The Linnets, whom Watson left to take up the Southport reigns in October still hold the former Preston striker’s registration and, in a situation similar to that of Shaun Teale have refused to release him unless a fee is met by the Sandgrounders.

The size of the ‘Port squad is so limited that Watson may have to be forced to name reserve youngsters amongst the 5 substitutes tomorrow. Graeme Atkinson, Mark Byrne, Paul Byrne and Danny Stone are all injured while newly instated skipper Chris Price, striker Steve Daly, defender Neil Fitzhenry and midfielder Carl Baker are all cup-tied.

33 year-old Watson is one of the most renowned and respected players in non-league football, and 2000/2001, he scored 200th UniBond League goal after finishing top-scorer for Runcorn with 13 goals, for whom he has netted over 100 goals.

The Sandgrounders boss said: 'I would play myself tomorrow because I am short of left-sided players but Runcorn won't let me. I have asked them every week since leaving to release my registration but they want money, even though they said there would be no problem when I got the Southport job. I think they are sulking because I signed Steve Daly from them.’

Watson was also quick to pay tribute to the Southport fans, ‘We have got to get back a sense of reality at this club. The fact is that Southport have been in decline for three years and the rebuilding will take time and money. But I want us to do well in the Trophy – I want success in any competition because we need to give the fans something to cheer about. They deserve a lift.’

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Hornby signed as part of young triple deal from the Liverpool College on transfer deadline day last season by former manager Mike Walsh, however has failed to make an impact on the new Haig Avenue regime. Despite making his debut in the Conference win over Barnet only days after he signed, Hornby went on to make only one further appearance in the Conference before the ‘Port were relegated.

Originally signed as a left-sided midfielder, the 19-year old, Liverpool born player has also featured as a left-back in the reserves. Ex- boss Walsh however was reportedly disappointed in Hornby’s performances for the reserves this season and failed to live up to the faith he had placed in him. He was given a chance to catch the eye of new manger Liam Watson in the recent Marsden Cup match against Colne, however was one of many players who failed to make an impression.

Hornby will be released from his non-contract terms with immediate effect and Port Pie wish him all the best for the future.

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Recent UniBond form has to be reversed with the Robins returning four points out of the teams' two league fixtures. Altrincham are the UniBond draw specialists having picked up single points a massive 11 times. So a replay on Tuesday night at Haig Avenue, kick-off 7.45pm, looks a distinct possibility.

Manager Liam Watson has clearly stated he is reconstructing for the future and has not adopted a short-term view of signing non cup-tied Trophy players.

Given recent player movements the Haig Avenue selection cupboard is a little bare for the trip to Altrincham with new faces Steve Daly, Chris Price, Carl Baker and Neil Fitzhenry all cup-tied while Liam McGuire begins his three- match suspension.

Left back Paul Byrne (knee), winger Mark Byrne (hamstring), Danny Stone (ankle) and Graeme Atkinson (hamstring) all remain under treatment.

But there is better news concerning defender Jimmy Williams who missed the Harrogate defeat due to a facial injury. Physio Bret Harris may be able to get the influential right-back into the fray.

Lee Ashcroft came back at Harrogate after a lengthy lay-off, which is good news before the festive fixture programme.

With five substitutes allowed in the Trophy, PASE and reserve keeper George Ricketts could be given the call to provide cover on the bench for Steve Dickinson. Reserve skipper Daryl Allen is also likely to be a substitute.

Gary Hornby, signed on the March transfer deadline from local football by Mike Walsh, has been released.

Loan-signing Tony Hallam has been informed by Jim Harvey that he has been released at Morecambe while former Port player Chris Lane has been put on the transfer list as Harvey undertakes a mid-season Christie Park shake up.

This story has been reproduced from the day's media

Parke, who netted 33 goals in 97 games for the Sandgrounders will make his return in the colours of UniBond Division One side Guisley, along veteran midfielder Mark Stuart.

Parke was brought to Haig Avenue in 2000 by then manager Mark Wright after impressing in his original time at Guisley, when he partnered Ian Arnold upfront. However, it was in his second season with the Sandgrounders in which most of his goals came, when he was the main striker with others rotated around him. Parke did not renew his contact at the end of the 2001-2002 season, after frustrating manager Phil Wilson for his performances away from Haig Avenue, netting only 5 times.

