eurosaint Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 A welcome, positive statement ! Wouldn't it be nice to see her at Wembley in May with a red and white scarf around her neck, a little camera in her hand and a lovely big smile on her face ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 A very warm statement of intent and how nice for her to address it directly to us fans. Since the massive upheaval that the news of Cortese's departure caused, there had been the usual knee-jerk conjecture and speculation aided and abetted by the media. It is encouraging to see that as well as her recent rebuttals that have been reported in the more serious newspapers, we now have assurances from her ourselves. This statement of intent clarifies her commitment and underlines her original statement last week that it was "business as usual" At the very least, it buries the supposition that she is looking to sell the club in the short term and accusations that have been made that she isn't interested in football might or might not be accurate, but at least she shows an interest in running the football business well. I'm particularly encouraged that it is promised that when there is further news or developments, we will be notified. Dare we hope that this openness will translate into a two-way dialogue between us and the board, so that anything positive and constructive that we propose as supporters will be viewed sympathetically? I'm talking here about the niggling little things that were introduced by Cortese which rankled with many of us and seemed to be a bit mean-spirited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Very well delivered communication - said what was essentially needed without too much waffle. Time will tell in terms of her ability to maintain the momentum. One possibility that nobody seems to consider is that KL is acting as an Executor to her Fathers will. Perhaps Marcus made clear provisions about how the club should be run and she is ensuring this is the case. Yes, this is also something that is very possible, but we'll never know for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladysaint Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 What a great statement made me feel like a fan again and not just a number. I hope KL continues in this vein. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 (edited) a lot of people getting really excited and no doubt someone will say that it's nice to have a bit of communication out of the club as Cortese operated in almost complete silence. That said, she, has to deliver that upward trajectory now, not just say it... And I'm not sure the appointments she's got lined up will have the same single minded vision and drive Cortese had. For all hos faults and non communication, the guy delivered and not just any old suit could have done what he's done. I think we're in for a few years of treading water with Uncle John heading up a board that will basically run by Katharina. We'll miss Cortese and probably leave us wondering what could have been. Sure, Williams will be far more personable but this is a stabilising appointment, not an ambitious one.. and the players will sense that too. Edited 21 January, 2014 by Crab Lungs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wopper Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Chip off the old block Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 I like this bit: 'Finally, let me say this. I will ensure that all decisions made about the future of the club will be in the best interests of its staff, players, management and fans and will be taken with the prime objective of honouring and maintaining the club's heritage and tradition in the Southampton way.' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomobz Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 This is brilliant, I feel like we have really fallen our feet with this family. Thank you Mrs Liebherr. Up the Saints! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 is "decisions about the future of the club" meaning e.g. selling it? Certainly one interpretation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfc1976 Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 I wonder if she has had time to read it yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 (edited) These continental types aren't averse to detailed, long-term planning and indeed see it as central to running a business. Hopefully as part of her commitment to open communication, she shares those ambitions with us. If she doesn't, it won't be because they haven't been attended to or thought about. Edited 21 January, 2014 by shurlock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohio Saint Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 It was a great statement. Period Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spyinthesky Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 First of all I think this is a very positive statement that will hit the spot with most supporters. We are unlikely to ever know but I would be very interested to learn who actually prepared the draft before Katharina signed it off. Whoever they were it was a very good effort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGTL Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Seems very much to me that Cortese was spending their money and doing whatever the f*ck he wanted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalek2003 Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Excellent statement. I am sure a great CEO will be appointed and we will build the club in a gradual and sustainable manner. Oh, and can we have our traditional red and white stripes back please ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Can't ask for more than that. That statement is all very encouraging. Looks like will survive life after NC after all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffo Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Without sounding like "I told you so", a few of us did say Cortese had no affect on the pitch and wasn't the one with the money so there wouldn't be much of a problem with him going. To those of you reacting like it was the end of the world..... I told you so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuncanRG Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Good stuff. Thanks are in order both for her approach and her decision to address the fans directly. