Liebherr is the right man for Saints, says Wotte (From Daily Echo)
When news happens, text SDE and your photos or videos to 80360. Or contact us by email and phone.
Liebherr is the right man for Saints, says Wotte
3:10pm Thursday 9th July 2009 in
SAINTS manager Mark Wotte said he was instantly impressed by new owner Markus Liebherr.
Wotte met the Swiss billionaire a month ago when he toured the club, along with his representatives.
The Dutchman believes Liebherr is the right man to take the club into the future.
“I met Mr Liebherr and his representative four weeks ago when they were visiting Staplewood and St Mary’s,” said Wotte.
“Immediately I had a good feeling with them.
“It is such a respectable company and Mr Liebherr is such a respectable businessman.
“His reputation is outstanding and he is exactly what we need for the long term.”
Wotte, who has been retained as Saints boss for another year, said he expects to remain at the club and have an excellent working relationship with the new people in charge.
“I signed a contract as manager for at least one year, so there is no indication they want to change that,” he said.
“They were happy with me that I was loyal to the club, that I kept things running and they expressed that they were grateful and that we have to prepare the team as good as possible for the league.”
Wotte said he would not comment on contract or player issues.
Before doing so, he will sit down with the new owners and discuss plans on the playing side.
“We are not going to take quick, overnight, decisions,” he said.
“We will have a very thorough look at the football plan, the team, the contract players, the players who have run out of contract and the budgets.”
Wotte added: “This club has almost been dead and buried and the most important thing for the future is we never put Southampton Football Club in the same situation as the last four or five months.
“When we informed the players and the staff yesterday, everybody was extremely relieved that this black period for Southampton Football Club is over.”
Comments(48)
Invidia
says...
3:20pm Thu 9 Jul 09
saintsfan25 wrote:No!!
Can you believe it... SW : rule-mark
Invidia
says...
3:21pm Thu 9 Jul 09
Invidia wrote:Only joking!
saintsfan25 wrote: Can you believe it... SW : rule-markNo!!
True Saints Fan
says...
3:24pm Thu 9 Jul 09
St.Yorkie
says...
3:29pm Thu 9 Jul 09
He didn't get all his wishes at once did he then?
Must confess I thought Wotte's team looked lack lustre and unfit - just hope we can sort that out!
The other thing about tactics - no one seemed to know their jobs except Kelvin (keep the ball out of the net) and Seijs (kick 'em hard and take no prisoners).
I hope we just get a squad together that can win together! We desperately need proper full-backs, an enforcer in midfield, and a forward who gives a sh*t! Defence starts in attack - Beattie and Omerod did a bloody good job supporting the midfield, but the last lot were like "pass it to me and I'll score" types!
Wotte you may be the man for now - so sort it out!
milton road
says...
3:34pm Thu 9 Jul 09
he also has major contacts abroad which means we have a chance of players we may not normally get in div 1.
matt del torro
says...
3:40pm Thu 9 Jul 09
Rgorrack
says...
3:44pm Thu 9 Jul 09
But still 2.9 Billion 2.9 Billion!!! hahaha yeah
ben86
says...
3:47pm Thu 9 Jul 09
Pinnacle potential owners - Sucks up to MLT to keep his job
Liebherr in charge - Sucks up to MLT to keep his job
Desperado.
Saints Mike
says...
3:48pm Thu 9 Jul 09
ben86
says...
3:48pm Thu 9 Jul 09
Saints Mike
says...
3:48pm Thu 9 Jul 09
Saints Mike
says...
3:50pm Thu 9 Jul 09
saints:)
says...
3:57pm Thu 9 Jul 09
bumblysaint
says...
3:58pm Thu 9 Jul 09
he had a contract I
believe until the end of June,so he
didn't need to if that was right.
Think we need a decent experienced
manager,Wotte sucks
up to everybody he feels can be of use to Wotte.
Mr Liebherr is the
right man,Mr Wotte is
not. Clean sweep.
deadly666
says...
4:00pm Thu 9 Jul 09
And anyway....just who had the authority to offer him a 12 month rolling contract? We had no board of directors at the time.
I would still like to see him replaced with a manager who has the respect of the playing staff, because its apparent that he doesnt from what has been said.
Stormjuice
says...
4:03pm Thu 9 Jul 09
sholingred
says...
4:06pm Thu 9 Jul 09
saintjak
says...
4:07pm Thu 9 Jul 09
Wigley, Gray. Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
As soon as you say give him 10 games then you are not confident which to me says don't do it in the first place
IF it was me I'd keep him on board with the role he was given previous and dangle a carrot in front of Strachan...
HIt the ground running and lets get out of this division first time.
I just get the feeling we have been here before...
COYR
Shooter
says...
4:08pm Thu 9 Jul 09
ben86 wrote:Duh!!
