Southampton Football Club have confirmed the departure of Chairman Ralph Krueger.

In a statement released by the club it was announced that following recent talks with shareholders Mr Gao and Katharina Liebherr, it was agreed that Krueger’s contract would not be extended beyond its end date of June 30th.

Krueger, the Canadian-born German former professional ice hockey coach and player who joined the Premier League the club in 2014, said of his departure: “Everything has a beginning and everything has an end. It is the journey in-between that I will treasure. Thank you Southampton Football Club for the journey.”

The club will wait until the end of the season before releasing information about its future leadership structure.

Shareholder, Gao Jisheng, said: “Ralph represented our club with honour and integrity, and followed The Southampton Way with great passion. We thank him for the foundations he has helped to build and wish him well for the future.”

Katharina Liebherr added: “Ralph laid the foundations for the Saints to be a sustainable team that put pressure on the top sides in the Premier League. 

“He was a true leader who fully embodied The Southampton Way, a culture which will live on strongly beyond his time as Chairman. I, along with my family, will always be grateful for all that Ralph has done for the club.”

Image: PA Images

Ralph Krueger (left) and Katharina Liebherr (right) in the stands during the Premier League match at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton.