Saint Markus

Thursday, 12/08/2010

by Southampton blogger for Shoot, Chris Rann.

I sit here writing this in a state of shock. Yesterday Saints owner Markus Liebherr passed away. 

It is not an exaggeration to say that without Markus there could be no Southampton Football Club. His warmth and enthusiasm towards the club and the joy he brought to St. Mary’s will never be forgotten.

He has left a legacy on the South Coast of England. A thriving football club that must now focus on achieving the dreams that he set out for it.

R.I.P. Saint Markus, saviour of Southampton Football Club.

The week had started more positively with a Carling Cup victory over Bournemouth. A nervy start turned into a classy performance, and the introduction of Dan Harding at half time steadied the ship defensively.

Adam Lallana stole the show with a wonderful curling effort to open the scoring, while 16-year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sealed the victory with his first goal for the club.

Alan Pardew made a great point after the match; the crowd is making the players nervous, something I think we have always been guilty of. Let’s get behind the lads, they need our support.

The fans were buoyed by the late substitute appearance by Rickie Lambert, it was great to see him back in action and hopefully he will start banging the goals in again.

Fair play to Bournemouth who look a decent outfit under Eddie Howe and gave Kelvin Davis a few scares. Their playing staff and supporters were a credit to them on the night.

Chamberlain looks like he could be the next in the long line of great prospects to come from the Saints academy. The son of former Pompey and England winger Mark Chamberlain already looks the business and is in for a big future.

Another Saints player making his mark is Morgan Schneiderlin, the Frenchman’s great form over the last twelve months has been rewarded with a call up to his country's Under-21 squad.

Next up for the lads is a trip to Milton Keynes to face the Dons, a team we beat four times last season in all competitions! 

Can we make it five in a row? Saints will possibly face ex-Saint Pele and former Liverpool star Did Hamman.

Do it for Markus.

I want to be in that number…

• 

• Have your say