He's not the one signing the contract but he is the best person the liebherr's could get so he is in as dominant position as someone not signing the contract could be. We will get massive amounts of income from the tv deal and so could be expected to turn a profit in the tens of millions.
You really think cortese is stimulating these responses on purpose? Is it more concerning that manager and now president are worried about cortese leaving?
The level of brinksmanship is inconceivably high on this one, which at its worst case will see us without a chairman, manager and half the team going into next season. The upside would be say 75% of the budget cortese is after. I am slightly uncomfortable with the potential viability of any huge investment in real terms and wonder whether the Trust are acting as a careful steward in this respect. I believe we can kick on but I prefer a stepped approach rather than the immediate considerable success investment. Don't get me wrong if we overachieve each year that will be incredible but wonder if the level of ambition here is sustainable in the longer term.
I know what a trust is. But do we know the terms of the trust? The trust could be nothing more than a document that names Katharina Liebherr the trustee of all of Markus Liebherr's former assets, with the stipulation that upon her death the trust be dissolved and the assets distributed to her children or other relatives or charities or other designees of Liebherr's choice. In the meantime, as trustee she can manage the trust more or less as she pleases and may in fact be able to dip into it for her personal life. Do we know if there is actually a Saints-specific trust or if it just another asset that got included into a broader trust as part of Markus Liebherr's holdings?
It would take something pretty drastic for them all to actually go through with it. I think the scenario you describe is extremely unlikely.
From Tony Evans - The Times: "Just before Markus died, he planned to do a complex shifting of shares which would have given them independence and more funds, his heirs in Switzerland have changed their attitude towards the club and has left Cortese wondering if he can take it any further. He is very, very ambitious and very sharp." Interview starts 10:30 minutes into the 7:00 to 7:30 slot... http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/lis...episode/115027
The level of brinkmanship is actually very low. I think that's why something gets done. They don't care about Saints as much or in the same way that the fans do. It's the supporters that see this as a huge, huge do-or-die type of deal... which is precisely why someone dragged us into it.
I don't think so. What Cortese may be doing is allowing people to have their voice of support, but I think there's no more to his influence than that. Personally, I think Ol' Painer hits the nail on the head, and although there maybe other people out there just as capable as Cortese, nobody in his skill set and calibre actually wants to do it with Southampton FC, and even if they did, they'd need the same level of commitment as Cortese is demanding. Besides, we've already got the right bloke in place. I mean, bloody hell, don't try to fix what isn't broken. In terms of my old football club, I have never been in the position I didn't think a position could ultimately do with improving, save for say, Micky Channon and Kevin Keegan, at various moments in their Saints careers. Not with this bloke. This is the best, most ambitious, most organised, most forward thinking, most prepared Chairman I have ever come across in Football, possibly in Sport entirely. And he just happens to think Saints are his baby. Are we looking the gift horse in the mouth here..? He's supposed to be replaceable..? Do me a favour..? Think of someone who is genuinely better..!
Apart from me, you mean? And I don't want to do it. If Cortese goes we are well are truly ducked (is that the right word?). The dust clouds over SMS as players, manager and coaches leave will be visible for miles.
Cortese leaked his contract position to the media and they have naturally asked questions to key people at the club. I don't think they've been schooled in what to say. Our imaginations have all run wild with this one and considering the Liebherr trust have said nothing other than they would support the club and Markus wishes shortly after his death, it's fair to say we have no idea of how they view the club. The educated guess is that as they've not been a visible presence they're not too bothered and are probably pleasantly surprised by the financial rewards the club has returned. I don't know how this will play out but for me Cortese is more important for the ambitions of this club than the Trust and I hope he remains with us next season.
Got a text from a mate who has contacts with the youth set up , probably rubbish , but thought I would post it anyway .
When I visited the club website I must admit my heart skipped a beat when I saw the headline - Club Statement. Well played Don Cortese, we can all enjoy the summer
