Southampton FC owner Markus Liebherr has died

The 62-year-old bought the club just over a year ago.

The Swiss billionaire was described as "quiet, unassuming, undemonstrative and fantastic fun to be with" by Saints.

Flags at St. Mary's Stadium have been lowered to fly at half-mast, as fans converged on the stadium.

Shirts, scarfs, flags and flowers have begun being laid in front of the Itchen Stand, with some fans even in tears as they turned up to pay their respects.

A book of condolence will be available for fans to sign, by Friday morning.

Liebherr, who was born in Germany in 1948, purchased of the club in July 8 2009, taking Saints out of administration and saving the club from extinction.

The cause of his death has not been revealed as yet.

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In a statement, the Southampton FC said: "His passing will come as an enormous shock to everyone but most particularly, of course, to his family and wide circle of friends. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.

"Anyone who came to know Markus learned of his quick wit, love of football - most especially Saints football - and his unquenchable thirst for better knowledge of all things. Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Markus met a man who was quiet, unassuming, undemonstrative and fantastic fun to be with.

"The welcome that Markus was given when he arrived at the Saints just over a year ago was something that gave him a deep sense of pride and satisfaction. The progress of the Saints was always uppermost in his mind.

"To say he will be missed is an unmistakable understatement."

In his first interview after buying Saints, he said: "I believe we have a superb opportunity to rebuild this great Club."

In the weeks before completing the buy out of the club, Markus often read fans comments on the Daily Echo website.

It was the strength of passion from the fans that convinced him to buy the club, according to chairman Nicola Cortese.

It is not yet clear what the tragic news means for the club.

Saints say the plans laid out when Liebherr bought the club 13 months ago will continue unchanged.

The shock news of Liebherr's death has left many fans in a state of shock, yet eager to pay tribute to the man who saved Southampton Football Club.

Steve Grant, who runs the Saints Web website, said: "It is disappointing and upsetting news and condolences must go to friends and family members.

"Every Saints fan is still very thankful that he saved the club oblivion.

"We had a really enjoyable season last term and ultimately that is all down to him."

For many fans, one of the enduring images of Liebherr will be one of him taking photographs of his team at Wembley, as Dean Hammond and Kelvin Davis lifted the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Below is the full statement released on behalf of Southampton Football Club.

"It is with deep regret and great sadness that the Club has to report that Markus Liebherr has passed away. Markus was 62.

"His passing will come as an enormous shock to everyone but most particularly, of course, to his family and wide circle of friends. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.

"Anyone who came to know Markus learned of his quick wit, love of football - most especially Saints football - and his unquenchable thirst for better knowledge of all things. Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Markus met a man who was quiet, unassuming, undemonstrative and fantastic fun to be with.

"The welcome that Markus was given when he arrived at the Saints just over a year ago was something that gave him a deep sense of pride and satisfaction. The progress of the Saints was always uppermost in his mind.

"To say he will be missed is an unmistakable understatement.

"What would Markus want now is a question that will be on everyone’s lips.

"He would have wanted to be there when the Saints get promotion to the Premier League. The well laid plans for the Club that he and the Executive Chairman had mapped out over a year ago will continue to be implemented uninterrupted and nothing will change in that regard.

"The Club will ensure that Markus’ wishes are carried out in full.

"The Saints were Markus’ constant preoccupation. He certainly didn’t like losing. And his constant ambition was to see open attacking football played to the highest possible standard. To Markus, last year was the start of getting the Saints back on the march.

"Markus truly loved the Saints.

"In due course there will be a memorial service held to honour Markus, the details of which will be announced once they are ready. A book of condolence will also be available to fans and any member of the public to sign."

Fans are invited to leave their tributes to Markus Liebherr below.