Rupert Lowe in charge - Mark Wotte sucks up to Rupert Lowe to keep his job
Pinnacle potential owners - Sucks up to MLT to keep his job
Liebherr in charge - Sucks up to MLT to keep his job
Desperado.
Excuse me for stating the bleeding obvious, ben86, but if you were interviewed about your potential boss would you say "no I think he's going to be crap" or would you say "His reputation is outstanding and he is exactly what we need for the long term.”? I thought so.
It's not a case of desperado at all.
I think Mark Wotte has been totally respectful all the way through, to the club, the fans, and potential owners. He hasn't changed his tune since the word 'go' back in February.
I think he speaks a good game, unlike the load of old clogs we used to get from Jan Poortvliet (aka Woopert)
Now, with the excellent potential of the new owners and their long term plans (including the superb capture of Kelvin Davis) I think Wotte can show us what he is made of.
Bring on Millwall. Then we'll only be -7 points!
ben86
says...
4:09pm Thu 9 Jul 09
saintjak wrote:This man is correct.
Although I agree he has stuck by us. It again stinks of sentiment.
Wigley, Gray. Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
As soon as you say give him 10 games then you are not confident which to me says don't do it in the first place
IF it was me I'd keep him on board with the role he was given previous and dangle a carrot in front of Strachan...
HIt the ground running and lets get out of this division first time.
I just get the feeling we have been here before...
COYR
Moog
says...
4:11pm Thu 9 Jul 09
Stafford Saint
says...
4:11pm Thu 9 Jul 09
Wotte has a contract. He might be good might not, we can find out. Finding a new manager takes time and money (especially as a lot of the better managers have a job already and you have to compensate) and can lead to disappointment when you find they are no better than we have already! Wotte knows the current players. They are our players for next year because I hear they have potential and were unlucky last year, and besides, I am not buying anymore right away!
So I'm not surprised they will work together.
colinlshrek
says...
4:12pm Thu 9 Jul 09
ben86
says...
4:13pm Thu 9 Jul 09
Shooter wrote:I wouldn't comment on it, just as most of the players have kept quiet and most managers would. The guy knows he's lucky to have a job here and is trying to cling onto it via the media.
ben86 wrote:Duh!!
Rupert Lowe in charge - Mark Wotte sucks up to Rupert Lowe to keep his job
Pinnacle potential owners - Sucks up to MLT to keep his job
Liebherr in charge - Sucks up to MLT to keep his job
Desperado.
Excuse me for stating the bleeding obvious, ben86, but if you were interviewed about your potential boss would you say "no I think he's going to be crap" or would you say "His reputation is outstanding and he is exactly what we need for the long term.”? I thought so.
It's not a case of desperado at all.
I think Mark Wotte has been totally respectful all the way through, to the club, the fans, and potential owners. He hasn't changed his tune since the word 'go' back in February.
I think he speaks a good game, unlike the load of old clogs we used to get from Jan Poortvliet (aka Woopert)
Now, with the excellent potential of the new owners and their long term plans (including the superb capture of Kelvin Davis) I think Wotte can show us what he is made of.
Bring on Millwall. Then we'll only be -7 points!
Jesus_02
says...
4:14pm Thu 9 Jul 09
deadly666 wrote:I disagree...He didn’t have the respect of Nathan Dyer granted but everyone else has spoken highly of him.
So MW thinks the new owner is the right man to take the club forward....he is hardly going to say otherwise is he. After all.....he was almost out of a job. And anyway....just who had the authority to offer him a 12 month rolling contract? We had no board of directors at the time. I would still like to see him replaced with a manager who has the respect of the playing staff, because its apparent that he doesnt from what has been said.
People need to re-assess what they expect from saints. Just because our owner has 2.6billion doesn’t mean that we will have a Premiership manager or even a Championship one.
If you think that the football was ugly and the refs where bad in the championship you better brace yourself for the championship!
Shareholder
says...
4:15pm Thu 9 Jul 09
So, let's see how he performs with a stable ship, a professional Board, some money to spend, his plans to work to and players he wants. If he fails - and please let's not start being silly and giving him the 10 games or your out treatment - then replace him.
At the moment I see him as loyal, determined and tough. If his players are the same he'll do OK. So let's back him - he wants to be here and he's proved he wants to stay here. At a time when so many haven't expressed those sentiments we should be thankful and give him a break!
saintjak
says...
4:18pm Thu 9 Jul 09
ben86 wrote:I am, its true...
saintjak wrote: Although I agree he has stuck by us. It again stinks of sentiment. Wigley, Gray. Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. As soon as you say give him 10 games then you are not confident which to me says don't do it in the first place IF it was me I'd keep him on board with the role he was given previous and dangle a carrot in front of Strachan... HIt the ground running and lets get out of this division first time. I just get the feeling we have been here before... COYRThis man is correct.
saintjak
says...
