Wednesday 5 November 2014 14:41, UK
Southampton officially opened their new state-of-the-art training centre on Wednesday.
The Premier League club have named the main building after former late owner Markus Liebherr.
Swiss billionaire Liebherr saved the club from administration in 2009 and began making plans for the Staplewood training base but died the following year from a heart attack.
The Markus Liebherr Pavilion will house the club’s sports science, scouting & recruitment, football administration and medical departments, as well as training, changing and dining facilities.
“We are delighted to officially open our new training facility and, in doing so, we are proud to pay tribute to the memory of Markus Liebherr,” said chairman Ralph Krueger.
“The role Markus played in saving Southampton football club and enabling it to be transformed into the progressive and sustainable company it is today will never be forgotten.
“In naming this outstanding new facility in his honour, Markus’s vision and legacy will live on in every player and member of staff who passes through these doors.”
Current owner Katharina Liebherr, who inherited the Saints from her late father, was also present for the official opening.
“I am honoured to be here,” she said. “On behalf of my father and myself I want to say thank you to everybody who was involved in the building of this football facility.”
Gareth Rogers, chief executive officer, added: “Markus bought the club in 2009 and his vision was to create a sustainable football club and one that plays great football.
“Integral to that was the building of the training ground. This has required a huge investment, but it is something that we see as incredibly important in terms of the future of our club. The club is about sustainability.
“Most of the cost has come from Katharina’s wealth, so it is right that there is a lasting memory of Markus at the club.”
The Saints have also applied for planning permission to enhance the facilities on offer in the Markus Liebherr Pavilion.
A proposed two-story annex will house the Saints Academy’s education facilities, as well as a treatment room, sports laboratory and additional gym facilities, while construction of an inflatable dome over Staplewood’s 3G pitch is already under way.