After his release, Parke made only 18 starts for Conference side Halifax Town, including one against he Sandgrounders and after one season joined Harrogate Town of the UniBond Premier Division for whom he failed to make an impact on before his return to Nethermoor.

Veteran Mark Stuart will also make his return after 2 years away from the club. ‘Badger’ played most of his 57 matches for the Sandgrounders at left-wing back but also slotted in at left-midfield. Brought to Haig Avenue by Paul Futcher, the former Ipswich, Charlton, Bradford and Plymouth man who once scored a winning goal at Old Trafford has proved he has still got the skills after impressing and winning the ‘Player of the Tournament’ for Charlton Athletic in the football masters series on Sky TV. He has netted an impressive 7 gaols this season, including a purple patch of 4 goals in 3 games and beware – Stuart also netted a brace to send Premier League side Gainsborough out of the FA Trophy.

In the previous round, the Sandgrounders demolished Ashton United 3-1 away from home, while the Yorkshire men BEAT UniBond highfliers Harrogate 2-1.

The third round draw is as follows:

Altrincham v Vauxhall Motors
Bishop Auckland v Prescot Cables
Burscough v Spennymoor United
Hucknall Town v Lincoln United
Matlock Town v North Ferriby United
SOUTHPORT v Guiseley
Whitby Town v Radcliffe Borough
Witton Albion v Droylsden

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Price, who has only made 3 appearances for the ‘Port since his recent signing from Runcorn FC Halton was also skipper under Liam Watson at the Halton Stadium. And this move will start speculation over the future of Steve Soley who has only 37 times since his signing from Carlisle a season and a half ago as Watson’s ‘Port shake-up continues.

The 28-year old central midfielder began his career as a trainee with Everton before playing in the Football League at Wigan Athletic. Price has played in Norway with Moss FK before signing for the Halton side in the summer of 2000 from Conference side Morecambe.

Despite starting the last 3 league games before Saturday, Soley has only started 9 matches this term and questions surrounding his fitness and commitment have been strong around the terraces. However, there is no doubt about his ability, who, on his day is an instrumental and valuable part of the ‘Port’s midfield, but with the recent addition of midfielders Carl Baker and Chris Price and the new deal for Steve Pickford, speculation will mount over the future of the former Carlisle man at Haig Avenue.

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The former Preston and West Bromwich Albion hitman who quickly established himself as a crowd favourite had reportedly attracted attention from a number of Football League clubs, however has confirmed that he is committed to seeing out his contract which finishes at the end of next season.

The 31-year old, player-coach missed 7 of the ‘Port’s 8 games before his comeback in Tuesday’s UniBond League Cup match at Ashton in which he was a 60th minute sub for in form Peter Thomson.

Until Tuesday night, Ashcroft remained Southport’s top scorer with 9 goals and was invaluable to the Sandgrounders at the start of the campaign. His skill and understanding of the game was clearly a class above his opponents and subsequently netted 5 goals in the first 5 games of the season.

However, a hamstring injury in the defeat at Lancaster and a recurrence of his difficulties against Frickley Athletic came as a huge blow to the ‘Port, however on his return to fitness, the invaluable play-maker said he had no intention of leaving the Sandgrounders after reports he was unhappy after recent changes at the Haig Avenue helm.

New manager, Liam Watson said ‘I put all my cards on the table and we had an honest chat. Ashy told me that he wants to stay at Southport and I am delighted by that. When he is focused, he is a superb player and he is the first name on the team-sheet. We shook hands and he is committed to this club.’

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This competition takes the unusual step of drawing each round of fixtures at once. The Sandgrounders, 10 times winners of the competition will make the short trip to North West Counties Division Two side Formby in the first round. The Altcar Road outfit are currently sitting third in the league, 2 places and 3 points behind Colne, the side who beat an experimenting Southport side 2 weeks ago in the Lancashire County Cup.