4:25pm Thu 9 Jul 09
Shareholder wrote:The touble is for me I see 'lets see how he performs' and 'Loyal' THese are not good words/statements
For goodness sake! A week ago it looked like curtains for the club. Yesterday we get saved by a fabulous outfit and immediately some people come on here and start a campaign to kick Wotte out. The man deserves the chance. You only have to look at him on the touchline to see his passion and he stepped up when Poortvliet quit even though it was a poisoned chalice. And just because he had a contract until June didn't mean he had to stay. Quite why people think he isn't up to the job is beyond me. He managed a team last season that was decimated by Lowe and Poortvliet, that had absolutely no confidence, that was too young and inexperienced and which, by the end, was down and out and facing oblivion. And don't say it was his job to motivate the team - I don't think even the second coming was going to resurrect that situation. Pearson, a hero to many here, had a worse record - the rose tinted spectacles came out because we stayed up, something the League were determined we wouldn't do last season. So, let's see how he performs with a stable ship, a professional Board, some money to spend, his plans to work to and players he wants. If he fails - and please let's not start being silly and giving him the 10 games or your out treatment - then replace him. At the moment I see him as loyal, determined and tough. If his players are the same he'll do OK. So let's back him - he wants to be here and he's proved he wants to stay here. At a time when so many haven't expressed those sentiments we should be thankful and give him a break!
Most agreed that at the beginning of last season it was a bad choice. That has come to pass. Not sure whats changed?
I'll support Wotte if he starts the campaign but as i said previous we have been here before.
My dog is loyal, doesnt mean he should be Saints mangager...
rickyroyl
says...
4:27pm Thu 9 Jul 09
Invidia
says...
4:27pm Thu 9 Jul 09
saint pugwash
says...
4:32pm Thu 9 Jul 09
deadly666 wrote:Speaking out of your backside!!! He HAS the repect of the players. That is why they wanted him to stay in some capacity or another.
So MW thinks the new owner is the right man to take the club forward....he is hardly going to say otherwise is he. After all.....he was almost out of a job. And anyway....just who had the authority to offer him a 12 month rolling contract? We had no board of directors at the time. I would still like to see him replaced with a manager who has the respect of the playing staff, because its apparent that he doesnt from what has been said.
Get your facts right.
slugger
says...
4:33pm Thu 9 Jul 09
know what they're going through but can't stop laughing !!!!
normsted
says...
4:37pm Thu 9 Jul 09
ncial security,dedicated manager---all thats left is to get the playing staff singing off the same hymn sheet-shape up or ship out boys.Sign up for the rough ride or bottle it-its up to you.God I am so happy.......If your looking down -thankyou!!!! Hope Le Tiss gets a role,we just cant ditch our history-Top man despite the bafoons that sat round the table with him.
Darkangelv2
says...
4:41pm Thu 9 Jul 09
saintjak wrote:What you say about the 10 games thing showing a lack of confidence is almost irrelevant.
ben86 wrote:I am, its true...saintjak wrote: Although I agree he has stuck by us. It again stinks of sentiment. Wigley, Gray. Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. As soon as you say give him 10 games then you are not confident which to me says don't do it in the first place IF it was me I'd keep him on board with the role he was given previous and dangle a carrot in front of Strachan... HIt the ground running and lets get out of this division first time. I just get the feeling we have been here before... COYRThis man is correct.
Any new manager, no matter who, would be booted after 10 games if they did not perform.
As for 'stinking of sentiment'.....STRAC
HAN! I agree, i'd be over-the-moon if the wee man stepped back into this club. It would just never happen. He's moved on. I think you're just being sentimental ;)
Give Wotte a fair crack - let him suprise you.
seven777
says...
4:42pm Thu 9 Jul 09
milton road
says...
4:42pm Thu 9 Jul 09
people are passing judgement on a man who could not even sign a loan player cos he was blocked by the bank.
Also be real the likes of Strachan are looking for top jobs. This at the moment is not one of them.
nor do I buy the fact you have to play kick and rush football to get out of this division.sure you need a couple of tough tacklers.bu the teams that got promoted played football.
Wotte is ready to get his sleeves rolled up and do the graft to get us out of div 1, something many managers are not prepared to do.
the guy should have the chance to build his team and then we can judge him.
Anyway after all the Lowe crouch and assoc wars, i can't hack more arguments just to say this
COYR
OvertonSaint
says...
4:44pm Thu 9 Jul 09
LOL!!!
Wottes hands were tied last season by Lowe selling everyone and no replacements coming in. The players could see this and lost confidence.
I reckon with Wotte given a more or less free rein he can do well. I'm sure the message to the players from the new management is "shape up or ship out". No room now for lazy pickpockets looking for an easy wage.
God I feel good today!
andoversaint
says...
4:47pm Thu 9 Jul 09
ben86 wrote:So the guy wants to keep his job. What a weird thing for you to object to.
