The wind of change over Southampton

Death is always a time to take stock of life. The passing of a loved one or a close friend invariably puts things into perspective, at least for a few days and often for much longer. Sudden and unexpected deaths typically hit us all much harder and that period of reflection and the coming to terms with the passing and the ultimate fragility of life is often more painful and prolonged.


Yesterday we received the very sad news that the man behind Southampton's renaissance, the German businessman, Markus Liebherr had died suddenly aged 62. Irrespective of our views on Alan Pardew and the fact that his association with Southampton has given most Addicks a reason to see them fail, I am sure we have all looked enviously at the way their fortunes have been revived by Mr Liebherr. So much so, that they are the overwhelming bookies favourites for promotion and few would have disagreed with that assessment before last Saturday. The fact that the Saints lost the opening game live on Sky and at home to Plymouth Argyle bust many a football coupon but probably deterred few in their belief that the Saints would go on to skate the league, especially after the example set by the Canaries last season.


The passing of Markus Liebherr potentially changes all that and reminds us very poignantly of our own dependence on Richard Murray. I have no doubt at all that the estate Liebherr leaves behind will be significant and could probably keep Southampton prosperous for some time to come. However the critical issue here will be just what provision Markus Liebherr left in the event of his untimely departure and how his heirs decide to treat his investment in the Saints. However you look at it, this is not good news for Southampton Football Club, especially at this time of the year.


My fellow blogger, Kings Hill Addick, recently raised the "what if" prospect of Richard Murray's sudden death following the worrying news that he had undergone a heart operation. Obviously Richard Murray will know the likely significance of that operation best and it would appear to be relatively minor. He will also have given thought to the "what if" although you have to believe that his personal financial situation may not be strong enough to safeguard the club for any length of time in the event of his sudden death. Indeed, he has never owed us a living and it would be unrealistic to expect him to provide for us beyond his Chairmanship. I guess the only positive to take from our situation, is that Richard has overseen the restructuring of the club, the near-eradication of paper debt and has put us much closer to a break-even financial footing than ever before. We are a more attractive proposition for all that but I don't think the same can be said for Southampton this morning if their bankrolling stops suddenly.