Mr Biscuits Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 I for one continue to welcome our Canadian Ice Hockey Overlord I would paste a link but I'm on an iPad and I fail at technology. Anyway, this has made me smile this morning. I think he is great for the club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Saint Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 Nothing on the Official site... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iansums Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 Agreed, such a brilliant speaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snopper Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 I wonder if his greatest contribution might be to enable Katherina to retain her confidence in the way the club is run? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 (edited) Wasn't he brought in to sort out our branding? In which case he has done a pretty spectacular job. Edited 11 June, 2015 by doddisalegend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperSAINT Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 Wasn't he brought to sort out our branding? In which case he has done a pretty spectacular job. More of a figurehead for all departments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 Nothing on Bild's twitter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lallana's Left Peg Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 Nothing on Bild's twitter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eelpie Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 I wonder if his greatest contribution might be to enable Katherina to retain her confidence in the way the club is run? Good point Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 I'm delighted to hear that he is continuing as Chairman. I don't know exactly what his contribution has been specifically, but suffice it to say that the club has been very well run this past year in all areas. I would go as far as to venture the opinion that we never ever been better run than we are currently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Fry Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 I'm delighted to hear that he is continuing as Chairman. I don't know exactly what his contribution has been specifically, but suffice it to say that the club has been very well run this past year in all areas. I would go as far as to venture the opinion that we never ever been better run than we are currently. I'd agree with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicestersaint Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 Delighted - but where is the story? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 A bit different to how he was being received this time last year. Seems to have taken it up a notch from Cortese, which many (me included) didn't think possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 Delighted - but where is the story? Not yet on OS but on Echo site. http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/13324235.Krueger_staying_on_as_Southampton_chairman/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 A bit different to how he was being received this time last year. Seems to have taken it up a notch from Cortese, which many (me included) didn't think possible. Most of the people slagging him off last year because he used non-conventional terminology were imbeciles or at best luddites. Same sort of thinking that decided Clive Woodward couldn't bring anything to the club, or that sports science was mumbo jumbo... that kind of nonsense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the colonel Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 good news all adds to the stability of the club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lallana's Left Peg Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 Most of the people slagging him off last year because he used non-conventional terminology were imbeciles or at best luddites. Same sort of thinking that decided Clive Woodward couldn't bring anything to the club, or that sports science was mumbo jumbo... that kind of nonsense. Although irritating, I wasn't bothered from his unfamiliarity with football terminology. I was raging when he said no-one would be sold until we got a new Manager and then a few days later we sold Rickie Lambert when we didn't have a new Manager. That didn't inspire confidence! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 Although irritating' date=' I wasn't bothered from his unfamiliarity with football terminology. I was raging when he said no-one would be sold until we got a new Manager and then a few days later we sold Rickie Lambert when we didn't have a new Manager. That didn't inspire confidence![/quote'] It doesn't bother me either - the Lambert thing might have bothered me a bit more had it not been such a good deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dronskisaint Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 I agree with Wes...best season, particularly after the close season, that we've ever had inspires confidence in the management. He heads it - good news! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 Nothing on Bild's twitter. Proper lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davefizzy14 Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 Brilliant news, Ralph has overseen us become the fastest growing brand in the world. A great chairman IMO. It is great to have that stability, COYR! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 Most of the people slagging him off last year because he used non-conventional terminology were imbeciles or at best luddites. Same sort of thinking that decided Clive Woodward couldn't bring anything to the club, or that sports science was mumbo jumbo... that kind of nonsense. I will happily hold up my hands as something of a luddite. I found him utterly bewildering to begin with and still somewhat comical (take his failed attempts at humour during the awards ceremony speech) yet, thankfully while he speaks a complete pile of fluff under his direction the club is thriving. The results speak louder then his clichés ever could. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Munster Posted 11 June, 2015 Share Posted 11 June, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 13 June, 2015 Share Posted 13 June, 2015 I will happily hold up my hands as something of a luddite. I found him utterly bewildering to begin with and still somewhat comical (take his failed attempts at humour during the awards ceremony speech) yet, thankfully while he speaks a complete pile of fluff under his direction the club is thriving. The results speak louder then his clichés ever could. perhaps it goes down better in the circles he normally moves in ....He certainly has an excellent reputation as an inspirational speaker at a very high level internationally. I've met a number " that ilk " and they ARE very successful in their chosen field, but do seem to live on their own planet. They are so highly motivated - it's almost orgasmic ..