Rupert Lowe in charge - Mark Wotte sucks up to Rupert Lowe to keep his job Pinnacle potential owners - Sucks up to MLT to keep his job Liebherr in charge - Sucks up to MLT to keep his job Desperado.
He's hardly going to sl*g off the new owner is he? And why would he?
Good luck to him - he's been completely loyal to the Saints throughout this mess.
Invidia
says...
4:49pm Thu 9 Jul 09
St.Yorkie wrote:Hello St.Yorkie nice to see you back, have you been on holiday? As for Denzil I think he is still on here but using a different user name, it would appear that there are a few that have done this, still there are some of the familiar names though, funnily enough I agree with what most have them have posted, now that we are talking football again, instead of the old boardroom politics that used to take centre stage on here.
Where's Denzil these days? He didn't get all his wishes at once did he then? Must confess I thought Wotte's team looked lack lustre and unfit - just hope we can sort that out! The other thing about tactics - no one seemed to know their jobs except Kelvin (keep the ball out of the net) and Seijs (kick 'em hard and take no prisoners). I hope we just get a squad together that can win together! We desperately need proper full-backs, an enforcer in midfield, and a forward who gives a sh*t! Defence starts in attack - Beattie and Omerod did a bloody good job supporting the midfield, but the last lot were like "pass it to me and I'll score" types! Wotte you may be the man for now - so sort it out!
St.Yorkie
says...
4:56pm Thu 9 Jul 09
Still now we have a goalkeeper back on track - perhaps we can now start with 9 or 10 players with heart for the battle ahead. No "Billy Big Boots" wanted here just grafters and fighters to get us out of the THIRD Division of English Football.
They can come from anywhere as long as they give blood for the cause...lazy players can bu**ar off!
Costa Baz
says...
4:57pm Thu 9 Jul 09
saintjak wrote:I think your dog should be manager.
Shareholder wrote: For goodness sake! A week ago it looked like curtains for the club. Yesterday we get saved by a fabulous outfit and immediately some people come on here and start a campaign to kick Wotte out. The man deserves the chance. You only have to look at him on the touchline to see his passion and he stepped up when Poortvliet quit even though it was a poisoned chalice. And just because he had a contract until June didn't mean he had to stay. Quite why people think he isn't up to the job is beyond me. He managed a team last season that was decimated by Lowe and Poortvliet, that had absolutely no confidence, that was too young and inexperienced and which, by the end, was down and out and facing oblivion. And don't say it was his job to motivate the team - I don't think even the second coming was going to resurrect that situation. Pearson, a hero to many here, had a worse record - the rose tinted spectacles came out because we stayed up, something the League were determined we wouldn't do last season. So, let's see how he performs with a stable ship, a professional Board, some money to spend, his plans to work to and players he wants. If he fails - and please let's not start being silly and giving him the 10 games or your out treatment - then replace him. At the moment I see him as loyal, determined and tough. If his players are the same he'll do OK. So let's back him - he wants to be here and he's proved he wants to stay here. At a time when so many haven't expressed those sentiments we should be thankful and give him a break!The touble is for me I see 'lets see how he performs' and 'Loyal' THese are not good words/statements Most agreed that at the beginning of last season it was a bad choice. That has come to pass. Not sure whats changed? I'll support Wotte if he starts the campaign but as i said previous we have been here before. My dog is loyal, doesnt mean he should be Saints mangager...
Bet he's never lost the lead when he's been in front :-)
Ludacris
says...
4:59pm Thu 9 Jul 09
UTS
says...
4:59pm Thu 9 Jul 09
But Mark Wotte certainly is not the right person for the job.
KyleGraham
says...
5:09pm Thu 9 Jul 09
Get in a new manager!!!!!
Invidia
says...
5:13pm Thu 9 Jul 09
db_3
says...
5:23pm Thu 9 Jul 09
nbsaint79
says...
12:50am Fri 10 Jul 09
More Saints News stories
- Bogeyman Austin out to maintain perfect scoring record against Saints
- Howe stokes fires ahead of St Mary's clash
- Hooiveld set for Fonte reunion
- Saints strikers are going nowhere
- Dickson joins Orient
- Saints face Championship hotshots
- Redknapp 'the only viable choice' for England
- Emotional Adkins bemoans FA Cup exit
- Saints recall Dickson
- Hammers hoping for a packed Upton Park
Mark Wotte
Most popular
The Southern Daily Echo will not tolerate comments posted on this message board which are deemed to be distasteful or offensive in any way. This includes homophobic and racist remarks. Anyone posting inappropriate comments risks having their account banned from using this site. The Echo will also fully co-operate with police by providing details, when requested, in relation to such incidents, which may lead to prosecution.
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
saintsfan25 says...
3:17pm Thu 9 Jul 09