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Michael Svensson is returning to Sweden, but hopes to be back at Southampton one day


MICHAEL Svensson is moving back to Sweden – but with the dream of one day returning to Saints.

The 34-year-old and his family have made the decision to return to their native country after more than seven years in Southampton with the possibility of a coaching job in Sweden on the horizon.

Svensson remains a huge hero with Saints supporters for his part in the run that took the club to the FA Cup final and an eighth placed Premiership finish in 2003.

He gallantly battled serious injuries for many years after that, even training unpaid for a year in his bid to make a comeback, which he eventually did when he captained the team at the start of last season.

However, the revival was shortlived and, after that, Svensson became assistant to Mark Wotte and has since got the coaching bug.

His Saints contract expired in the summer and, having not been offered a role at the club in the new set-up, he's decided to return home, where he could shortly land a good job.

He said: "It's been hard to finally make the decision to leave.

"I don't want to go into details about the job interview I have had in Sweden but it looks like I am going into coaching there."


Your Say YourHampshire

freeroamer, Southampton says...
10:19am Wed 9 Dec 09

Good luck Michael! You are and always will be a legen here in Southampton!!


chapelsaint, Hedge End says...
10:23am Wed 9 Dec 09

Good luck Michael and thank you for everything you have done for the Saints during some pretty difficult years

Triangle Jim, Bitterne says...
10:27am Wed 9 Dec 09

Totally unrelated but it did make me laugh!!

"Harper, who joined Kettering as a player in 2008, took over as manager just over three weeks ago after Mark Cooper left for CHAMPIONSHIP SIDE PORTSMOUTH!!!!"

God love the BBC!!

Harleysaint, Marlow says...
10:45am Wed 9 Dec 09

Good luck Michael and thanks for the memories!!!
Any chance that you might leave some of your Guts and Determination in a jar in the locker room to be dipped into if the need arises!!!!

ISAWBENALISCORE, winchester says...
10:46am Wed 9 Dec 09

Legend!!!! I would have him back in any role we can give him. He epitomises everything that a professional footballer should be. Loyal, hardworking and a bloody good player. As much as it pains me to say this but Redknapp once said "if you had 11 of him you would have no worries" most intelligent thing he ever said!!!
Shame about his injuries, as we all know if he was fit when we got relegated (from prem) I'm pretty sure we would still be there.
Good luck to you Killer you will always remain a Saints legend.
COYR

Shareholder, Plymouth says...
10:46am Wed 9 Dec 09

We owe this man a huge vote of thanks for his loyalty and all round professionalism. Not many would have stuck at it and certainly even fewer would have had the loyalty he showed to our club in crisis times. Good luck Michael and I for one hope to see you again.

thesotonsaint, Southampton says...
11:01am Wed 9 Dec 09

God bless ya! Even now it will be a big blow to us, and you'll always have a big place in our hearts!! Welcome back any time! Good luck for the future, and thanks again!!

worried of e sussex, says...
11:29am Wed 9 Dec 09

all round top bloke, good luck for the future Michael

BP, Southampton says...
11:33am Wed 9 Dec 09

Would be great if The club allowed us to say a proper goodbye on Saturday.
Good luck Killer, thankyou for everything.

Brian1, Singapore says...
11:44am Wed 9 Dec 09

I think Paards and the swiss should give him a role at Saints -- He's been a tremenedous servant

Soho Saint, London says...
12:26pm Wed 9 Dec 09

100% all-time Saints hero.

thanks Michael - hope you come back one day.

Lon Kirk the Saints Fan, Southampton says...
12:29pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Brian1 wrote:
I think Paards and the swiss should give him a role at Saints -- He's been a tremenedous servant
Totally Agree.

I think Michael Svensson should be our defender's coach.

kev63, fair oak says...
12:37pm Wed 9 Dec 09

A true legend, all the best for the future Michael

german bloodline rottweiler, southampton says...
12:39pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Triangle Jim wrote:
Totally unrelated but it did make me laugh!!

"Harper, who joined Kettering as a player in 2008, took over as manager just over three weeks ago after Mark Cooper left for CHAMPIONSHIP SIDE PORTSMOUTH!!!!"

God love the BBC!!
ha ha ha ha ha.quality.its probably beacuse they wont have to update the article next season.forward planning.

Reality-man, Southampton says...
1:03pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Thanks for everything Killer. My memory will always be of a man who fought for our club. Maybe when your up to speed and a world renowned defensive coach you can come back and help us with our Champions League campaign.

Reality-man, Southampton says...
1:03pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Thanks for everything Killer. My memory will always be of a man who fought for our club. Maybe when your up to speed and a world renowned defensive coach you can come back and help us with our Champions League campaign.

