The ‘Port will kick off on Saturday 14th August with the visit of Vauxhall Motors to Haig Avenue, which will be followed by a trip to championship favourites Barrow the following Tuesday.

Surprisingly, the Boxing Day and New Year matches will be against Stalybridge Celtic, with the ‘Port at home on December 26th.

Liam Watson’s Southport also face a tough end of season run-in, with the visit of UniBond champions Hucknall and a visit to Harrogate in the final week of the season.

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Club fitness coach Barry Simms has a rigorous lung bursting and leg strengthening programme mapped out for Liam Watson's charges as the build up for the Nationwide North kick off on August 14 gets underway.

This Sunday, it's training with a difference when Southport supporters have the chance to meet the management team and socialise with the players when the squad play in a 30-over cricket match at Ainsdale CC.

The match starts at 2pm with West Indies Test leg-spinner Mahendra Nagamootoo starring for Ainsdale.

Sales and marketing manager Derek Hitchcock will be running some competitions for Port supporters to win prizes linked to the club.

On observing the first training session and interviewing the players, Watson has certainly put together a group of ambitious young guns. And with the management's aim of netting a century of goals next season fitness and attacking football are top of the menu.

The signs are very encouraging with Watson's new faces all guaranteed to strengthen a Port squad that finished the season with a flourish.

In comes Terry Fearns, possibly the biggest signing in the Conference North this summer after netting 111 goals in just three seasons at Vauxhall Motors. Fearns' potential strike partnership with Neil Robinson is very exciting.

Also from the Ellesmere Port club comes Kevin Lynch, who can play in midfield or defence. Ex-Preston/ Cambridge and Lancaster City defender Farrell Kilbane adds competition to the centre-back slots and arrives at Haig Avenue with a reputation as a set-piece goal scorer due to his aerial power.

Dominic Morley is now back at Haig Avenue in his second spell. The ex- Liverpool apprentice/reserve will provide added midfield quality and could be the playmaker that makes everything else tick.

Left-sided defender Jerome Fitzgerald has opted to stay part-time as he completes his law degree and comes highly recommended by his former boss, John Colman at Accrington Stanley.

After a successful first training session, in which the manager and his assistant Neil Whalley took part, Watson said: "We've put together a quality squad and I have not got a firm starting 11 at this stage.

"We have competition in all areas and it is up to the lads in pre-season to make my mind up as to who takes a one to 11 shirt on August 14. That shows we have real strength which is vital during the months ahead to maintain a high level of performance.

"I am looking forward on Sunday to meeting supporters and I know the players are all in for a good day. It gets the players together for few hours just at the right time of our pre-season preparation."

Secretary Ken Hilton reports that season ticket sales are above the last three seasons - that indicates the feeling of the fans this summer. Discounted season tickets can be purchased on Monday and Wednesday evenings between 6-8pm.

This story has been reproduced from the day's media

The FA Cup season will commence on Saturday 28th August with 144 teams competing in the extra preliminary round. The ‘Port will enter the competition 3 stages later, at the 2nd Qualifying round, which will be played on Saturday 2nd October 2004.

The third qualifying stage will be played 14 days later and Conference National sides will start in the FA Cup in the 4th Qualifying round, Saturday 30th October.

Last season, Southport failed to get past the first hurdle as they crashed out in a 3-1 defeat at fellow UniBond side Vauxhall Motors in what proved to be manager Mike Walsh’s last game in charge.

Southport will enter the FA Trophy at the first round stage alongside all Conference North and South sides, one round earlier than last season, according to confguide.com.

The round will be played on Saturday 27th November 2004. Conference National sides and current holders, Hednesford Town will play their first game on Saturday 15th January 2005 in the third round.

Last season, the ‘Port were eliminated at the first attempt in a 1-0 defeat away at Altrincham in the second round.

Since reaching the final in 1998, Southport have struggled in the FA Trophy, reaching the quarter-final stage only twice. The last 2 finals have been contested from sides outside of non-league’s elite tier and with Conference National sides seemingly favouring league glory, Liam Watson’s ‘Port may fancy themselves in this competition.

