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Krueger Committed To Southampton With Chinese Talks Still Ongoing !
Thursday, 20th Apr 2017 13:03

Ralph Krueger has reiterated his commitment to Southampton FC as rumours surface he is wanted back in Ice Hockey over the pond.

Ralph Krueger has been linked this week with a coaching role at Canadian Ice Hockey tean Vancouver Cannucks who play in the NHL which is composed of American and Canadian teams.

Kruegers sporting background is in Ice Hockey however at a time when Saints ownership going forward is uncertain he has committed himself to St mary's at least for the foresseable future.

Canadian journalist Elliotte FriedmanTweeted that Krueger had told him via email:

“I have had some interesting chats these past weeks, but my focus remains fully on the Saints for now.”

Katharina Liebherr is of course in talks with Lander Holdings at the moment as detailed on this website a couple of days ago, initially it was thought that the deal had collapsed when Lander Holdings subsidiary Lander Sports announced that it was pulling out, but this seems to be only because the protracted negotiations meant that its shares had to be suspended on the Chinese stockmarket.

Lander Holdings are unlisted and therefore are not subject to the same restrictions, so it seems they have taken over the deal for at least the time being.

It is said that Katharina Liebherr will retain an 80% holding in Saints to oversee the transition and to make sure that her Father's legacy is maintained.

Krueger meanwhile will be keeping a close eye on proceedings, should Lander take over if he is retained he will perhaps feel that this would be an exciting time to be Chairman of Southampton FC and offer him a better career path forward than the uncertainty of being a coach again and the uncertain employment that offers.

Photo: Action Images



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halftimeorange added 17:09 - Apr 20
I would imagine that the lure of glory in north America would far outweigh another few seasons of ordinariness in a European outpost. Should the opportunity beckon then I'm sure Mr Krueger will take it. Who wants to be chief clerk when they can be the manager? On the Lander front, my understanding when the news first broke was that Lander was looking for promotional opportunities, rather than buying our club outright. I thought the idea was that they would buy into Saints and then have the sole rights to the Saints brand in the huge market which is Asia. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I don't recall hearing anything different.
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SanMarco added 18:19 - Apr 20
Isn't it 20% not 80% for Kat? I wouldn't have thought she would be able to maintain any sort of control with less than 50%.

I remain uneasy about this whole Lander thing and have to say that plenty of things in the world are keeping me awake at night but Kreuger's future is not one of them...
3

bstokesaint added 20:00 - Apr 20
I think Krueger has by and large done a decent job at Saints and I hope he stays longer. Kat obviously has been reliant on him, so he must be doing something right as the club is in a great state.

On the flip side I wish the Chinese would disappear off the scene. I really can't see what they can offer us. I've read so many conflicting reports on what is actually on the table. I think it's safe to say no one really knows. However, if Kat does lose control or have plans to sell up I think our glory days of having some of the most exciting players in the PL, whilst being self sufficient may be over. I know plenty don't agree with "The Southampton Way," but these are the best years I can remember supporting our club. Just wish Markus could see what impact he's had.
4

A1079 added 23:27 - Apr 20
Whether Krueger stays or goes it is not something that really concerns me when it comes to my beloved club. I guess somewhere he has had an impact but he is not someone I think of when I think of the club or team. I am more concerned about which of our best players will join the annual summer departures from the club.

Similar to other posters on here. I wish the whole Chinese thing would disappear. We may need another investor but I am not comfortable with this one, though I admit, I don't know much about them.
2

BoondockSaint added 01:02 - Apr 21
The Canucks finished bottom of their division and didn't make the playoffs ...and 16 of the 28 teams do! Hardly a team poised for glory....there is a lot of work to do and unless his job offer is general manager (in charge of hiring/firing coaches, and drafting/trading players) it might not last long. If he is just coach, he is only as good as the players he has, and could be gone at any time. With his replacement benefiting from the draft picks under his watch. So it is doubtful he will move.

However, if the rumours are right about Kat selling more than 51% (HOPE NOT!), then he will know the Chinese will probably get rid of him to put in their own man.
3

saintmark1976 added 08:10 - Apr 21
Whilst I have no particular view on whether a deal would be good or not the problem in my opinion is how long before a decision is made.

The longer the uncertainty continues the more it will effect the attitude of the management and players and ultimately the last few results of the season, let alone decisions in the close season.

If the current owner has the interests of the club at heart (and I don't suggest she hasn't) then simply make a decision and let's all move forward.After all how hard can it be?
4

A1079 added 11:22 - Apr 21
Very well put saintmark76. Don't you find everything seems to be protracted it when it comes to Saints, except when it comes to players leaving?
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SaintBrock added 18:48 - Apr 21
The man talks a good story but has offered no leadership whatsoever and communications are in amore parlous state now than for many a long year. Where is the vision, what are his aims for the club? I think he is probably not much more than a safe pair of hands for the Liebherr's replacing the devil incarnate himself, Nicola Cortese?
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