The Bury born striker turned down an offer from Conference strugglers Northwich after agreeing terms with the Dolly Blues on Monday. Thomson has completed the switch that will see him team up with former Southport manager Phil Wilson for what is believed to be a small fee.

The 26-year old was brought to Haig Avenue from Luton Town in the summer 2002 by Wilson, fastly becoming a firm fans favourite. He scored 26 goals in 17 months for the ‘Port, finishing top scorer in his first season for the club.

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Thomson had reportedly attracted interest from former Southport manager Phil Wilson, now boss at the Giant Axe as well as Northwich Victoria after being transfer-listed earlier in December. The 26-year old was brought to Haig Avenue from Luton Town in the summer 2002 by Wilson, fastly becoming a firm fans favourite. He finished the season as top-scorer with 15 goals, despite missing a large part of the relegation run-in due to injury.

This season however got off to a difficult start for the 26-year old after failing to register a start under former boss Mike Walsh. New manager Watson gave Thomson 10 starts and has an impressive return of 7 goals, however opinion of the former Luton man remains divided amongst the Haig Avenue fans, with many left questioning his commitment after several below par performances. As proved last season, Thomson can be a handful for any non-league defence, but his inconsistency at times can prove frustrating.

Thomson left Lancaster for NAC Breda in Holland before returning to this country to play for Luton for £120,000 and has spent time on loan at Morecambe. His possible return to the Giant Axe is a timely boost for boss Wilson who last week lost striker Michael Yates to UniBond Division One side Witton Albion and top-scorer Jamie Hughes has not netted a league goal since the defeat of Southport in early October.

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Whitworth was one of 5 players told they were surplus to requirements at Haig Avenue and the former Exeter City man is the first of three listed players to be snapped up. The 31-year old, former Manchester United trainee has been an ever present this season after being brought in during the summer by ex-manager Mike Walsh. Whitworth, however, has been found suspect for a number of defensive and especially aerial frailties in the Southport back-line and had not done enough to impress the new Haig Avenue regime.

Neil made his Football League debut for his home town club Wigan Athletic in 1989/90 before a switch to Old Trafford saw him make one appearance in the old Football League First Division for Man Utd the following campaign. Whilst with the Reds he had loan spells at Preston North End, Barnsley, Rotherham United and Blackpool before moving North of the Border to join Kilmarnock where he played for four seasons. He returned to Wigan before moves to Hull City and Exeter City clocking up a career total of appearances nearing 200.

Radcliffe, at the present time are 3 places above Southport, however the Sandgrounders are only 1 point behind with 2games in hand. The Stainton Park side this week had an offer for Burscough skipper Steven McNulty turned down and turned to Whitworth to try and help arrest their goals against record, which, at 60 is the worst in the league.

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The 24-year old, Liverpool born player came to light after scoring 43 goals for Prescot Cables during the 2002/2003 season. A move to Moss Rose soon followed, however a promising start to that season was cut short by injury. Robinson has already spent time on loan at Leigh RMI this season, however injury again brought his time at Hilton Park to an abrupt end.

Sandgrounders’ boss Liam Watson will clearly be looking for some clinical finishing after so many chances were missed against Bradford Park Avenue and his charges put in another below par performance on Saturday against Guiseley.

Robinson collected the Macclesfield Reserve Player of the year last season after scoring seven goals. Town boss John Askey said ‘He's only just come back from a reasonably long injury and needs to play games to get back to full fitness. We don't have any Reserve games for a while so this is ideal for him. He'll be getting games under his belt and hopefully score a few goals to help both his confidence and Southport's season.’

Robinson is reportedly set to make his ‘Port debut on Boxing Day against Marine.

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Roly Howard's side will be looking to continue their fine form and close the six point gap between themselves and seventh-placed Worksop Town.

While Marine have crept up the table to eighth their neighbours Southport have slumped to 12th - a massive 24 points behind leaders Droylsden.

Former Port striker Steve Whitehall should be in the starting line-up alongside other ex-Sandgrounders James Connolly and Ian Johnson.

Currently Southport are bottom of the Unibond form table a mere five points above fourth from bottom Vauxhall.

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Davis spent just over a month on loan at Haig Avenue at the back end of last season, before being sent back to Turf Moor after suffering a serious injury. The Manchester born defender impressed everyone at Southport during his 8 starts for the club and it was a huge disappointment to all when he could not re-join at the beginning of the current season. The signing of the 6’2’’ man gives some much needed height and physical presence to a side which has been undone so many times by aerial goals.