Prize funds for each round of the competitions are yet to be confirmed.

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The College Road side have snapped-up Byrne, 21, after 3 months of interest including a ‘serious inquiry’ in March.

Byrne joined the Sandgrounders in the summer of 2003, but after initially impressing, his inconsistency and tendency for rash challenges saw him loose his starting place to Alex Mortimer. And with Jerome Fitzgerald recently acquired from Accrington Stanley, a starting place was very unlikely.

The Newcastle born defender signed from Welsh side Barry Town, but has been released from his contract after 26 starts for the ‘Port. Byrne will now join the Mariners, who will again be playing UniBond football after a disappointing 16th finish and a promotion play-off defeat to Burscough last season.

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Liam Watson’s Sandgrounders will travel to Radcliffe’s Stainton Park on Tuesday 27th July, kick-off 7.45pm. It was originally hoped First Division Burnley would visit Haig Avenue on this date, but recent managerial changes at Turf Moor meant it could not go ahead.

Radcliffe will play in the UniBond Premier League next season, as they struggled following promotion from Division One in 2003. It will also provide some ‘Port supporters to renew their links with Radcliffe fans after some recent supporters’ matches.

North West Counties Division One side Formby will host the ‘Port on Thursday 5th of August, kick-off 7.30pm. The Squirrels finished runners up last season and lost to a full-strength Southport side, 7-1 in the Liverpool Senior Cup. That marked saw the switch-on of Formby’s new floodlight system and this friendly will again take place under the Altcar Road lights.

Thanks to David Evans for the above information.

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The match, sponsored by Alan Taylor of Arcade Sports will take place at Ainsdale's Liverpool Road ground and will be a 30-over match against a team that includes West Indies Test match player Mahendra Nagamootoo.

The bar will be open all afternoon and the match starts at 2pm. Sales and marketing manager Derek Hitchcock will have some raffles and prizes related to the club for supporters.

This story has been reproduced from the day's media

Bingham, who joined the ‘Port in 1965 finished runner up to animal rights protester Vicki Moore in a poll run by the Southport Visiter. Bingham received 17% of the votes, 2.2% behind the eventual winner. Resident Mark Lawrenson finished 7th with 2.9% in a shortlist of 24 candidates.

Bingham arrived at Haig Avenue in the summer of 1965 as trainer coach and was later appointed manager in October of that year.

Success quickly followed and in the 1965/66 season the club reached the fifth round of the FA Cup. The following season the Sandgrounders won promotion from the old Fourth Division, as runners-up to Stockport County.

Bob McIlvenny, the youth team coach at Southport when Billy was in charge, also hails from Belfast and knew Billy well.

The ex-Southport player said: "As a player Billy Bingham was your typical winger who was pretty fast. After moving on to become a manager he proved himself at a young age. He was pretty strict with the players but knew the answers on the field."

On January 27, 1968, Billy's Southport faced his old club, Everton, in an FA Cup game at Haig Avenue. It was to be Billy's last game in charge as Southport lost 1-0 after a late Joe Royle goal.

A few days after the game Billy left and joined Plymouth. His move wasn't expected and disappointed some fans, as Southport's saviour left to become a Pilgrim.

Southport Football Club statistician, Geoff Wilde, said: "At first there was talk of trying to hold Billy to his contract at Southport. Instead he left and the fans did feel let down, but let's not forget what he brought to us in the two-and-a-half seasons in charge at Haig Avenue.

"He took us out of the old Third Division and we reached the fifth round of the FA Cup against Hull in 1966, heights which have never since been achieved at the club."
Billy Bingham had two spells at Northern Ireland, firstly from 1967-71. He later joined Everton as manager in 1973, replacing the late Harry Catterick.

Bringing in new players like Martin Dobson and Bob Latchford, the Blues struggled and were up against Bill Shankly's Liverpool across Stanley Park. They achieved fourth in Division One in 1974-75 and Billy stayed at Goodison Park until 1977 when he got the sack, replaced by Gordon Lee.

Perhaps the greatest moment for Billy Bingham was in his second spell as Northern Ireland manager from 1980 - 1993.