The Senior Cup is a competition which includes all the big names from Merseyside football. Liverpool, Everton and Tranmere Rovers have all faced Southport in recent seasons, including a second round match 3 years ago in which one Wayne Rooney netted for the Toffees at Haig Avenue.

The ‘Port last won the competition in the 1998/1999 season and were also victorious in the same season as they won the Northern Premier League. If they overcome Formby, Southport will face the winners of the Marine v Prescot Cables tie, which could see new ‘Port recruit Carl Baker make a quick return to Valerie Park and in the semi-final either Tranmere, Burscough, Skelmersdale, Burscough or Liverpool will visit Haig Avenue if the Sandgrounders remain unbeaten.

Similarly to the Lancashire County Competition, these fixtures, especially against lesser opposition will be used to give reserve regulars and first team fringe players a chance to catch the eye of manager Liam Watson.

Below is the draw in full, starting with Round One:

Warrington Town v Runcorn FC Halton
Marine v Prescot Cables
Skelmersdale United v Burscough
Formby v SOUTHPORT

(Ties to be played on the week commencing 19th January 2004)
Byes: Everton, Liverpool, St Helens Town, Tranmere Rovers

Round Two:

Marine / Prescot Cables v Formby / SOUTHPORT
Skelmersdale Utd / Burscough v Liverpool
Tranmere Rovers v Everton
St Helens Town v Warrington Town / Runcorn FC Halton

(Ties to be played on the week commencing 23rd February 2004)

Semi-Finals:

Marine / Prescot Cables or Formby / SOUTHPORT
v
Tranmere Rovers or Everton

Skelmersdale Utd / Burscough or Liverpool
v
St Helens Town or Warrington Town / Runcorn FC Halton

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He is likely to feature in Yorkshire after coming on as a second-half substitute at Ashton after a spell on the sides lines through hamstring trouble.

The addition of the play-making, goal-getting Ashcroft gives Liam Watson exciting options. Watson is also hoping to have at least one new signing in the bag today as rebuilding goes on at speed.

Plus former Manchester United, Leicester City and Shrewsbury left sided player Alex Mortimer who joined before the Ashton victory is added to tomorrow's squad.

Chris Price and Neil Fitzhenry had to sit out the mid week league cup win due to being cup tied with Fitzhenry poised to make his full Port debut at Harrogate. Left wing back Paul Byrne is a likely absentee following a recurrence of his knee injury before half time last Saturday.

Mark Byrne is under going treatment for a hamstring strain, Graeme Atkinson is aiming to resume training while Danny Stone remains a doubt.

This story has been reproduced from the day's media

21-year old Carl Baker was described this week by the ‘Port boss as ‘non-league’s best young midfielder in the area’ before signing from UniBond League Division One side Prescot Cables for an undisclosed fee.

Baker is the second midfielder to sign under Watson and will add attacking flair to a side which has lacked creativity over the season. And the club’s decision to invest money in this player must show they have a lot of confidence in him. The player’s age emphasises manager Watson’s philosophy on youth, as 4 of his recruits as ‘Port boss have been under 25.

Baker is in the squad to face Harrogate Town today.

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The 25-year old joined the Sandgrounders at the beginning of last season and was one of very few bright lights of the ‘Port’s season. His commitment, fighting spirit and box to box made the industrious midfielder was an instant hit with the Haig Avenue fans after his move from Stalybridge Celtic and in many fans’ eyes was former manager Phil Wilson’s best signing.

Just over a year ago, Pickford caught the nations’ attention as he bagged Southport’s first 2 goals in the 4-2 victory over Notts County in the FA Cup. His second, a beautifully executed chip of the half-volley was shortlisted for the BBC’s goal of the competition, picked out by Sky TV’s Chris Kamara and made the headlines in national paper including the Daly Mirror.

In recent months, there have been rumours that Pickford was set to re-join Stalybridge Celtic, also of the UniBond League and nearer his home, however this news has certainly quashed any uncertainty. In 59 starts, Pickford has netted 7 goals overall, however is yet to get off the mark this season and for some fans he is yet to repeat the standards he set last season. But this news will have delighted every Southport fan, as manger Liam Watson aims to re-build a new side around quality, experienced players.

