Former Ice Hockey Coach Ralph Krueger Named Chairman Of EPL Side Southampton

Former professional ice hockey coach RALPH KRUEGER, who helped Canada earn a Gold Medal at the recent Winter Olympics, was on Wednesday named chairman of EPL Southampton, according to Jeremy Wilson of the London TELEGRAPH. Krueger, a Canadian-born German, has "agreed to succeed" NICOLA CORTESE in a "new boardroom structure" at St. Mary's that will also "result in the appointment" of HANS HOFSTETTER as a director. Krueger has "already opened talks" with manager MAURICIO POCHETTINO about "extending the Argentine's contract" beyond '15. Krueger will "now have day-to-day control of the off-field operation" (TELEGRAPH, 3/12). REUTERS' Ossian Shine reported Krueger coached the NHL Edmonton Oilers during the '12-13 season and the Swiss national team from '97-10. Southampton Owner KATHARINA LIEBHERR said, "Ralph has an impressive background in major league sport at all levels." Outside of sports, "Krueger has been closely involved in the World Economic Forum think tank" since '11 (REUTERS, 3/12).