In the final group game of the 1982 World Cup finals, Northern Ireland were up against the hosts, Spain.

During a humid evening the Irish went down to 10 men after Mal Donaghy was sent off. But they rallied under captain Martin O'Neill and eventually won the game thanks to a Billy Hamilton cross which set up Gerry Armstrong to score one of the most legendary World Cup goals.

Report: Chris Owen, Southport Visiter

This comes a week after it was confirmed entrance fees will be frozen for the second successive season and, as usual, a special offer on season tickets will last until a month before the season commences.

With manager Liam Watson having already secured some promising acquisitions to his squad, the club are looking to increase their average gate as they look to launch a title bid in a competitive Conference North.

Sales will commence on Monday between 6pm and 8pm, report today’s Southport Visiter.

Special offer season tickets will also enables admission to the club’s 3 home pre-season friendlies against Everton, Wigan Athletic and Accrington Stanley.

Special Offer Season ticket prices, before 14th July:

Grandstand:
Adults: £160.65
Concessions £98.18

Ground:
Adults: £142.80
Concessions: £89.25

Junior tickets £21.

Season ticket prices after 14th July:

Grandstand:
Adults: £189
Concessions: £115.50

Ground:
Adults: £168
Concessions £105

Source: Southport Visiter
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Buying before July 14 gives a major discount and enables the ticket holder into all home friendlies - that includes Everton.

The average gate in the Nationwide Conference last season was on the 2,000 mark. Therefore, in economic terms, to compete in the Conference and progress into the Football League the town of Southport has to rally to the cause over the next few months.

Quick-fix cash injections look to be a thing of the past after the ill-fated fincial failings at Telford and Rushden. It really is a wake up call to the town's football supporters because if they really want to have a successful club back into top flight football, something Southport as a town has missed out on since 1978, then this Nationwide North relaunch is a great time for football fans to get on board.

Manager Liam Watson is well aware his squad carry the major responsibility in putting a Port product on the pitch that has consistent winning qualities. Only then can the club confidently appeal to the town. Southport has the population to sustain a Football League club but has the town the will or commitment to help it happen?

The signing of the most prolific striker in non-league football, Terry Fearns, whose goalscoring boots are sponsored by the Visiter next season, has really sent shock waves across the Nationwide North clubs and indicates Watson's intent.

Strike partner Neil Robinson's end of season form, 15 goals in 15 appearances, promises a real two pronged Port attack.

At the Conference agm at Eastbourne last weekend it was obvious by comments made from rival camps that Watson's summer acquisitions have sent out a clear message.

The cost of season tickets before the July 14th discount deadline are: Adults main stand £160.65, concessions £98.18. Adults ground £142.80, concessions £89.25. Junior tickets £21.

After July 14 the prices rise to: Adults main stand £189, concessions £115.50.

Adults ground £168, concessions £105.

This story has been reproduced from the day's media

Clapham will serve along side Hucknall’s Brian Scothorn as a representative of the new league and, in a separate election, the ‘Port chairman was elected onto the executive board of the Nationwide Conference in the league’s AGM in Eastbourne.

Clapham served as Conference vice-chairman before his club’s relegation last season and was one of five bosses who spearheaded the push for an increased promotion place into the Football League.

Conference Chief Executive, John Moules told the Southport Visiter: ‘Charlie Clapham has contributed a great deal to the Conference and it is a big plus to have him back on board. Southport, as a club, are an asset to our competition.’

And it was not only in the corridors of power where Clapham had an impact.
His Southport FC golf team came second in the annual Nationwide Conference Classic and he also collected the nearest the pin prize.

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Despite his experience, manager Liam Watson did not see the former Preston star as a suitable squad member and has gladly allowed the contracted winger/striker to join up with ex-Port assistant manager Tony Hesketh at Kendal Town.

Ashcroft was a Mike Walsh signing but the ex-West Brom and Wigan player struggled with fitness when it was vital he made an immediate impact.

That never came in Walsh's desperate slide down the Conference table, despite Ashcroft taking on a player/coach role.

Last season, Ashcroft began brightly but the 32-year-old was out of Watson's plans once he let it be known he wanted to join Northwich. The proposed transfer turned into a fiasco and left Ashcroft high and dry.