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The former Preston North end trainee has made 12 starts for the Sandgrounders since his arrival in September, netting 3 goals, the most recent of which was on Tuesday night when he scored a spectacular 35-yard chip against Ashton United. Morecambe chief Harvey has reportedly been at Haig Avenue along with assistant Andy Mutch to watch Hallam in first team action, however have decided to axe his form a full-time wage bill at Christie Park only 2 days after former ‘Port defender Chris Lane was transfer listed.

The jury, for many ‘Port fans is still out on Hallam, having had many sound appearances with his aerial presence but has been found out of position on a number of occasions. It is not yet known whether Southport boss Liam Watson, who did not bring Hallam to Haig Avenue will attempt to sign the highly regarded centre-half or whether the Sandgrounders will have first option on offering him a deal considering he is currently on loan.

The 20-year old however rejected the Sandgrounders at the start of this season after playing 2 pre-season games, instead opting for a full-time deal with the Shrimps. He signed for Morecambe at the beginning of the 2002/2003 season from Preston North End, but was unfortunate to pick up a bad injury on his debut.

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The former Everton trainee was popular amongst the Haig Avenue crowd until his move to the Sandgrounders’ bitter rivals in the summer. Lane made 108 starts for the ‘Port after Mark Wright brought him to the club for a fee of £12,000 in January 2000 from Hereford United.

Lane featured under Wright, Phil Wilson and Mike Walsh as a right-wing back in a 3-5-2 formation and was a key member in the side which finished 4th in the Conference in the 2001/2002 season.

He instantly became a fans favourite after scoring on his home debut against eventual champion Rushden & Diamonds and also netted Southport’s only goal as they became the first side to win at Yeovil Town in the same season. His time at Haig Avenue enhanced his reputation further and his 20-yard screamer in the FA Cup against Second Division Notts County last season was screened around the country.

Following the ‘Port’s relegation last season, former Sandgrounders player Jim Harvey fought off much competition to land the former England schoolboy and started the season in impressive fashion scoring an injury time winner in the Shrimps 3-2 victory over Dagenham.

Morecambe, however, who finished runners up in the Conference last season the Christie Park side are currently languishing in 12th place, only 10 places above the relegation zone and Lane, after 15 starts along with striker Wayne Curtis are the first victims of Harvey’s attempted turn-around.

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21-year old Mortimer left the Walker’s Stadium just over a year ago after featuring in the Fox’s under 19’s side however was released by manager Micky Adams. Since his departure from the Midland’s club, Mortimer has had a number of trials including then Third Division side Shrewsbury for whom he made as number of Football League appearances and most recently Gainsborough Trinity of the UniBond Premier League.

Mortimer will be available for tonight’s League Challenge Cup trip to fellow Premiership side Ashton United. His signing is added to Neil Fitzhenry who featured as a substitute in last Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Spennymoor United. Tonight’s match should see a fairly strong side named by ‘Port boss Watson, as he does not have much choice in his selection. Mortimer is set to feature as it is another ideal opportunity for the Sandgrounders manager to see some of his fringe players without any pressure. PASE skipper Daryl Allen should also feature.

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The 24-year old made his debut as a substitute in yesterday's 3-2 defeat against Spennymoor United. Fitzhenry spent 5 years with home town club Wigan Athletic after progressing up the Latics’ youth ranks, he went on to make 7 first team appearances. Neil then moved to Chester City before he played in Ireland for league side Finn Harps.

At the start of the 2002/2003 season, Neil moved back to England and to Conference side Chester City where he was a regular in the Railwaymen’s first team. During pre-season, he moved to Workington Town where he was very impressive, however had to call it a day at Borough Park due to other commitments. Neil is currently studying at Newcastle University and found the traveling very tiring, wanting a club nearer his Lancashire home.

Neil was a 70th minute sub for fellow centre half Barry Jones in yesterday’s defeat and is expected to feature more prominently in Liam Watson’s starting line-up. Again, Watson started with 3 central defenders, however Tony Hallam’s loan contract expires in just over a months time while Jones and Neil Whitworth are both on the wrong side of 30 and have been suspect from set-pieces and crosses this season.

