Southampton owner Markus Liebherr passes away

Southampton have announced that owner Markus Liebherr has died at the age of 62.

The League One club were on the brink of going out of business last summer until the Swiss businessman completed his takeover.

He provided substantial funds to Alan Pardew after appointing him manager and was rewarded with the Johnstone Paint Trophy.

The club announced the news in a statement on their website, but did not disclose the cause of his death.

The statement read: “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.”