As Nicola Cortese slalomed his way across the ski runs in the exclusive mountain resort of Lech over New Year, Southampton's executive chairman knew it would be all downhill. In his path was Katharina Liebherr, the heiress to the £3billion fortune left to her on trust by her father Markus after his sudden death in August 2010. The story has picked up speed since his return, gathering momentum as Liebherr's daughter continued with her bid for power behind the scenes at St Mary's. Meet the boss: Katharina Liebherr leaving St Mary's Stadium after visiting the ground on Thursday
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Nicola Cortese quit as Southampton executive chairman on Wednesday
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Katharina Liebherr will run show at St Mary's as non-executive chairman
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Cortese had top four ambitions for the club
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This row has been bubbling under since last summer
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The Saints board held crisis talks with manager Mauricio Pochettino
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Fear they will lose the likes of Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana
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