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadhall Saint Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 These continental types aren't averse to detailed, long-term planning and indeed see it as central to running a business. Hopefully as part of her commitment to open communication, she shares those ambitions with us. If she doesn't, it won't be because they haven't been attended to or thought about. My company is already looking at and planning out to 2020 from an investment side of things - they are Swiss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Crab Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 She copied and pasted that from SISU. That's the EXACT same open letter they wrote to Coventry fans when they took over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dronskisaint Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Good opening of her account with the fans - some encouraging wording and I like the smiles bit. Can't find a lot not to like...why would I be looking to anyway? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 i took NC leaving with a pinch of salt and this statement the same way, in 54 years of support us fans have been fed lots of unifying statements, some true some false. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 People are very easily pleased very words. Lets have a review in 6 months or so and see where we are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Nice statement that, I enjoy the little digs at the bits she obviously wasn't pleased about. Still, let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater, the previous regime had some good ideas - I'd be completely in support of the next match programme not mentioning the previous incumbent of the Chair role at all, for instance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 (edited) She copied and pasted that from SISU. That's the EXACT same open letter they wrote to Coventry fans when they took over. Difference in this case is Katharina has owned Southampton FC since 2010 and owned it during a period of a lot of success, good management and large investment in playing staff and infrastructure at the stadium, training ground and academy. Can the same be said of SISU at Coventry City? Edited 21 January, 2014 by Matthew Le God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Dad Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Lets never forget that she is the daughter of the late, great ML. For that reason alone she deserves our support. Also, she is part of the family which has been bankrolling the whole operation at SMS since the takeover. This latest statement should further enhance our faith in Katharina. Happy times ahead I'm sure! Smiles already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rooney Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 That is great and we can now stuff those "meltdown" etc reports up the backsides of those reporters. Iterestingly the picture above Katharina's Statement does show the stripes. Perhaps we can get our old shirts out again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 People are very easily pleased very words. Lets have a review in 6 months or so and see where we are. I'm not easily pleased, as you know... but the tone, the intent and the indications that there will be a bit more inclusion in some of the decisions all indicate at the very least that the advisors are on the ball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 People are very easily pleased very words. Lets have a review in 6 months or so and see where we are. A very sensible suggestion, this thread should eventually be put into Golden Threads for future reference if necessary. It's all just words and wait and see for the time being as far as I'm concerned. I've heard it all before, sometimes it turned out better than others. I still remember Gray being the right man for the job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pangy Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Absolutely no indication of anything that has been printed in the press,eg up for sale or no interest in the club. I wonder if the "few smiles" means we may be signing some players ? I am a bit shocked tbh,Saints under NC would never come out with a update for the fans. KL and her advisors have handled this in the best possible way IMO,I hope they stick around and take us to the next level Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr X Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 I will no doubt get stick for this and while I believe it to be an excellently written statement some of it is definitely the words of her "strong team of advisors" with "tell the fans what they want to hear" being a prominent message. I don't think we can read too much into it but it's definitely refreshing to at least get a to the fans statement Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polaroid Saint Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Nice statement. Very cleverly written too. I particularly liked the non-capitalised use of "the Southampton way" at the end there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 I will no doubt get stick for this and while I believe it to be an excellently written statement some of it is definitely the words of her "strong team of advisors" with "tell the fans what they want to hear" being a prominent message. I don't think we can read too much into it but it's definitely refreshing to at least get a to the fans statement You're right, Defo. A lot are suckered in already and have made as judgement that this is for the best. We don't know either way yet but when a similar worded statement is released after the first player sale (they won't asset strip, but won't have the same hold over the players like NC) there'll be a few people feeling a bit duped Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 I will no doubt get stick for this and while I believe it to be an excellently written statement some of it is definitely the words of her "strong team of advisors" with "tell the fans what they want to hear" being a prominent message. I don't think we can read too much into it but it's definitely refreshing to at least get a to the fans statement totally agree Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