At only 20 years of age, Davis certainly has a prosperous career ahead of him, however has failed to force his way into the Division One first team after being brought through the Burnley ranks by Stan Ternent. With Neil Fitzhenry cup-tied for tomorrow’s visit of Guiseley, manager Liam Watson the return of the Earl will be a timely boost for Watson. The length of the deal is yet to be decided. However, on a low note, Davis is reportedly set for a trial with Third Division Swansea City in January, but nothing has been confirmed as yet.

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A winning run is needed fast and, although this is a fixture against a side a league lower than Southport, everyone will be treating the tie with respect and determination. Everyone wants a fast surge up the Unibond table and tomorrow is preparation for the Boxing Day derby match at Marine.

A year ago nobody anticipated this season's Christmas derby would be in Crosby rather than Morecambe and the return to the Nationwide Conference is the focus for everyone involved at Haig Avenue.

The priority is a top 13 finish for Nationwide Conference North status next season if the proposed changes do take place. Currently, legal wrangles emanating from the Ryman League could scupper the nonleague pyramid's re-organisation.

From a purely selfish point of view a one year delay may play into the Port's hands as it would appear easier to win the Uni-bond League as it exists now than a new Conference North with several Midland big gun ex-Conference clubs also serious challengers.

Watson this week told the Visiter: "We are all taking the positives out of last Saturday. I was gutted for the players after their endeavours. Now we can chase some silverware.

"I want to be associated with winning. Winning is a habit and let's get into that habit quickly. I am delighted that Jimmy Williams has agreed to sign a two-year contract. Since I arrived he has been our most consistent player and his defensive qualities are excellent. I am building and we are achieving a core of quality players on long term contracts."

Negotiations to bring Burnley centre-back Earl Davis to Haig Avenue on loan were continuing last night in the hope of him playing on Saturday.

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Sixteen-year-olds and younger can watch tomorrow's Southport Visitersponsored home match against Bradford Park Avenue for just £1.

Teenagers will be able to watch from any area of the ground once they have entered via the Visiter turnstile with their voucher.

The Visiter recognises the club's long-term future is reliant on a new generation of supporters. If the club are to achieve their long-term ambitions of a return to the Football League, gates have to rise.

Too long has the town taken their foot-ball club for granted. When Southport get back to competing at the top of the non-league pyramid there must be no economic barriers stopping them go even further.

The town is big enough and has a massive footballing fraternity to create a Second Division fan base. That has to be the club's ambition. The manager and board have a responsibility to put the product on the pitch and the town has to respond in that order.

For our teenage fans, now is the time to get on board as manager Liam Watson prepares lift-off back to the Nationwide Conference and beyond. This new journey is just starting and is an ideal time to become a regular fan.

Watson, at 33 the youngest manager in the club's non-league history, is intent on producing a product on the pitch that Port fans can be proud of.

The Watson revolution has already seen the influx of defenders Neil Fitzhenry, Alex Mortimer, midfielder Chris Price and central striker Steve Daly all due to feature tomorrow as the club endeavours to record its first double of the season.

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Williams, a summer signing from Swindon Town by former manager Mike Walsh has made a huge impact since his arrival from the County Ground. He had had a bright start to a promising career interrupted by severe injury problems after making 37 appearances for Town as a teenager. After missing the first 7 games of this, his comeback season, Williams has been one of the most consistent performers in a side which has often been criticised.

Securing the services of such an important player will be a timely boost for ‘Port manager Liam Watson as he looks to clear-out the dead wood from his side and re-build around a strong backbone of players such as Williams and Steve Pickford, who has also recently signed an extension.

It has been reported that a number of Conference sides had been chasing the signature of Williams, however it is to Watson’s credit that he has made Southport such an attractive proposition.

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Whittaker re-joined the Sandgrounders in the summer from Lancaster City where he netted 33 goals last season and was looking to add his experience and clinical goalscoring touch to a hopefully championship winning side. However, Whittaker who has netted 77 goals for the ‘Port has made only 1 start this season and 9 substitute appearances, scoring only once.

The 35-year old has joined another of his former sides, UniBond First Division outfit Bamber Bridge after spending the last 2 months on loan at Kendal Town.

