us succeed and it's hard to get involved without becoming a fan. Markus chose Cortese so I'm sure they'll trust him to keep going full steam ahead. Just hope we can get those signings sorted soon, get a win tomorrow for Markus and really get this season going.

 

 

And maybe more of the family will now come to love the club as Markus did.

[St_Tel49]

Occasionally (more so of late) silly posts appear on serious threads. If they were ignored they would stand out as what they were, sill posts. To respond not only gives "credibility" to the post but usually causes the serious thread to decend into farce.

 

Just a passing thought!

Couldn't agree more.

[benjii]

I

Whilst Marcus & Nicola discussed in detail the future blueprint of the club it appears Marcus did not place money in trust to make sure his dream could be fulfilled. At least that is what the statement suggests. When Sir Jack Walker passed away he left £30m in trust for the sole use of Blackburn Rovers FC.

 

 

Disagree completely.

 

We all know that Markus is not the kind to brag about putting £x million in trust. I've got no idea why you interpret the statement that way. On a pure commercial level, taking the analysis away from Markus, the man, it would also be folly to declare "we have £50m in trust". It would be just stupid.

 

Let's just take this at face value. Cortese wants to continue. The Liebherr family want to see his vision realised. Between them they have billions of pounds. Even if they don't want to plough money in directly we now have a stable set-up and unencumbered asset base that would be the envy of 90% of clubs.

 

The statement is 100% positive.

 

Thank you again, Markus. Thank you so much.