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McGuire was sent off in the Marsden Trophy match against Colne on Tuesday night - and Watson was in no mood to hold back his feelings.

He fumed: "I have to be critical of Liam McGuire, his challenge was cowardly. He is a first team player and could have broken the lad's leg. That kind of attitude is unacceptable.

"The challenge was extremely bad and I cannot condone that. Liam is a contracted player and his actions reflect on the club, me as a manager, and the chairman.

"He will be disciplined to the maximum. It was a shocker - I'll back my players as much as I can but I am not going to condone that."

Watson had given chances to some of the reserves and PASE players on Tuesday night but wasn't too impressed with some of their performances.

And he issued them a challenge: "No one took my eye for the right reasons, only Daryl Allen who I felt had a great second half. Daryl and young Michael Powell came out with some credit."

"We have space in our squad for somebody to grasp their chance. But players out to show me what they can do and put pressure on those in the first team just didn't do it.

"Every time you put a shirt on you should be competitive. However, I am glad to have got through the game without picking up any further injuries."

Southport take on Spennymoor United tomorrow at Haig Avenue and Watson has a whole list of casualties, headed by Lee Ashcroft along with defender Danny Stone and winger Mark Byrne, who returned on the bench last Saturday but suffered a hamstring twinge in the warm-up.

Graeme Atkinson is another hamstring victim while left wing-back Paul Byrne suffered a knee injury last weekend against Hucknall and is out for at least a couple of weeks.

That means Watson will have to change his line-up in his new formation with Paul Byrne's left wing-back berth vacant.

On a happier not, Watson has put four of his rookie players on Unibond forms - left sided 19-year-old Gary Hornby, 18-year-old midfielder Daryl Allen, 17-year- old centre-back Michael Powell and 17-year-old keeper George Ricketts.

This story has been reproduced from the day's media

The 6ft plus, 24-year old may sign in time for tomorrow’s visit of Spennymoor United, but if not, his signing is expected in the near future.

Fitzhenry is currently on the books of UniBond League Division One side Workington Town, however, is expected to leave due to other commitments. He is currently studying at Newcastle University and is finding it difficult to cope with the traveling and wants a club nearer his Lancashire home

He has held talks with Southport boss Liam Watson who is keen to secure the services of the former Football League defender, even if it on loan terms. Borough Park manager Tommy Cassidy “He came to my house to tell me the traveling was killing him It’s a major disappointment because he did well for me.”

Fitzhenry started his career as a youngster at his home town club Wigan Athletic as a trainee, making 7 first team starts. He then moved to Chester in 2000, but his main playing experience came in the Conference for Leigh RMI.

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However, Port Pie understands that it is a defender and he is set to sign in time for Saturday’s UniBond Premier League match against Spennymoor United at Haig Avenue. We have also learnt that Watson is currently holding talks with another 2 players, however the manager is in no rush to complete these deals with no league fixture this midweek.

It has been a busy 2 weeks for Watson, who is beginning to stamp his mark on the club. After the capture of Steve Daly and Chris Price who impressed on their home debut at the weekend, the manager sold striker Peter Wright to Conference side Northwich Victoria and released midfielders Lee Clitheroe and Paul Haddow at the weekend.

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The two summer recruits from Lancaster City who signed on non-contract terms have only been bit-part players since their arrivals and are no longer part of Liam Watson’s future plans.

Paul Haddow had not featured under the new management following a recent viral infection. His most consistent run in the side while deputising for the injured Steve Soley when he made 6 successive starts in the centre of midfield. Haddow put in a number of sound displays, starting 10 times with 3 additional substitutes however has failed to make an impression on new boss Watson.

With 9 starts, utility player Lee Clitheroe has also been released and is set to join UniBond Division One side Chorley. The former Oldham man began pre-season at right and left back, however opportunities in the league have come in mid-field. After taking a while to impress, Clitheroe produced some solid displays, most noticeably in the 3 starts he made under caretaker and former Lancaster boss Tony Hesketh, playing on the fight side. However, after an additional 3 sub appearances, he has followed his former Dolly Blues boss out of the Haig Avenue door.