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Attendances have been steadily dropping at Haig Avenue, coinciding with the Sandgrounders’ poor run if form. However, a rejuvenated Southport side is expected to take the field on Saturday afternoon and all at the club will be looking for additional support against a side who average 324 for home matches.

In their Conference championship winning season, Boston United used this scheme throughout the season and averaged 2,435, a 23% rise on the previous campaign.

This offer applies to all parts of Haig Avenue and applies to all minors, whether accompanied by an adult or not. Kick-off is at 3.00pm.

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Striker Peter Thomson and defenders Neil Whitworth and Danny Stone have been made available for sale while non-contracted players Graeme Atkinson and Tony Hallam have been released with immediate effect. Young midfield prospect Liam McGuire has also been made available for 3 months, as the ‘Port coaching staff make room for possible signings. ‘I have to work within the budget,’ Watson explained, ‘There is one player that I am hoping to bring in soon but arrivals will have to be matched by departures.’

Saturday’s FA Trophy defeat to Altrincham was the last straw for a number of players as far as Watson was concerned, accusing them of lacking ‘character and heart.’ Despite a recent scoring spree of 8 goals in 9 matches, Peter Thomson, the club’s top goalscorer last season has clearly failed to make an impact upon the ‘Port boss and leads a list of high profile casualties. The former Luton target-man has started all 8 of Watson’s League games so far after failing to begin a match this campaign under former manager Mike Walsh. Following his transfer from Kenilworth Road in the summer of 2002, Thomson became an instant hit with the Southport fans, netting 15 goals in his first season. However, a number of inconsistent performances have frustrated large quarters of the Haig Avenue crowd and the club have already had inquiries from Conference sides Leigh and Northwich along with 2 UniBond sides. The ‘Port are reportedly holding out for a fee or exchange deal.

Also listed is former Manchester United and Wigan central defender Neil Whitworth, an ever present so far this season. Singed in the summer from Exeter City by ex- boss Walsh, the 31-year old, Ince born defender was at the heart of the defence which kept 4 successive clean sheets in a start to the season which promised so much, however has since been suspect with aerial frailties. Fellow centre-half Tony Hallam has been released from his non-contract after being loaned from Morecambe in September before being released by the Shrimps at the back end of last month. These departures will most defiantly signal a new defensive partnership as Watson looks to re-build his back line.

Former Notts County youngster Danny Stone has had his name circulated after a recent ankle injury has restricted him to only 8 starts this season, all of which came under Mike Walsh at right-back. Stone played in County’s FA Cup defeat to the Sandgrounders last season, but has been told he can leave without kicking a ball under Watson.

Graeme Atkinson has also had an end put to his short Haig Avenue stay of just over 3 months. The experienced midfielder whose former clubs include Rochdale and Preston has featured in 3 of Watson’s 12 matches at Southport after a hamstring injury has dogged him in recent weeks.

And finally, Liam McGuire who was publicly criticised by Watson after a recent red-card against Colne has been made available for a loan deal, expected to be for 3 months. The 19-year old who was thrown into a Conference dogfight following mounting injuries last season has only made 4 starts this term and any temporary deal will be seen as valuable experience for the young prospect as he looks to mature in his footballing education at a level higher than the reserve team.

These departures and decisions will certainly have acted as a wake up call for the remaining members of the Southport side, who will surely now know than any less than 100% for Southport FC and manager Liam Watson is not going to be tolerated. The Haig Avenue chief said ‘We can sort out Southport Football Club. We need a better squad, better team spirit and produce a lot better performances for the fans.’ Watson’s ambition is a top 13 finish, which will mean subsequent Conference North qualification. ‘As far as I’m concerned, our season starts next Saturday, against Bradford Park Avenue.’

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Soley became the first player in 30 years to sign a 3-year deal with the Sandgrounders, however has only started 34 out of a possible 80 matches for Southport. The experienced midfielder whose impressive career included spells with Portsmouth, Macclesfield and Carlisle United has shown glimpses of the goal getting, dynamic player he can be, but repeated ankle problems and other injuries have prevented any consistent run in the side.

