Football Season Guide

Southport enjoyed a magnificent season last year and came within a whisker of securing a play-off spot having been expected to struggle against relegation. Liam Watson moulded a team that worked ever so hard and got the maximum from their games. A late collapse, that denied them a place in the top five, only slightly overshadowed what was a superb campaign and now Watson will be determined that the performances from last season were not one-show wonder and he is capable of constantly delivering with this team. Departures from the successful team from last season have been few with Andy Owens from the more important players moving to pastures new with Mansfield. On the recruitment side, Watson is once again focusing on local talent from clubs down the ladder and hoping that they hit off. Steve Thames, Richard Joyce and Chris Almond fall into this category while former Burnley man Chris Lynch could prove a good signing too. Therefore, more of the same robust defending and aerial bombardment could be expected from Port with Tony Gray poaching in the six-yard box. Whether they will enjoy the same success as last season is debatable and a place in mid-table looks most likely for the Merseyside outfit.