http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/statement-from-katharina-liebherr-1308712.aspx To our fans: The past week has been a period of transition for the club. I wanted to address you directly to clearly set out my position and expectations for the immediate future. After the developments of last week, my priority now is to bring some stability and calm to the workings of the club; perhaps a few smiles too. Having inherited Southampton Football Club following my father’s untimely passing , I am delighted and proud of the exhilarating period of success that the team and the staff has enjoyed these past few years, buoyed by the unstinting support of the fans. I am absolutely committed to ensuring that the club continues this success. I have met our manager Mauricio Pochettino and have given him my complete support to build on the good work that has already been achieved. We have also said that we have no plans to sell any of the squad during the January transfer window. Yesterday I met the rest of the staff and gave them the same message of support. We are now in the top half one of the most competitive leagues in the world, playing attractive football with a young and ambitious team, and poised to move into world-class training facilities. We have much to be thankful for. I am particularly excited that the Southampton tradition of nurturing and providing young talent with first team opportunities is set to flourish with the strong academy foundation we have put in place. 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. As soon as we have more news to share, we will do so. We are looking to the future with a determination to create a culture based on open communication, respect and hard work. 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. Katharina Liebherr
Love it. A statement of positive intent...like the fact that she mentioned her father and her pride in the club. So much for her not being interested in the club. The bit about 'a few smiles' gives it a human touch rather than just management speak.
Touched most bases in a positive way, might not be a change of direction. 'Open communication' is an interesting phrase and a sea change from the last 4 years if it turns into reality.. We will have nothing to speculate about.
Some of the things mentioned suggests that is she aware of what some of the problems have been. She knows she can't beat two promotions, but is trying to correct the bits we didn't like. Or it could just be her style.
"My priority is to establish the proper running of the club...." is a very strong indicator that she felt it was far from proper!
Nice statement, makes a change. I would like to hear Katharina say she'll back Poch in the transfer market though, because it's so important not to stand still now and continue to move forward. Doesn't have to be in this window but in the summer is a must.
Have to say, considering what we feared might happen at the beginning of it, the first week of her chairmanship has turned out to be an absolute masterclass. For someone who supposedly has no interest in or knowledge of football, she is saying all the right things so far.
She's said she will continue to give her full support. I honestly don't think there's much more she could've done in her first week within SFC.
Next news will hopefully be the appointment of a new CEO. Her timing's spot on though. Came out with this just before many were probably shifting in their seat and about to put their hand up.
Good start. Nice to see nobody in here disregarding it as PR nonsense - though I suppose CBK hasn't popped in yet.