torsaint Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Think we may have been fed a lot of misinformation by both the Press and Cortese. At last we seem to have a clear picture of our owner's intentions. Great start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 I wonder if she has had time to read it yet. Such cynicism, from one so young.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glasgow_Saint Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 (edited) Finally, let me say this. I will ensure that all decisions made about the future of the club will be in the best interests of its staff, players, management and fans and will be taken with the prime objective of honouring and maintaining the club's heritage and tradition in the Southampton way. Translates as "we are for sale, but not to anyone" Good news i guess Edited 21 January, 2014 by Glasgow_Saint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 You're right, Defo. A lot are suckered in already and have made as judgement that this is for the best. We don't know either way yet but when a similar worded statement is released after the first player sale (they won't asset strip, but won't have the same hold over the players like NC) there'll be a few people feeling a bit duped I wont feel duped because players come and go that is football but I do care how my club has been run in a slightly unethical way where alternative ideas have been rejected things may now improve in that area Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 What's all this about the 'Southampton Way'? Sounds embarrassing to me. Clearly has ideas above her station. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fanimal Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 SHA LA LA LA LA LA LA! WTFILN! That sums it up nicely for me to 1) the prats on here 2) the journos and 3) the skates. Many thanks Frau Liebherr, time for a nice smug drink this evening! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Fry Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 You're right, Defo. A lot are suckered in already and have made as judgement that this is for the best. We don't know either way yet but when a similar worded statement is released after the first player sale (they won't asset strip, but won't have the same hold over the players like NC) there'll be a few people feeling a bit duped Saints selling a footballer, eh? How ever will we cope? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BARCELONASAINT Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 As i have already said, on the face of it this is a very encouraging statement from KL.......But as Saints fans we have all seen many false dawns and empty promises.....I will hope this statement is a true and positive intent.....but i'm not about to start shouting from the hill tops.....time is the only thing that will tell....and if the players buy into this statement of intent! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlakeySFC Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 That statement made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Saints selling a footballer, eh? How ever will we cope? The return of Lee Barnard edges closer and closer yet some are too blind to see it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 That statement made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. That'll be the red hot poker and chloroform Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 (edited) As i have already said, on the face of it this is a very encouraging statement from KL.......But as Saints fans we have all seen many false dawns and empty promises.....I will hope this statement is a true and positive intent.....but i'm not about to start shouting from the hill tops.....time is the only thing that will tell....and if the players buy into this statement of intent! Yep. It was exactly what many wanted to hear, that in itself makes me a little wary. Edited 21 January, 2014 by Colinjb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 The optimist in me says great. The cynic says I hope it wasn't "you write something along those lines and I'll sign it off". I'd just like things to settle down again, focus on the team, get the injured back and finish the season off well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andymcrowe Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Great to hear and let's not cast Cortese as a pantomine villain just because they fell out. It also goes to show that it isn't worth wasting so many words on unfounded stories written to sell newspapers. Let's just enjoy the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperSAINT Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Just got home and read the letter from KL. As meltdowns go, it's not been too bad so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamilton Saint Posted 21 January, 2014 Share Posted 21 January, 2014 Doesn't really say anything you wouldn't expect her to say, just sounds like corporate-speak to me. You could read it as "I'm here for the long term" or equally as "I'm on my bike, but will only flog it to someone nice." "My priority now is to bring some stability and calm to the workings of the club; perhaps a few smiles too." That sounds like corporate-speak to you? "Off the pitch, my priority is to establish the proper running of the club at the top. I also have a strong team of advisers around me as we plan the way forwards. ... We are looking to the future with a determination to create a culture based on open communication, respect and hard work." Does that sound like someone "on their bike" and ready to sell at the earliest opportunity? I suggest you are reading her message with a cynical bias, rather than an open heart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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