Thanks to Andy, a Southport fan, who’s given us his views ahead of tomorrow’s game
Thanks to Andy, who’s given us his views ahead of tomorrow’s game.
Who Do You Support?
Southport Football Club
How Long Have You Supported Them?
Almost 16 years
Last Season’s League Finish?
20th
What Do You Think Of Your Manager?
This is Alan Wright’s first managerial job and it’s been a fairly promising start. He seems open and honest in interviews and has big ambitions for his career so hopefully he can achieve some of those here.
Hopes/Expectations This Season?
Ensuring survival is always the first aim and then it’s just a matter of finishing as high as we can. If this can be achieved by playing attractive football then that’s a bonus but results come first.
One(s) To Watch?
Full back David Fitzpatrick has made the step up from New Mills with ease and has 3 assists so far with his tireless runs down the flank. Chris Almond is our most complete attacking player but unfortunately has been blighted by injuries over the last 12 months whilst Jamie Milligan is a technically outstanding midfielder.
Lots of changes at Southport since last season.
Firstly, the management.
Was Watson pushed or just at the end of his contract and walked away?
Did you feel the Watson/Southport partnership had run its course?
I think Watson felt it was time for a change and I think it was the right decision for both parties. There had been some falling outs behind the scenes and I think that had spread to the pitch especially towards the end of the season where there were some extremely stale displays. As diabolical as some of the performances were last season, mostly at home, we enjoyed some very good times under Watson and I wish him all the best for the future.
Watson also took quite a few Southport players with him to Telford. Are there any of those whose departure you’ve found hard to replace?
The only 2 I’d have here are Sean Clancy and Andy Owens. I really rate Clancy and he’s got off to a great start there which doesn’t surprise me. Owens I’d have more out of desperation as competent strikers are like gold dust unless you’ve got the budget to attract them.
Seems to be a contrast in styles from Watson and Wright. The former favoured a more direct approach, but Wright is more about possession football?
Absolutely it’s been a very much a drastic change in styles. Whilst we have been much improved at home so far playing some very good football, the style has seen us come unstuck on our travels. Hopefully the manager can find a solution to this soon.
You’ve had a decent start to the season, although it appears you’re more of a ‘home’ side this season. Is this because things just haven’t quite clicked away from home yet, or the manager just not adapting?
I think the manager is somewhat reluctant to play the more ugly, negative style of football that is required to get results away from home in this league. I believe he is well aware of the problem though and will change things around injuries permitting.
Top Five Predictions?
Forest Green
Cambridge
Barnet
Wrexham
Grimsby
Bottom Four Predictions?
Hyde
Dartford
Salisbury
Macclesfield
Thoughts on Lincoln City?
I think Gary Simpson has done a great job so far. Power and work rate are the most important things you need to be successful at this level and I think Lincoln have those raw ingredients. If I were an Imps fan I would hope for a solid top 10 finish this season before looking to push on further next campaign.
Score Prediction?
3-1 Lincoln. I just can’t fancy us away from home at the moment although obviously I hope I am wrong!
Random Fact About Your Club?
We are currently on a run of 66 league, FA Cup and FA Trophy games without a 0-0 draw.
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