Whilst the idea of a flag is a good idea, in the grand scale of things it is not enough

I can understand why the supporters should want to thank Markus Liebherr for coming in and saving the club, however I am not convinced that a flag is either a fitting tribute or a permanent one.

Instead supporters should be demanding that the Itchen Stand be re named the "Markus Liebherr Stand" so that his name is permanently etched on the ground for everyone to see.

But why stop there, we at Southampton have rarely honoured our greats properly in the past and now would be a great time to put that to rights by honouring some of our legends with the other three stands.

First up could be Ted Bates but some would say that with his statue that has already been done, certainly though Lawrie McMenemy should also have a stand named after him, McMenemy took the foundations built by Ted Bates and turned this Club into a force to be reckoned with in the top flight, not to mention our FA Cup win, we have won only one major trophy, surely its right that he is now given the credit that he deserves, when our former Chairman removed McMenemy's picture from the boardroom there was an outcry and demands for McMenemy to be remembered, surely its time that was put right.

That would leave two other stands, ask the supporters and Matt Le Tissier would be the first name to be suggested, not only did he stay loyal to this football club at a time when he could have moved to any club in the country, but at times he dragged us virtually singly handedly out of the relegation zone, had we been relegated in the 90's would St Mary's have ever been built ? would we have spent the last 15 years or so knocking round the lower leagues in a 15,000 capacity stadium ? we will never know, but what we do know is that Le tissier continues to keep Southampton in the spotlight and has been a great ambassador for his adopted City and the football club that bears its name.

Perhaps after those three stands have been named the supporters could vote on the fourth stand, names put forward could be Mick Channon, Terry Paine, Ron Davies to name but three.

I have always been a big advocate of this football club honouring its true legends, I am not against a tribute to Markus Liebherr, I am all for it, but I am for something permanent, not a flag that will have a short shelf life and in a season or so will be tatty and perhaps stuck in a shed somewhere, is that a fitting tribute for Markus ?     

Photo: Action Images

LostBoys added 11:32 - May 5 My personal view is another statue but apparently the family are not in favour. i agree it should be permanent rather than a flag.
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bstokesaint added 12:44 - May 5 Regarding LostBoys comment I am not sure what the family have said exactly and their wishes should be primarily considered. However, I am all in favour of renaming the stands after former footballing greats and one after Markus, as a great saviour of our club. Le Tissier, Bates and McMenemy our also worthy names. Please though no Michael Jackson statues!! There's a time and a place.

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splurty added 13:24 - May 5 Couldn't agree more ! They ie Markus ,Matty , big mac, Paine and channon should all be remembered properly ,by stands renamed or pictures in concourses instead of those tacky fans photos that are cringeworthy ,then that would help with the atmosphere/history and make the ground more dell like (I am sorry for the rant but I miss the incredible old place ,it had a soul ) up the mighty saints , championship ahoy !

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yateleysaint added 18:46 - May 5 I think naming a stand after Herr Liebherr is the least the club could do. Where do I sign?!
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kcaj1164retsof added 21:54 - May 5 Something more permanent, but obviously something the family is comfortable with. With regards to naming stands after past Saints Legends, the stumbling block could be that NC, who would be making the decisions, has not shown so far, that he has a great deal of interest in any of those giants of the past!
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Kiwifiedpom added 22:03 - May 5 There has been so much written about Marcus of late as to how we should remember him, flags, stands and even the Stadium. WHY NOT JUST KEEP HIS SEAT IN THE DIRECTORS BOX VACANT
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mickyt7 added 13:35 - May 6 Even the thought of an empty seat brought a tear to my eye. Remember the man, not the loss. I'd rename the stadium in his honour.
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Andylad63 added 10:05 - May 7 From all accounts Herr Lieberr was an understated man who shunned publicity and the "Lime Light". So I believe an understated honour would be more appropriate, possibly adding a small embroidered M.L. to the shirts might be an option, possibly below the collar at the neck above the Players names.
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