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During the past 2 weeks, Watson has had 2 bids for the former Preston trainee turned down by Rossett Park boss Roly Howard and the Sandgrounders chief has decided to end the current interest in him. A number of scouts have been assessing the performances of Connolly in the past months after impressing since his move from Southport near the back end of last season.

Connolly’s contract runs out at the end of the current season and any future interest will take place during the close-season.

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Wright was an exciting prospect when he signed in the summer from FA Trophy winners Burscough, however has failed to live up to a previously fastly growing reputation, only having scored 2 goals in 19 starts this season.

After signing Steve Daly and Chris Price, Watson clearly intends to do things his own way and has set a precedent for the players in his new squad. More arrivals and departures are expected in the coming weeks.

21-year old Wright missed his first game of the season on Tuesday night as he was dropped to the bench in the 1-1 draw against Barrow. He netted on his home debut against Lancaster, however a September goal against Droylsden is the only other time he has scored for the Sandgrounders and has not impressed Watson in this 5 games.

Wright played a huge part in Burscough’s FA Trophy heroics last season, scoring the 2 goals which dumped Conference champions Yeovil on the way to their final win. Northwich, currently 21st in the Nationwide Conference with the second worst goalscoring record in the league are now under the guidance of former Vauxhall manager Alvin McDonald who has a wealth of UniBond experience and is renowned for capturing young, promising talent.

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As revealed in the Midweek Visiter, experienced midfielder Chris Price and young striker Steve Daly signed from Watson's previous club Runcorn.

Daly netted 12 Unibond goals for the Linnets this season while Price, an industrious 28-year-old midfielder with Football League experience plus plenty in non-league at Morecambe and Marine will add strength to the midfield.

Watson told the shareholders the days of Southport giving players away have gone. Players will be developed at the club and they will remain attached to the club as they develop elsewhere on loan or with a first option recall.

He revealed that having signed several talented ex-Port reserve players Barry Hogan, Tom Spearritt, Matty McGinn and Adam Carden he also tried to sign Lee Mulvaney in the close season.

This story has been reproduced from the day's media

Charlie Clapham held his hands up, regarding the club's relegation on the last day of the season.

He said: "The buck stops with me. We now need to look forward. Our supporters have been superb, our gates have held really well.

"We will work hard to play attractive, winning football under our new manager Liam Watson to win back those who have not ventured back.

"To win the Conference we need a turn over of a million pounds plus. The harsh reality is in the last three years we lost in 2000 £85,000, 2001 £109,000 and in 2002 £59,000.

"I have been looking for an opportune time for the AGM but the timing in football terms didn't come. For the future we need to keep building on our youth development, that is the lifeblood of the club developing through the PASE scheme into the reserves and first team.

"We can achieve our ambitions with Liam Watson finding ambitious young players. Realistically we require gates of 2,500 to generate the finance to compete for the Conference title.

"We have a lot of work to do here working with the community, and the Visiter has a big role to play attracting new supporters in the town to our/their club. We all have to go forward together."

Vice Chairman Sam Shrouder echoed the sentiments of Clapham.

He said: "To be relegated was agony for all of us, every supporter. I would have liked to celebrate 50 years as a supporter in a different way.

"Our support at Stevenage was second to none. We all love the club and have to admit the club has had a lot of problems recently.

"We have appointed too many managers over the years. We have been searching for the quick-fix and can be criticised for that no more. We will build, we will have to be patient. We desperately require stability.

"Mark Wright kept to his word on his appointment, he gave us 18 months, he was successful and inevitably moved on to Oxford. In the current financial climate we could not afford to go full time.

"Phil Wilson, a highly successful manager at both Stalybridge and Northwich - four Unibond titles and Northwich's best ever Conference season got short shrift from supporters here from the start.

"High profile Mike Walsh was an international, played at the top level in the north west, held top coaching qualifications and had management experience.

"He fitted all the way as a high profile manager. That explains our thought process. Sadly, because Mike is a great chap it didn't work out.