In fact, his last full start was way back on February 17 at Gainsborough.

Watson said of his ex-Preston team mate: "I and Neil (Whalley) wish Lee all the best as he begins his managerial career at Kendal.

"I've felt for some time Lee was not going to fit into our squad. Our emphasis will be on younger players with hunger for the future. Lee understands that."

Ashcroft made his debut in a 4-0 home defeat to Doncaster Rovers on March 1, 2003, and scored two goals in 11 Conference appearances. Last season, in the UniBond, Ashcroft scored 13 goals in 28 appearances.

* At last weekend's Nationwide Conference AGM at Eastbourne, Southport were officially confirmed as back in the Conference fold.

The Sandgrounders are now Nationwide North founder members with the club intent on quickly regaining Nationwide Conference status.

Also back in the Conference hierarchy is Port chairman Charlie Clapham. After serving as the Conference vice-chairman and a pioneer of the play-off structure, Clapham was elected as one of two Nationwide North representatives and, in a second election, onto the Conference executive board.

Conference chief executive John Moules said: "Charlie Clapham has contributed a great deal to the Conference and it is a big plus to have him back on board. Southport, as a club, are an asset to our competition."

And it was not only in the corridors of power where Clapham had an impact.

His Southport FC golf team came second in the annual Nationwide Conference Classic and he also collected the nearest the pin prize - hopefully not the last silverware on the Port's mantelpiece by next May.

This story has been reproduced from the day's media

The Nationwide Building Society has extended its sponsorship to the 2 regional divisions of the Conference. The leagues will now be known as Nationwide North and Nationwide South.

Conference National Clubs will be required to have a ‘Grade A’ ground and regional division clubs will be required to hold a ‘Grade B’ for their grounds. If a cub from the regional divisions achieves promotion they will be allowed up into the Conference National even if they only hold a ‘Grade B’ certificate, providing they have the necessary planning permission for the additional works that would need to be done to bring the ground to an A Grade.

The regional divisions will not use the ‘squad numbering’ system which has been used in the Conference for the past 2 seasons. Step 2 clubs, however, will be able to name a maximum of 5 substitutes each match, an increase of 2 for those promoted from the Northern Premier League.

The promotion/relegation system has been ratified: Three clubs will be relegated from the National Division, and will be placed in the North or South Divisions as appropriate for each. Where necessary, there may be a balancing move of club(s) between North and South.

The Champion club of each regional division is promoted to the National setup. Four teams from each regional division play-off against each other to find a North team and South team to compete in a promotion final for the 3rd slot in the National division.

Ashton United will take the place of Northwich Victoria in Nationwide North after the Vics were reprieved of their Conference status after Telford were forced into liquidation and subsequently out of the top tier of non-league football.

The Conference League Cup will also return, formally known as the Bob Lord and Nationwide Variety Cup. All 66 Conference sides will participate, but the exact structure is not yet known.

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The 31-year old, former Preston and West Brom front-man has signed for UniBond Division One outfit Kendal Town and will team up again with manager Tony Hesketh, the former assistant at Southport.

Fans’ favourite Ashcroft was loaned to Chorley in March after a deal to move to Northwich fell through and despite being much loved by the ‘Port faithful, manager Liam Watson stressed the importance of youth in his squad and rejected the striker’s request for a contract extension.

Ashcroft joined the Sandgrounders in March 2003 from Wigan Athletic and instantly became a fan’s favourite. Despite netting only 2 goals in 11 appearances, his class and skill which made him a hero at Preston North End was clear. He went on to net 5 goals in 4 appearances near the start of the campaign and has scored a further 7. From playing against Tranmere and Reading just over a year ago, Ashcroft will be lining up against the likes of Woodley Sports and Ilkeston Town next term.

Kendal missed out on promotion to the new-look UniBond Premier after finishing second-bottom in Division One last season. Tony Hesketh was handed the reigns towards the end of the season on a caretaker basis before being appointed permanently.

This coup completes a month of ambitions acquisitions by Hesketh who has also completed the signings of Barrow utility man Kenny Mayers, Morecambe full-back Russell McKenna and Lancaster duo Ricky Mercer and ‘keeper Mark Thornley.