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Wolf Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 I like him. He's a bit cringey, in the way that he talks sometimes like when he says "The Saints" but it's nice that he tries to connect to us. Seems to have a good business mind and isn't going to be pushed around by the "big clubs". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batman Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 I thought he was a fecking clown at the start of his time here. it was a wise move to reign him in and get les on the mic more. but ralphy is involved in a highly successful part of us and we seem to be on a big upwards curve off the field too. which is his bag. good effort Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 I thought he was a fecking clown at the start of his time here. it was a wise move to reign him in and get les on the mic more. but ralphy is involved in a highly successful part of us and we seem to be on a big upwards curve off the field too. which is his bag. good effort Yeah this basically. He is still really cringe when he says stuff but that's irrelevant whilst he is doing such a good job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 A bit different to how he was being received this time last year. Seems to have taken it up a notch from Cortese, which many (me included) didn't think possible. What happened to all the posters who assured us that we had to have that nasty streak from Cortese and that the club couldn't be run any other way if they wanted to be successful? Where are they? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 Most of the people slagging him off last year because he used non-conventional terminology were imbeciles or at best luddites. Same sort of thinking that decided Clive Woodward couldn't bring anything to the club, or that sports science was mumbo jumbo... that kind of nonsense. Absolutely nothing wrong with saying that you don't like how he talks and find it grating whilst also applauding the job he is doing imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redslo Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 Just for the record, a majority of the English speaking world probably does not find the way he speaks grating and I suspect speaking to the USA and Canada is a significant part of his job. I have no idea how he is received in Australia, New Zealand, and then I was going to list some others so I googled it and was stunned at the list of English speaking countries in order of English speaking population. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_English-speaking_population That being said I think his job was to communicate clearly with the board, Katharina Liebherr, and North America. I suspect he is doing fine on all three tasks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batman Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 Just for the record, a majority of the English speaking world probably does not find the way he speaks grating and I suspect speaking to the USA and Canada is a significant part of his job. I have no idea how he is received in Australia, New Zealand, and then I was going to list some others so I googled it and was stunned at the list of English speaking countries in order of English speaking population. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_English-speaking_population That being said I think his job was to communicate clearly with the board, Katharina Liebherr, and North America. I suspect he is doing fine on all three tasks. I could not care less. I care how he comes across in England/southampton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redslo Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 I could not care less. I care how he comes across in England/southampton That seems a rather narrow view to adopt, but undoubtedly you don't care what I think and I only care a little that you don't care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batman Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 That seems a rather narrow view to adopt, but undoubtedly you don't care what I think and I only care a little that you don't care. it is not a narrow view point I have zero interest in how our chairman (or what ever he is) is perceived in north america/other parts of the world. I only care how he connects with the local community of saints fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redslo Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 it is not a narrow view point I have zero interest in how our chairman (or what ever he is) is perceived in north america/other parts of the world. I only care how he connects with the local community of saints fans. But his connecting to the rest of the world is intended to bring in revenue to improve the club and make winning more likely and relegation less likely. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't care either so long as I can watch the games on American TV or my ipad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faz Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 it is not a narrow view point I have zero interest in how our chairman (or what ever he is) is perceived in north america/other parts of the world. I only care how he connects with the local community of saints fans. That's the very definition of narrow I'd have thought. It may or may not be justified, but it's certainly narrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batman Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 But his connecting to the rest of the world is intended to bring in revenue to improve the club and make winning more likely and relegation less likely. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't care either so long as I can watch the games on American TV or my ipad. by speaking 'american' and the phrases he uses (which are cringy) are connecting us with the world...OK then I supposed we have to get used to it the more US types we have in our football Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 Just for the record, a majority of the English speaking world probably does not find the way he speaks grating and I suspect speaking to the USA and Canada is a significant part of his job. I have no idea how he is received in Australia, New Zealand, and then I was going to list some others so I googled it and was stunned at the list of English speaking countries in order of English speaking population. That being said I think his job was to communicate clearly with the board, Katharina Liebherr, and North America. I suspect he is doing fine on all three tasks. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_English-speaking_population Slight side track but I was amazed only 19m out of 33million people in Canada speak English as a first language. I find the way Krueger speaks too hokey and suspect many Americans would too, especially from the East coast. That said he is almost impossible to dislike and he focusses on team, devolved responsibilities and collective decision making. Its exactly what we needed after four years of inflated ego and control freakery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 But his connecting to the rest of the world is intended to bring in revenue to improve the club and make winning more likely and relegation less likely. