Markus created the holding company and put Cortese in charge of it. Nothing untoward to see as far as I am aware. It's not like we didn't know this already. We're bringing Athletico Bilbao and Werder Bremen here for what is certain to be a very splendid memorial to our former owner.
Saints are not registered "offshore". That weird holding company name is one that Company's house issue as non-descript privately owned companies who register for UK tax and accounts. It's just a sequential name and number, there is nothing sinister behind it. To describe Liebherr as just a "German swiss businessman" is sloppy to say the least. Liebherr is the largest privately owned family company in Western Europe. 2 minutes with Google could tell you everything you need to know about the company, its set up and family ethos and how it doesn't owe a penny to banks or investment funds etc. It's a massively cash rich business. Yes, Markus is dead. Ownership passed to whoever has his power of attorney, which I believe is his eldest daughter. So, all the stuff about Saints was poorly researched and totally out of context with the rest of the programme. And for those reasons and what it implied, I think Cortese would be right to get the lawyers in.
Dont really see the problem - just lazy journalism again. Thye have just looked at a business registration database at the companies owning Southampton FC, realised its a random one set up by the Liebherrs (i assume). You can download the accounts statements if you really want to. Doesnt really mean a lot. They have then just realised Markus passed away and havent done the legwork to find out what the arrangements were/are.
I have recorded it, but caught the first few minutes and the bit when Saints were mentioned. He didn't say anything bad about us, but the context of how it came out with only half the story would have left a bad impression for those that don't know. Our club is Swiss owned and where it is based and they could have added that his daughter now runs the company. Bad for alot of people in footy.
As for the programme itself, not at all surprised about any of it. Was told a long time ago that Robson made Redknapp look positively squeeky clean. Sir Alex will get away with it again, he always does. Thing is, the FA, FL & Prem all have the power to stop all this dodgy ownership overnight. but they are scared of the big clubs going off to set up their own league again if the new rules are too harsh/transparent for them to comply with. If clubs didn't comply with FA rules, they can't take part in their competitions, full stop. But the FA are pathetic. Long thought the Loan system was bent. Another thing the FA could just stop overnight and insist it's only used in dire emergencies like it was 10 or more years ago.
Its a bit in-depth to summarize, but Fergie has been hanging out with a well dodgy character going by the name of 'dodgy McDeal.' He likes to set up accounts and place people at the front of taker-overs, assisted by Bryan Robson. He claims he can get loans of all his mates in the EPL, so they can build a team real quick & make loads of wonga. Phhh, tired.
Dodgy Asian businessman........."I don't suppose I could interest you in buying Pompey could I?" Undercover reporter................."F*** off, p*ss poor stadium and no fan base. You'd have to be a mug to put money into that dump" Dodgy Asian businessman.........."No, I didn't think so but you've got to try haven't you?"
Well you only need £15 million deposit plus £10 million later??.........Simples........Pocket money!
Just because dubious dealings occur it does not mean we should accept it. I think this kind of thing is endemic globally in all modern day 'business'. This kind of financial doctoring is what has cause so many problems in Greece, Germany, France etc. The truth is financial products are making money out of nothing and just shows what a stupid system it really is. Ideally the clubs in English football should own by shareholders, a bit like Wimbledon AFC or Barcelona; power back to the fans.
It's not what Fergie did, it's what Bryan Robson did. Will be interesting to see if he ever gets a job back in English management again now...
It will be interesting to see what Mr Cortese makes of all this. Should the issue arise, I'm hoping he has no problems coming out and claiming that we have no problems legally with regards to the ownership of the club, although you'd expect after a year of the situation being as it is that it is pretty much safe. Anything apart from a Romanov-style rant about *****philes is fine
I'm pretty sure his past history as a **** manager will put paid to any chance of getting a good job here again.
In most walks of life, that would be the case. Unfortunately in football, once you're on the managerial merry-go-round, it seems very hard to get off. Just having managerial experience on your CV seems to be enough for many Chairmen, regardless of what you've actually achieved. Just look at how easily the likes of Dowie, Hart, Megson, Grant, Jewell, Ince etc seem to pick up new jobs. If he'd wanted to get into English management, I'm sure someone would have turned to Robson before too long. But probably not more.