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The Bucks were thrown into crisis in March, when former chairman Andy Shaw's business collapsed. Their elimination meant a reprieval for relegated Northwich Victoria who finished bottom in the Conference last term.

It has been confirmed that the place in Conference North vacated by the Vics will now be taken by Ashton United who missed out on automatic qualification to the new league by one position in the UniBond Premier last season.

The move means no side who finished in the bottom 3 in the Conference last season will be relegated. Farnborough, Leigh and now Northwich have managed to stay up at the expense of Hucknall, Margate and Telford. Southport picked a bad season to finish in the bottom 3!

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Southport supporters will have the chance to meet the players at Ainsdale Cricket Club on Sunday July 4 when Liam Watson's first team play in an over-30 friendly against an Ainsdale XI which include Mahendra Nagamootoo. The club bar will be open all afternoon.

This Sunday sees the Southport Ladies trials at Haig Avenue and all age groups are invited.

This story has been reproduced from the day's media

We were approached by Dave to provide web space for a series of his ‘vintage Southport’ photographs and his images from years gone by have already proved a favourite with the ‘Port faithful, evoking some fond memories.

The idea was first created on the forum PortChat.net and Port Pie was delighted to assist when approached.

Any one who wishes their nostalgic ‘Port pictures to be displayed can send them via an e-mail attachment.

The PORT PIE nostalgia folder and 'Vintage 'Port' forum can be viewed at www.PortChat.net

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This will be the third consecutive campaign the Sandgrounders have charged the same prices for admittance into the ground, following relegation from the Conference National 2 seasons ago.

Prices for season tickets have yet to be confirmed, but the club's junior supporters will again have the opportunity to purchase a season ticket for elevens and younger at just £21.

Club secretary, Ken Hilton told the Visiter: ‘Our supporters stuck by us last season and we intend to repay that loyalty. Obviously if the club is going to progress we need gates to take the club's ambitions forward. Liam Watson has made such a bright start we all hope this is continued at the start of our new season and the public of Southport get behind us."

Grandstand: £9.00 / £5.50
Jack Carr Stand: £8.00 / £5.00
Popular Side: £8.00 / £5.00
Blowick: £8.00 / £5.00

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Secretary Ken Hilton announced to the Visiter this week that the Port have pegged their season tickets to last season's prices and turnstile entry will also remain fixed with the club's aim to start the season with a 1,000 plus gate.

With Liam Watson determined to have his goal getting squad competitive, vying at top of the table is the target for an average 1,300 by the end of autumn.

And it's great news for the club's junior supporters who will again have the opportunity to purchase a season ticket for elevens and younger at just £21.

Mr Hilton said: "Our supporters stuck by us last season and we intend to repay that loyalty. Obviously if the club is going to progress we need gates to take the club's ambitions forward.

"Liam Watson has made such a bright start we all hope this is continued at the start of our new season and the public of Southport get behind us."

With the emphasis on attracting youthful support the club have introduced a match day pass system for all Southport Junior players who come to Haig Avenue accompanied by an adult.

Twelve months on Southport supporters must be wondering what might have been as Telford United bit the financial dust this week. Telford's financial demise has again emphasised that clubs cannot live beyond their means based on a one man investment, Rushden's fall from millionaires to paupers being another case in point. Finance in the long term has to be generated by regular gates - not fairytale investments that turn into crisis nightmares.

Amazingly no Nationwide Conference club will be relegated this season. The great escape scenario has come about because Unibond champions Hucknall did not have a ground up to Conference standard, which reprieved Farnborough. Homeless Margate who were in exactly the same position last season have had to dropdown to Conference South which kept Leigh RMI up and now Northwich Victoria with the worst ever Conference record of a meagre four victories under three managers survive.

Twelve months ago all three clubs Kettering, Nuneaton and Southport dropped out of the Conference -all three a great deal stronger on and off the field than the three weak survivors from this years Conference wreckage.

Southport's first home friendly is on Saturday, July 17 against Everton.

This story has been reproduced from the day's media