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't care either so long as I can watch the games on American TV or my ipad. Exactly. Salesmen need to be someone you can identify with. North America is a potentially huge market for Saints, and one which isnt already captured by the big four. Krueger knows how professional sport works and is a good spokesman for us there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 Slight side track but I was amazed only 19m out of 33million people in Canada speak English as a first language. I find the way Krueger speaks too hokey and suspect many Americans would too, especially from the East coast. That said he is almost impossible to dislike and he focusses on team, devolved responsibilities and collective decision making. Its exactly what we needed after four years of inflated ego and control freakery. whilst I think the same about his speaking style, when you get past that ....you begin to see that what he says, actually makes sense in " a hokey manner " at any rate, judging by the level of success and acceptance he has attained I think that something of what he says must sink into even the thickest head.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 We have some very shallow, petty fans when we have a chairman who is heading arguably the best and most successive board in our club's history and all these individuals can choose to moan about is that he speaks with a Canadian accent and with his background in Ice Hockey, uses sporting terminology that is more in tune with the North American market. This is a board who are more open and inclusive towards the fanbase than most, are considerate towards our requests and preferences in many matters that are deemed important to us, respectful to our past, and who have appointed a manager who has brought in players producing some of the most exciting football that we have seen in recent years. We are held up as an example of how a club should be run, investing in our academy, profitable and respected by our peers, our reputation exanding around Europe and the World. I suspect that Krueger has had quite a lot to do with all this and if his accent is all that some individuals can complain about, then they ought to attempt to apply some more intelligent perspective to their opinions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 Just for the record, a majority of the English speaking world probably does not find the way he speaks grating and I suspect speaking to the USA and Canada is a significant part of his job. I have no idea how he is received in Australia, New Zealand, and then I was going to list some others so I googled it and was stunned at the list of English speaking countries in order of English speaking population. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_English-speaking_population That being said I think his job was to communicate clearly with the board, Katharina Liebherr, and North America. I suspect he is doing fine on all three tasks. What relevance does any of that have to whether Southampton residents find his speeches a bit grating and embarrassing? You also ignored the bit where I said it was pretty much irrelevant when he is doing such a good job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 What relevance does any of that have to whether Southampton residents find his speeches a bit grating and embarrassing? You also ignored the bit where I said it was pretty much irrelevant when he is doing such a good job. You speak as if on behalf of all Southampton residents. Do all of them find his speeches grating? What about Saints fans from outside Southampton? Any thoughts on how they perceive his speeches? What is your preference for how he should sound bearing in mind his background? Plummy like Lowe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bermuda Saint Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 We have some very shallow, petty fans when we have a chairman who is heading arguably the best and most successive board in our club's history and all these individuals can choose to moan about is that he speaks with a Canadian accent and with his background in Ice Hockey, uses sporting terminology that is more in tune with the North American market. This is a board who are more open and inclusive towards the fanbase than most, are considerate towards our requests and preferences in many matters that are deemed important to us, respectful to our past, and who have appointed a manager who has brought in players producing some of the most exciting football that we have seen in recent years. We are held up as an example of how a club should be run, investing in our academy, profitable and respected by our peers, our reputation exanding around Europe and the World. I suspect that Krueger has had quite a lot to do with all this and if his accent is all that some individuals can complain about, then they ought to attempt to apply some more intelligent perspective to their opinions. THIS!! well done SFC board!!! best contract renewal for the season so far, I hope he has a bonus clause for every new airing of SFC on NA TV. His skill without the ball is deceptively good. He has the pace, stamina and agility to maneuver around most big wigs that think soccer (cringe) is a silly game. He has been one of our most valuable team players with one of the most important jobs!! to increase our fan base with as many knowledgeable fans as us on this forum (cringe). The SFC video of our club and academy did wonders in NA, people here are looking to embrace the worlds greatest game and we are attracting a lot of new fans. I would already guess we are most peoples second fav team. Redsolo-cup, our resident tortured soul who has been possessed by footy, has put a lot of brain power, time and secretary to good use. TO EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF GROWING OUR GLOBAL BRAND!!! it really is hugely important. MU can rebuild the most expensive team in the world, @#$% it up and then buy another. That kind of financial power is where we want to ultimately be along with the CL. We need this kind of well respected CEO to convince people we are for real! we have real ambitions and clear strategies to attempt the impossible of cracking the top 4. With SFC becoming the fastest growing global brand, Kreuger did his part admirably. The coach and team produced the goods (improved on last year) and Kreuger and the board used this success to grow our international appeal. March on Saints, March on, aye.