http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/sa..._stand_as_tribute_to_Markus_Liebherr/?ref=mac A campaign to rename the stadium in honour of Markus is reported in the Echo. I think Katharina may be touched by the gesture, but don't see her going with it. The Leihberrs seem to be quite private, modest people...this has been suggested before. It also would virtually tie her to the place...I don't subscribe to the view that she intends to sell, but forever is a long time. What do you think? Apologies as can now see they are talking about naming a stand not the stadium.
I am with this, although I am sure that when he passed away, this was brought up and the family indicated that they would not feel comfortable with this.
Absolutely NO NO NO NO it is a thoroughly tasteless idea and typical of todays over emotional dumbed down society. Next thing they'll be stacking flowers and teddy bears against the wall of the stadium on the anniversary of his death. For goodness sake let us behave with some dignity and let him have some dignity in death. There are far more appropriate and respectful ways to honour him and the family know it. Marcus is "alive" just so long as we remember him and that is all that matters.
How about the Cortese Stadium? It could then be used in the off season for Bear-Baiting, Gladiatorial Combat, and the like.
I've pitched the idea of a return for gladiator combat before, along with chariot racing. Not cool with bear baiting though. Humans dying in the name of sport, yes. Bears, no.
SaintsWeb think this is an abysmal idea, and say that he already "has enough named after him". Weird site that, although I do scan through it to see any 'ITK' stuff.
I don't see the point. It does smack of an almost desperate plea to suck up to Katharina, as if naming a stand will make her (AND HER MONEY) stay with the club. We all know what Markus did, his name is sung at most home games. Move on.
Exactly what I thought...KL didn't want the flag and I'm sure she wouldn't like a statue. The Markus Leihberr Lounge was accepted, so a stand might be, but can't see the whole stadium bearing his name. Let's assume the best that the people suggesting it only want to honour Markus, but could also be seen as an attempt to get an emotional grip on Katharina. One day it is certain the club will be sold (just because all clubs are sold eventually)...perhaps next year or in twenty years...would mean the name possibly being removed and the stadium renamed after a sponsor...fans wouldn't be happy with that. Let's be unique and keep our stadium name.
Always thought the training ground, or part of it, should be named after him. It was Markus's "big project" after all.
I have a slightly different view on this and one which probably won't be popular. First of all, I want to say that ML seemed like a very nice, genuine and humble man. Obviously, I didn't know him personally but this was the impression he gave and I have no reason to doubt it. He also seemed to genuinely fall under the spell that is Southampton Football Club, I will always treasure seeing the joy on his face at Wembley. However, lets not forget that the only reason he became our 'saviour' is because he was a billionaire looking for a hobby. We just happened to get lucky because we were in the right place at the right time and looked a good business prospect. That he came to love the club is a bonus for us and for him too. I still think we would be in existence without him although the Leibherr ownership has been an unparalleled success which would never have been matched by anyone else taking charge. As such I would feel uncomfortable about renaming the stadium after someone who was basically able to do what he did simply because he was rich enough to do so. I would favour a new stand being named after him though (with an increased capacity). Of course, Katharina would have to pay for it!
Was there anyone else apart from Markus? I understand we were within hours of liquidation...which would mean if we existed at all we'd have lost our league share and would be in nonleague.
I am of the opinion that Marcus himself would not have liked the idea of naming a stadium after him. He may well of agreed to a suite possibly named after him although again I think he would have preferred them to be named after historical players as is tradition at most clubs. He did not seem to me to be a man that needed to see his name in lights......