Footso, Bitterne Park says...
1:05pm Wed 9 Dec 09

ISAWBENALISCORE wrote:
Legend!!!! I would have him back in any role we can give him. He epitomises everything that a professional footballer should be. Loyal, hardworking and a bloody good player. As much as it pains me to say this but Redknapp once said "if you had 11 of him you would have no worries" most intelligent thing he ever said!!! Shame about his injuries, as we all know if he was fit when we got relegated (from prem) I'm pretty sure we would still be there. Good luck to you Killer you will always remain a Saints legend. COYR
Amen to that! The bloke is a legend. Good luck to him. in whatever he does.

Was 8 in 76, Totton says...
1:12pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Good luck Michael "hey dor" you will be missed. Good luck for the future. Hope you come down to SMS so we can say goodbye on sat. An keep an eye out for us i'm sure theres a few talented youngsters in sweden that would love to play for us.

E-M27, Southampton says...
2:00pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Good luck to Michael and the rest of his family and thanks for everything.
Saints should let him say goodbye on Saturday so we can all show him how much we think of him.
Maybe a Testimonial could be arranged for the end of the season against either a Saints Legends team or even a Swedish all stars team.
Lets give him a right Saintly send off

burtrud- sain, southampton says...
2:27pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Killer killer!! thanks for all your hard work whilst at the club a true legend, yourself and claus were the besty centre halfs we have had for years- Best memory notching the first goal in a 4-0 win against Spurs in the Fa Cup. had £8 on at 40odd/1

normsted, puybossard says...
2:55pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Great player, got success written all over him. Install 50% of the passion he showed as a player in this current saints team and skys the limit. Wish him well.

E-M27, Southampton says...
3:01pm Wed 9 Dec 09

burtrud- sain wrote:
Killer killer!! thanks for all your hard work whilst at the club a true legend, yourself and claus were the besty centre halfs we have had for years- Best memory notching the first goal in a 4-0 win against Spurs in the Fa Cup. had £8 on at 40odd/1
Brilliant game remember it well.
Hoddle got some stick that day if I remember correctly

threetimes, Southampton says...
3:42pm Wed 9 Dec 09

All the best Killer. Hope to see you back with Southampton at some stage in the future. One of the best defenders I've seen playing for Saints. A proper centre half!

Portswood Pete, Portswood says...
3:45pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Lon Kirk the Saints Fan wrote:
Brian1 wrote:
I think Paards and the swiss should give him a role at Saints -- He's been a tremenedous servant
Totally Agree.

I think Michael Svensson should be our defender's coach.
Much as I admire MS you can't make every legend who leaves the club a coach or give him a job for life, it's not a job creation scheme. If Pards thinks he's up to the job (which he obviously doesn't) then fair enough otherwise, good luck for the future Michael.

south west saint, bodmin says...
4:04pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Micheal svensson and Le god-- the only players to know what the word LOYALTY means!!!

Just another reader, Rownhams says...
4:09pm Wed 9 Dec 09

I know that Michael reads these comments, and I know he appreciates them. From chats we've had in the past he was really gutted things didnt work out, and I for one really wished the management had gone out of their way to have kept him. However, I am sure his hometown club will benefit from his experience, and I wish him and his lovely familly all the best!!
Good luck Michael, Therese and Lukas, you will be missed!

EAGLESAINT, BOTLEY says...
4:59pm Wed 9 Dec 09

mimic all thats been said of MS, a truly loyal servant of this club, going back to the new training facility hopefully the likes of AL,and other players will be convinced of the direction this club is going (UP UP UP),plus the supporters charter that came through post this morning

Footso, Bitterne Park says...
5:08pm Wed 9 Dec 09

german bloodline rottweiler wrote:
Triangle Jim wrote: Totally unrelated but it did make me laugh!! "Harper, who joined Kettering as a player in 2008, took over as manager just over three weeks ago after Mark Cooper left for CHAMPIONSHIP SIDE PORTSMOUTH!!!!" God love the BBC!!
ha ha ha ha ha.quality.its probably beacuse they wont have to update the article next season.forward planning.
If they were really forward thinking, they might have said "Blue Square"!

s/w "wing-fish", how apt!