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 You speak as if on behalf of all Southampton residents. Do all of them find his speeches grating? What about Saints fans from outside Southampton? Any thoughts on how they perceive his speeches? What is your preference for how he should sound bearing in mind his background? Plummy like Lowe? Why do you have a problem with some people saying they find some of his speeches a bit grating? It's hardly the most controversial thing in the world and it's not like anyone is criticising the job he is doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diggers Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 I think I'm in a fairly decent position to comment on this one. I have been a Saints fan all my life, originally from Eastleigh and a season ticket holder for 25yrs. Was there in the Itchen North through the relegations and promotions. I've also ran decent sized sales of driven businesses. Two years ago I relocated to open an office in the U.S so I have now had exposure to how business is done this side of the pond. personally, I think Ralf is the real deal. When he speaks he's so consistently on message, he clearly has a corporate dictionary lodged in his rectum but he's brilliant at his job which is basically the conductor of the orchestra. He's attempting to emphasis the "Southampton Way" which as a salesman I recognize as a Unique Selling Point. He's trying to re build the harm Cortese did to our Heratige and re connect with the fans through the clever associations with ex players. If he does manage to grow our revenues from this side of the Atlantic that can only be great news for the fans back home because that will provide more income to compete with the big six. I fail to see why he gets any criticism? The nonsence about using non football terminology and corporate speak is ridiculous. He's not from a football background, nor is he from Thornhill or Sholing but that shouldn't be a cause for ridicule. I don't see people on here complaining about Katerina's accent when she opened the magnificent training pavilion or her fathers accent when he was the only one to get his cheque book out to give us the opportunity to continue supporting our beloved club? I encounter Americans who struggle to understand the way I speak and I always immediately think how narrow minded they are if they say anything about it. Surely it's about the job he's doing and not his accent or phrases he uses? Give the man a break, we could be in div 2 with a board full of local coucellors and owners who make their monthly installments from their Giro's! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 But his connecting to the rest of the world is intended to bring in revenue to improve the club and make winning more likely and relegation less likely. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't care either so long as I can watch the games on American TV or my ipad. I like the bloke, but have we see any evidence of increased global presence as a result of his work? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 I like the bloke, but have we see any evidence of increased global presence as a result of his work? Whether it's all his work or not, this sort of thing will look great on his CV: http://uk.mobile.reuters.com/article/idUKKBN0OP18L20150609?irpc=932 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 Whether it's all his work or not, this sort of thing will look great on his CV: http://uk.mobile.reuters.com/article/idUKKBN0OP18L20150609?irpc=932 It'll definitely look good on his cv. Just put that down to our success on the pitch, popularity of the Prem, not sure what he's done to make significant changes to our image abroad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redslo Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 It'll definitely look good on his cv. Just put that down to our success on the pitch, popularity of the Prem, not sure what he's done to make significant changes to our image abroad. Agree. None of us know that yet. But he does keep talking about big projects which cannot yet be disclosed. From his recent interview as transcribed by me (and my secretary) http://redsloscf.blogspot.com/2015/06/i-transcribed-ralph-kruegers-interview.html : We have had an amazingly successful season in North America. The main carrier, NBC, put a special on “The Southampton Way” out there on January 1, which became a viral, passed around product for football fans I have been back there just a few weeks ago to feel it out and we are so respected. And our brand value where we have broken into one of the top twenty football brands in the world and that’s an amazing accomplishment for Southampton football club. Part of that is our growth in North America—our popularity. We are working on projects which we still can’t reveal that will show how we are spreading the value of the club into that market which is just so hungry for football, for them/soccer. I have to say that I was very proud to be a part of this organization when I was over there in many different corporate situations. If you mention Southampton now, everybody knows where it is, who it is. Us being that high in the table for that long this year was a brand building opportunity for the club and now we need to respect the difficulties in staying there and get ready for that challenge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericofarabia Posted 14 June, 2015 Share Posted 14 June, 2015 We have some very shallow, petty fans when we have a chairman who is heading arguably the best and most successive board in our club's history and all these individuals can choose to moan about is that he speaks with a Canadian accent and with his background in Ice Hockey, uses sporting terminology that is more in tune with the North American market. This is a board who are more open and inclusive towards the fanbase than most, are considerate towards our requests and preferences in many matters that are deemed important to us, respectful to our past, and who have appointed a manager who has brought in players producing some of the most exciting football that we have seen in recent years. We are held up as an example of how a club should be run, investing in our academy, profitable and respected by our peers, our reputation exanding around Europe and the World. I suspect that Krueger has had quite a lot to do with all this and if his accent is all that some individuals can complain about, then they ought to attempt to apply some more intelligent perspective to their opinions. Ralph was quick to start a "Win over the Hearts and Minds" type warfare and the reintroduction of a proper Red and White striped kit and the welcoming back to the fold of cult heroes MLT and Franny was Masterclass (or just plain common sense!!). But by making the effort to embrace our past in deeds rather than just words has won me over big time. His particpation in, and support of Franny's PL Ground Marathon's Charity Run was very touching indeed. And as has been said elsewhere, he has been the important link in keeping Ms Liebherr's interest and enthusiasm in the club alive. We are very lucky to have such honourable people at our helm ... just look at the sleazebags elsewhere in The Prem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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