Saints expect to unveil a lasting memorial to late owner Markus Liebherr in the near future.

It is just over four years now since the death of the German-born Swiss industrialist, whose 2009 takeover pulled the club out of administration and marked a significant turning point in its history.

Saints are now in the hands of Liebherr’s daughter, Katharina, and a permanent tribute to her father has been planned ever since she took greater control and appointed a new board at St Mary’s earlier this year.

Chairman Ralph Krueger says the club will soon be in a position to inform supporters of what they have in mind.

“I can’t tell you what it is, but something’s in the works,” he said.

“The respect for Markus and the legacy that needs to live on here, and Katharina is of course adamant about that, is clear for all of us, that there was a turning point in the club in 2009 and we need to keep that in mind – and we will. People will see that in the near future.”

It is eight months since former chairman Nicola Cortese departed the club and Katharina Liebherr stepped up her involvement in affairs.

In that time, she has been a regular presence at matches – certainly far more than had initially been anticipated – and has been seen leaping out of her seat when the team scores.

According to Krueger, she has become increasingly captivated by the club.

“She watches every game when she’s not here, whether on the road or wherever,” he said.

“She’s glued to a big screen TV in her home and she’s really become, if you can even imagine, an even bigger fan than she was when she began.”

Krueger added that Liebherr has been pleased with the progress made at Saints since her new board was formally appointed in March, and he says she is excited about what could be achieved this season.

“She’s feeling very confident about the club and about the end product, and about not only the end product on the field, but off the field,” he said.

“That’s something that, once again, doesn’t make it out into the public very often, but I know that’s where she gets her greatest comfort, is what’s happening in our management team and the type of growth that we’ve had in such a short period of time – a very young management team, inexperienced actually, but a very passionate team, and I think she feels that.

“I, as her direct representative here, can say that she’s really excited about the season ahead and about what’s happened here.”