The 32-year old has called an end to his career which was never free of injury. Before an operation in the summer, paid for by Southport Football Club, Soley also underwent 2 ankle operations while at Third Division Carlisle United and has arranged a fee with the club to end his services. ‘I could have carried on but personal pride would not allow that. I felt it was not fair to myself and the club or the management. The club settlement is very fair to me.’ Soley told the club’s Press Officer, Haydn Preece. It is also a move which has earned credit from ‘Port chairman Charlie Clapham. ‘Steve can leave Haig Avenue with his head high. He has been very honest with us and he has decided enough is enough. Steve will always be welcome here at Haig Avenue and it is simply through injury that Steve was unable to reach the heights he is capable of.’

Soley’s departure was confirmed on a day that 6 other changed to the ‘Port playing staff were made. Peter Thomson, Danny Stone and Neil Whitworth have been transfer listed, Graeme Atkinson and Tony Hallam released while Liam McGuire has been made available for a 3 month loan period.

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Soley has been genuinely frustrated by the recurring situation, desperate to play and could have easily sat in the stands collecting his money intermittently being available but has done the honourable thing and come to an agreement over his contract that both he and the club are happy with.

He said: "The last game I played in I felt I couldn't carry on and talked to Watson after the game.

"I could have carried on but personal pride would not allow that. I felt it was not fair to myself and the club or the management. The club settlement is very fair to me.

"I'm looking to stay involved in the game once I have overcome this disappointment in a coaching and management capacity. I wanted to be part of Liam Watson's squad. I believe he will do very well for Southport given time as he brings his own players in."

Soley was the first player in more than 30 years to be given a three year contract but despite seeing flashes of the goal getting midfielder, a repeated ankle problem that had been operated on twice before he came to Haig Avenue failed to clear up.

This summer the club paid for Soley to have further surgery but again he has been unable to make a full recovery.

After completing the agreement, Port chairman Charlie Clapham said: "Steve can leave Haig Avenue with his head high. He has been very honest with us and he has decided enough is enough.

"Steve will always be welcome here at Haig Avenue and it is simply through injury that Steve was unable to reach the heights he is capable of."

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The Port boss is now in the progress of clearing the decks for a fresh influx of talent as the second half of the season commences next Saturday at home to Bradford Park Avenue.

Watson pulled in a number of players on Tuesday night to inform them of his decisions.

Out go non-contract players Tony Hallam and Graeme Atkinson. Put on the transfer list with immediate effect are striker Peter Thomson, centre back Neil Whit-worth and right-back Danny Stone.

As revealed exclusively in today's Visiter, Steve Soley has also left the club. However, there were no hard feelings between player and chairman as they mutually agreed to go seperate ways.

With two centre halves in the cull it is apparent that Watson is pursuing a new central defensive partnership while the availability of the enigmatic Thomson may dangle the bait for part exchange discussions.

The ex-Luton striker was bedevilled by injuries last season despite finishing as top scorer. Thomson was unable to feature in the crucial ill fated run-in until the dreadful last day Stevenage defeat.

Previous boss Mike Walsh didn't give Thomson a start before his departure while Watson, after giving Thomson a full run in the side, has decided he does not feature in his long term plans.

Neither does Whitworth signed in the summer from Exeter, while Hallam a summer trialist who then plumped for More-cambe before coming back to Southport in a gentleman's agreement between Jim Harvey and Mike Walsh.

Hallam has found himself released by the Christie Park club last week and Southport this. Hallam has been playing with a shoulder injury and it is likely he will take time out of the game to get corrective surgery.

Stone another summer signing after being released by Notts County has not featured under Liam Watson since coming off very early in a reserve match with an ankle injury that has since sidelined him.

Midfielder Liam McGuire currently suspended, has also been told he is going to be sent out on a three month loan deal for the management team to monitor him while he gets regular starts at a higher standard than the reserves.

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He said: "To be perfectly honest I could not see us equalising once Altrincham took the lead. I said to the players at half time that I didn't think they had the character and the heart to go out and make a game of it.

"Their central back two dominated, winning everything in the air and if the ball got past them our player didn't.

"Unfortunately if you go down our middle our biggest challenge was against each other, our two centre halves fighting for the ball trying to head it. I knew this was round the corner, I didn't come into the job with my eyes closed.

"I knew it was a big job. For me our season has got to start on Saturday, December 13, against Bradford Park Avenue. We need to push on now. I've been looking at players and now without the Trophy we can make signings.

"We can sort out Southport Football Club, we need a better squad, better team spirit and produce a lot better performances for the fans.

Daryl Allen was tremendous on his debut, he showed one or two so called top players how to play."

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