"I have now interviewed eight managers with the chairman and I have to say Liam Watson stands head and shoulders above them all from his interview through his drive, passion and long term commitment to this club. Yes, we are some way off our Football League ambitions. I am like all supporters, desperate to succeed and I know we can do it together.

"Perhaps dropping down has given up the opportunity to regroup, take stock and go back stronger. That is what we must all aspire to achieve together.

Yeovil did it and Dagenham from relegation nearly gained promotion to the Football League.

"We value every supporter at Haig Avenue but I must say some of the anonymous criticism on the unofficial web sites are quite appalling.

"That is just not on when families may see such terrible, destructive comments. I must stress that I have always had an excellent working relationship with the chairman and any criticism of him is also criticism of me. We stand together."

It was agreed by shareholders that the next AGM will take place in February 2004 and from then on annually each May.

This story has been reproduced from the day's media

Connolly switched to Rossett Park towards the end of last season after failing to force his way into the Haig Avenue first team after 3 season in the reserves for the Sandgrounders. Connolly, who scored his only Southport goal in the 4-2 victory over Leigh RMI last season has attracted attention after solid appearances for the Mariners and following Southport’s relegation from the Conference.

Southport’s aerial vulnerability has been a problem for the Sandgrounders throughout this season with goal after goal being conceded from set-plays which have resulted in defeats for the ‘Port. In the 4-0 reverse at Hucknall Town, each goal came from a header following a cross. Despite trying to arrest the problem with the introduction of 6’ 2’’ Tony Hallam on a 3 month loan from Morecambe, however defensive performances have continued to be erratic.

Southport boss Watson introduced 2 new signings this week from former club Runcorn FC Halton and has used his UniBond knowledge and money available to him to attempt to secure the services of an honest and committed defender. The ‘Port boss is expected to launch a new improved bid.

Following these offers, Marine chairman Paul Leary issued a press release saying: 'James is a key player at Marine who has done very well since joining from Southport at the back end of last season. James is not for sale. He is an important member of the team as we bid for entry into the new Conference North which starts next season. In any case, the bids were only of a nominal value and did not therefore receive serious consideration.'

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Experienced midfielder Chris Price and rookie striker Chris Daly, both key members of the Runcorn team have been lured away from the Halton Stadium and are set to team-up again with their former Linnets boss Liam Watson. With mounting injury problems and on the back end of 2 successive defeats, Watson has decided the time is right to raid his former club of two of their most prized assets.

Young striker Steve Daly is Runcorn’s leading goalscorer this season with 9 goals his season and after signing in the summer from local football is a player who has had a huge impact, showing much promise. He has recently completed a 3 month trial at first division leaders Wigan Athletic after being given a chance at Everton. Daly played a key role in Runcorn’s defeat of Southport back in September and netted their third goal with a header before being replaced by player/manager Watson.

28-year old Chris Price is an experienced central midfielder with Football League experience at Wigan Athletic, has played in Norway with Moss FK before signing for the Halton side in the summer of 2000 from Conference side Morecambe.

After being defeated in a match in which his side had the better of the play against Altrincham and after seeing them struggle and fail to create many openings in yesterday’s defeat at home to Worksop, Liam Watson has decided to make 2 players which were very loyal to him at Runcorn his first signings of his Haig Avenue reign.

With mounting injury problems, these additions will add strength to a squad with limited resources and add competition for places once everyone is back to full fitness. Midfielder Graeme Atkinson is the latest addition to a long casualty list as is is expected to be out for up to 6 weeks after picking up a hamstring strain in the defeat to Worksop.

Lee Ashcroft is expected to be out for another 2 weeks at least, Danny Stone is currently out with an ankle injury, Paul Haddow has a viral infection, Captain Steve Soley is hoping to be back shortly after a groin strain and Mark Byrne could feature in the reserve game at Bradford Park Avenue on Friday night.

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The Wembley finalists of 1998 will face the two times winners of 1978 and 1986 and completes a tough round of cup draws for the Sandgrounders after loosing away at Vauxhall in the FA Cup and drawing Ashton in the League Cup.
Altrincham disposed of UniBond League Division One side Gateshead away on Saturday in the 1st round while the Sandgrounders received a bye as did most clubs which finished in the top half of the Premier Division last season.

