Cortese not going to sign new deal?

According to The Times this morning, Cortese has not been able to reach an agreement with "the Trust that owns the club" and could leave next season. Firstly, has anybody heard a whisper along these lines? Secondly, please answer the "firstly" part with a no!

 

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo! some-one say it's not true!

 

I don't think Cortese will want to leave until southampton are one of the best teams in the world. It's possible that the liebherr trust have other plans, but I wouldn't be too concerned given the excellent financial backing we have received over the last 3 years.

 

We will have to shut the club down if he goes. It didn't exist before him, how can it exist after him?

 

Say it ain't so.

 

Well, we haven't had a Cortese leaving/Liebherrs pulling out rumour in a while. We were due one...

 

OK, Fran. It ain't so. Feeling better? No, nor am I.

I have always seen problems as an opportunity and a challenge, but I struggle with the idea of anything positive if this rumour were to be true.

Any credible sources?

 

Todays Times written by Tony Evans the Football Editor.

It is clear negotiations over his salary have stalled but they will be resolved. He will not want to abandon his "baby" and the Liebherr family know a good thing when they see it.

Stop worrying. He is staying, our key players are staying and we are not going to be relegated.

 

Here is what the Times has said.

 

Considering how secretive things are, what is the source of this little gem of speculation?

 

Doesn't need a source. If Cortese's contract is expiring, it's the perfect bit of speculative journalism...probably true in the abstract (Cortese doesn't have a contract because terms have not been agreed on a new contract), and written carefully enough that it covers all eventualities.

 

I agre e with the bit where they say that NC's departure would leave a gaping hole at Southampton. He is a one off who luckily for us selected saints to carry out his ideas. And extra luckily he knew a billionaire. Interesting that they say we are held in a trust...like. to know the terms of that.

 

I'll be filing this under "bullshit" until advised otherwise by a reputable source. The once mighty "Thunderer" is a Murdoch rag, and therefore a stranger to the concept of truth.

 

With respect to the trust, if they bailed Cortese would bring in some other party with equal or greater backing. As long as Cortese is committed to the club we will have no problems financially.

 

Think the issue is whether Nicola leaves...no suggestion the trust will bail. Presumably saints and other assets are held in trust for Markus's descendants.

 

This.

 

Yeah that's true, I don't really consider Cortese leaving a possibility atm. Have a read of this to ease any doubt: http://southamptonfcmalta.co.uk/saints_tribute_markus_liebherr.html

I think the trust cashing in at some point in the next 5 years is quite possible, purely because I have no idea about the trust. With Cortese there is 4 years of absolute dedication to suggest that he will stay and complete Markus' wishes.

 

So everything in it is a lie?

Cortese's departure would be... problematic. It would also be surprising considering what he has said in the past. I'm sure whatever the truth is, he will still be here for a while yet.

 

According to BBC he is considering his future.

 

Wave 105‏@wave105radio

SPORT: We've just spoken to #SaintsFC. They're not making any comment on a report Nicola Cortese is "considering his position as chairman".

Gathering pace

Why does this remind me of AdkinsSackingGate