Paul from woolston, Southampton says...
6:02pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Agree with all posts, a great player with a never say die attitude........will be sorely missed.

slugger, southampton says...
6:34pm Wed 9 Dec 09

all the best killer,hope everything works out,you deserve a bit of luck !!!
thankyou from a gratefull supporter.
COYR !!!!

winchsaint, winchester says...
6:57pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Has anyone seen the article on o.s by cortese? It almost bought a tear to my eye how our club has risen so swiftly and how we have a chairman and owner who seems to care SOOO much about our club, I Know its been a few months now, but when I read it, i found myself pinching myself to make sure that it wasn`t a dream after the years of suffering this club has undergone. These 2 guys are the best thing EVER to happen to S.F.C, dare I say, even better than le tiss himself, Thank yo leibher and nicola, you have made so many so happy C.O.Y.R

Optimist, Soton says...
7:32pm Wed 9 Dec 09

http://www.saintsfc.
co.uk/page/NewsDetai
l/0,,10280~1900274,0
0.html

Quality!

Shame about Svensson leaving, must send him a card or something, very few players get to show just how much they love their club and simply playing football.

slugger, southampton says...
7:34pm Wed 9 Dec 09

winchsaint wrote:
Has anyone seen the article on o.s by cortese? It almost bought a tear to my eye how our club has risen so swiftly and how we have a chairman and owner who seems to care SOOO much about our club, I Know its been a few months now, but when I read it, i found myself pinching myself to make sure that it wasn`t a dream after the years of suffering this club has undergone. These 2 guys are the best thing EVER to happen to S.F.C, dare I say, even better than le tiss himself, Thank yo leibher and nicola, you have made so many so happy C.O.Y.R
just read it and i agree wholeheartedly(big word for me !)
i urge you all to read this on the saints site,a real vision for the future !!!
god bless our owner and all associated with the club.
COYR !!!

slugger, southampton says...
7:39pm Wed 9 Dec 09

knock knock....
who's there ?
orange.
orange who ?
orange you glad you're not a pompey supporter !!!!
LOL.
COYR

gosportsaint, gosport says...
7:52pm Wed 9 Dec 09

slugger wrote:
winchsaint wrote: Has anyone seen the article on o.s by cortese? It almost bought a tear to my eye how our club has risen so swiftly and how we have a chairman and owner who seems to care SOOO much about our club, I Know its been a few months now, but when I read it, i found myself pinching myself to make sure that it wasn`t a dream after the years of suffering this club has undergone. These 2 guys are the best thing EVER to happen to S.F.C, dare I say, even better than le tiss himself, Thank yo leibher and nicola, you have made so many so happy C.O.Y.R
just read it and i agree wholeheartedly(big word for me !) i urge you all to read this on the saints site,a real vision for the future !!! god bless our owner and all associated with the club. COYR !!!
Fantastic article. It's within the budget, and the club will remain debt free. How long before they extend the stadium, not long I bet.
Might even get freshly baked pies on site, and Saints own brewed beer.
ummmmmmm how to dream.

sw lean-safe, not like that lots down the road

Tirau Dan, Tirau (NZL) says...
7:59pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Michael's young and has it all ahead of him as a coach. His path will be to go through the ranks.. no player gets an automatic position coaching at a top club.

I'm sure no doors are closed to him when he has some coaching experience and a track record.

SFC's new regime is pretty flawless in it's businesslike manner everyone on staff is the most experienced we could get for the job.. Dean Wilkins, Wally Downes and Jason Dodds could have clubs of their own but full praise to them for being part of this Mountain Climbing Marching Machine that is currently on the rampage up the foothills of L1 ranges.
Mind you... I wish to apply for the position of caterer.. I love making people happy Pies Hot Chips and American Hot Dogs with Swiss style Frankfurters and onions.. the smell alone will bring in 25k hahaha


Good Luck Michael, all the best.

Bronson69, southampton says...
8:23pm Wed 9 Dec 09

slugger wrote:
knock knock.... who's there ? orange. orange who ? orange you glad you're not a pompey supporter !!!! LOL. COYR
Whose orange ? lol

Watching Arsenal schoolboys teaching olympiacos senior team how to play football ! (ITV) Reckon that could be saints in under 10 years !

most Arsenal players are under 20 years (reckon Wenger will be a very happy man in the changing rooms later !) COYR

slugger, southampton says...
8:28pm Wed 9 Dec 09

pub time !
brb

gosportsaint, gosport says...
8:30pm Wed 9 Dec 09

I'd love to hear from all those negative posters that were moaning back in July and August. Wonder what Matallica Man and 65 onwards would have to say now, or are they still on here but under different guises.
Good on Always the Pesimist for staying on.
Had a vegatable madras pasty the other day, yum.
Anyone know what the betting is for Pimsky to go into Administration.

Bronson69, southampton says...
8:36pm Wed 9 Dec 09

slugger wrote:
pub time ! brb
I had no idea you drank slugger

Bronson69, southampton says...
8:37pm Wed 9 Dec 09

gosportsaint wrote:
I'd love to hear from all those negative posters that were moaning back in July and August. Wonder what Matallica Man and 65 onwards would have to say now, or are they still on here but under different guises. Good on Always the Pesimist for staying on. Had a vegatable madras pasty the other day, yum. Anyone know what the betting is for Pimsky to go into Administration.
id say odds on !

