Southampton have appointed former ice hockey player Ralph Krueger as the club's new chairman.

The Canadian-born German, 54, recently coached Team Canada to a gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

"Ralph has an impressive background in major league sport at all levels, it is his experience as an expert in leadership, motivation and team-building that makes him ideally suited for this important position in the Saints organisation," owner Katharina Liebherr told the club's official website.

"I will remain on the board, with an active involvement, and we will continue to move forward with great respect for Saints' history, while at the same time work towards a process that is creative, unique, dynamic and modern."

Krueger enjoyed a successful career as an ice hockey player from 1979 to 1991.