After my story earlier this morning suggesting Saints should honour Markus Liebherr at the new training facilities being names they have done, but not to the level I suggested.

Saints have announced that the man building at the revamped Staplewood will be called the Markus Liebherr Pavillion in honour of the man who Saints fans consider the saviour of the club back in 2009.

I had suggested that the best idea would be to name the entire training ground after him, but this is still a very fitting tribute.

From the Club's official website.

The Markus Liebherr Pavilion officially opens its doors today, and is the focal point of the Staplewood Football Development & Support Centre — a top-class training facility designed to continue the club’s incredible record of producing footballing talent.

The building will house the club’s sports science, scouting & recruitment, football administration and medical departments, as well as training, changing and dining facilities.

Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger commented: “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.

“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.”

Chief Executive Officer Gareth Rogers 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 [Markus's daughter and current owner] Katharina’s wealth, so it is right that there is a lasting memory of Markus at the club.”

Photo: Action Images

SaintMike added 10:45 - Nov 5 Great idea.......but I hope Saints know how to spell 'pavilion'!!!
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Zambucco added 10:54 - Nov 5 Obviously not what the majority of fans wanted, but I'm sure Katharina had a massive input. Considering Markus was a quiet humble man, it would have been the most he would have wanted too. I think the nicest thing for the people of Southampton is they buy the old Ford factory and start building Liebherr plant there. Giving us jobs and promoting the Liebherr name? On a side note do they honour other benefactors at other clubs, is there an Abramovich stand? or a Mansour Suite?

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SaintNick added 11:15 - Nov 5 there is a Madejstky stadium in Reading and i believe many years ago Ann Field was a big benefactor for a club up North lol
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BoondockSaint added 13:56 - Nov 5 There is a case of the reverse: A Spurs supporter just changed his name to "Gary White Hart Lane". It would be great if they now name it after a new sponsor and he has to change it again! (I have a ton of products to suggest, but don't want to cross the standards of this site-you all can make up your own jokes )
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ChristchurchSaint added 20:29 - Nov 5 A fitting tribute- Markus would have been embarrassed to have had SMS named after him, and even the new training ground. Markus Liebherr Pavillion sounds good, and we know that all our current players and any young aspiring Saints will see that name and that very fitting plaque every time that they enter the building. Hopefully they will have the same love for the club that Markus so obviously had. I'm sure he would have been looking down today with that wonderful smile as he saw his name etched into Saints' history forever.

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