Southampton Heart, Living Near Manchester says...
8:52pm Wed 9 Dec 09

I just read the New Staplewood Development article on the OS site.

To be honest.....I was close to tears whilst reading it as it's.... just "awesome"!!.

After learning more and more about our St Markus and Nicola......I believe in Angels!!!!.

Baddesley Bill, North Baddesley says...
9:05pm Wed 9 Dec 09

How long before Plopsmouth offer to "Joint share" our new training facility as their main stadium...and can they afford the rent?
Just great to be a Saint....it just gets better and better!!! COYR and all the best to St Michael back in his homeland!

Bronson69, southampton says...
10:09pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Im entering my first cage fight tomorrow . . . That fu@king budgie wont know whats hit him !

slugger, southampton says...
10:50pm Wed 9 Dec 09

back from the boozer,bronson i had orange juice !!! lol
hi bruv,how's things ?
our owners plan is filling me with hope,i challenge any true fan to find a negative !!
......there just isn't one.
COYR

pardsarmy, chicago says...
12:27am Thu 10 Dec 09

funny,

http://www.mirrorfoo
tball.co.uk/news/Por
tsmouth-s-financial-
crisis-forced-club-t
o-bench-Aruna-Dindan
e-in-Carling-Cup-cla
sh-article246147.htm
l


funnier,

http://www.mirrorfoo
tball.co.uk/news/Avr
am-Grant-I-didn-t-kn
ow-about-Portsmouth-
s-money-worries-befo
re-taking-over-as-ma
nager-article248457.
html


funniest!!!!

http://www.telegraph
.co.uk/sport/footbal
l/leagues/premierlea
gue/portsmouth/67638
86/Peter-Storrie-goe
s-abroad-to-plug-60m
-hole-as-Portsmouth-
deadline-looms.html

well the last one is a very well written piece on the state of affairs down the road,enjoy! i now a little of subject but!

pardsarmy, chicago says...
12:40am Thu 10 Dec 09

its the same story here! LOL

http://www.dailyexpr
ess.co.uk/posts/view
/145130/Portsmouth-P
eter-Storrie-seeks-P
remier-League-TV-cas
h-deal

ksv744, farnborough says...
12:46am Thu 10 Dec 09

Saints boss Alan Pardew is lining up a loan move for Ipswich defender Ben Thatcher.

The former Welsh international, 33, has been frozen out at Portman Road by Roy Keane.

He is available on a free transfer and could make a permanent switch to St Mary's if he impresses on loan.

Pardew is keen to land Thatcher so he can challenge former Ipswich colleague dan Harding for the left-back slot in his team.

just kidding, Austin Texas says...
3:27am Thu 10 Dec 09

If anyone deserves a testimonial its Michael Svensson . A great player who was dedicated to his club. and was a favorite with the fans .I was so hoping for him to get over that injury. It was great to see him back for a while. Best of luck Michael.

Tirau Dan, Tirau (NZL) says...
4:55am Thu 10 Dec 09

ksv744 wrote:
Saints boss Alan Pardew is lining up a loan move for Ipswich defender Ben Thatcher.

The former Welsh international, 33, has been frozen out at Portman Road by Roy Keane.

He is available on a free transfer and could make a permanent switch to St Mary's if he impresses on loan.

Pardew is keen to land Thatcher so he can challenge former Ipswich colleague dan Harding for the left-back slot in his team.
Heard this rumour about two months ago is the loan/trial coming. Pards would have to keep him tethered.. bit of a rep for thuggery on the pitch.. may be good for our lads to have a hard nut.. but is he any good as a back, will he compete with Dan Harding?

puppy saint, republic of bitterne triangle says...
9:52am Thu 10 Dec 09

Michael....you always have and always will be a Saint! Thank you! COYR!

saint Compo, Winchester says...
10:53am Thu 10 Dec 09

All the best, Michael. You really did epitomise the Spirit of Southampton on the pitch. I honestly believe that we would not be down in Div 1 now if you had stayed fit. Your loss was massive. It all went downhill as soon as you got injured.

It's obvious from the comments of so many Saints fans that you will be welcome back here one day. It's a shame that a place could not be found for you in the new Saints set-up. You were never part of the 'losing culture' that developed under the old regime, so you do not bear that cross.

Good luck to you and your family, as well as the Swedish team you coach.

COYR

Comments are closed on this article.

MICHAEL SVENSSON Michael Svensson

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