When the 2 sides come face to face in 4 weeks time, the Sandgrounders will be eager to avenge the defeat at Moss Lane late in October. That was a game in which the Sandgrounders considered themselves unfortunate to be on the wrong end of after taking the match to the home side and possessing many spells of the game. A headed goal from skipper Gary Talbot in the 19th minute was enough to split the 2 sides on a rain sodden night before Steve Pickford hit the bar in the closing minutes and the ‘Port will be hoping for better luck next time.

Southport have no remaining players from their 1998 final, however have 2 members of the victories Burscough side last season. Both Mark Byrne and Peter Wright played huge parts in Shaun Teale’s side’s success last May and will be eager to repeat that success. Wright scored Burscough’s 2 goals in the shock of the competition as they defeated holders and Conference champions to be Yeovil Town.

Since their sole Wembley appearence, the Sandgrounders have reached 3 quarter finals before 2 disappointing in which they were knocked out by minnows Guisley and Gloucester City last season after defeating Conference Play-Off finalists on penalties.

The match will be played on Saturday 29th November.

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Experienced midfielder Chris Price and rookie striker Chris Daly, both key members of the Runcorn team have been lured away from the Halton Stadium and are set to team-up again with their former Linnets boss Liam Watson. With mounting injury problems and on the back end of 2 successive defeats, Watson has decided the time is right to raid his former club of two of their most prized assets.

The club have taken the unusual step of issuing a press release before the players have signed for the club., however the club thoroughly expect the duo to sign on Monday.

Young striker Steve Daly is Runcorn’s leading goalscorer this season with 9 goals his season and after signing in the summer from local football is a player who has had a huge impact, showing much promise. He has recently completed a 3 month trial at first division leaders Wigan Athletic after being given a chance at Everton. Daly played a key role in Runcorn’s defeat of Southport back in September and netted their third goal with a header before being replaced by player/manager Watson.

28-year old Chris Price is an experienced central midfielder with Football League experience at Wigan Athletic, has played in Norway with Moss FK before signing for the Halton side in the summer of 2000 from Conference side Morecambe.

After being defeated in a match in which his side had the better of the play against Altrincham and after seeing them struggle and fail to create many openings in yesterday’s defeat at home to Worksop, Liam Watson has decided to make 2 players which were very loyal to him at Runcorn his first signings of his Haig Avenue reign.

With mounting injury problems, these additions will add strength to a squad with limited resources and add competition for places once everyone is back to full fitness. Midfielder Graeme Atkinson is the latest addition to a long casualty list as is is expected to be out for up to 6 weeks after picking up a hamstring strain in the defeat to Worksop.

Lee Ashcroft is expected to be out for another 2 weeks at least, Danny Stone is currently out with an ankle injury, Paul Haddow has a viral infection, Captain Steve Soley is hoping to be back shortly after a groin strain and Mark Byrne could feature in the reserve game at Bradford Park Avenue on Friday night.

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We have learnt the former Preston striker is set to make striker Steve Daly and midfielder Chris Price his first signings at Southport.

Southport have showed their lack of creativity in recent outings and the inability to convert goalscoring opportunities. With the Sandgrounders expected to be without striker Lee Ashcroft for 2 weeks and after recent poor forward showings is expected to raid Runcorn of their top scorer.

While the ‘Port were loosing on Saturday, Daly, a young summer signing after Watson captured him from amateur football netted 2 goals in the Linnets’ 7-0 thumping of Bishop Auckland in the FA Trophy. That brace means Daly has netted 9 in all competitions this season, including a headed goal in the 3-0 victory at Haig Avenue back in September and the winner at Worksop Town.

This week, Watson made an unsuccessful bid for Runcorn’s highly rated midfielder Chris Price but further attempts to sign the former Everton and Morecambe man who has netted 2 goals this season could result in his signing tomorrow.

Southport boss Watson was without 6 first team players for the defeat to Worksop and after revealing ‘I have already ear-marked players that I want to bring into the squad’ in Saturday’s matchday programme, it appears he feels the time is right to make a swoop on his former club.

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