Massive changes needed but Preece optimistic over future
SOUTHPORT FC were able to finish the season positively after they secured a point against league champions Lincoln City on Saturday.
Andy Preece’s relegated side were up against it in their final three games, with clashes against Lincoln, Tranmere and Forest Green.
However, a 1-1 draw with the champions in the final game of the season wasn’t enough to raise Preece’s spirits as he reflected on a poor campaign for Southport.
“There were a couple of hollow targets that we tried to set ourselves so we went down with some sort of pride,” said Preece.
“When you looked at the three games we had following our relegation and the 100 goals-conceded-mark looming – you felt the worst.
“But fair play to the guys. They showed application and that’s the frustrating thing as we’ve played the top three and won four points off them.
“You have to question yourself. ‘If we can do that, then why have we got ourselves in this position?’
“I don’t think there is anybody who will be able to look themselves in the mirror and say ‘I did all I could, it was somebody else’s fault.’
“That’s where we are at the moment but it was nice to get a result. I’ve been in struggling teams and fans can get on certain player’s backs but it hasn’t been like that.
“I’m pleased for those fans and happy we could give them something.”
Preece also admitted there were ‘massive’ changes that needed to be made in the summer to allow Southport to bounce back next season.
He hopes the club can group together and re-build quickly in order to give themselves the best possible chance of success.
“It’s going to be a massive change. It’s not good enough – as simple as that. You have to get things right at the start,” said Preece.
“The balance must be right. You have to get key positions filled and you have to look at what happens if anybody is missing and get that balance right.
“When I came in, we needed four players down the spine of the team in February and we didn’t get it.
“We’re talking February. That’s too late in the day. A lot of mistakes have been made. We need to be determined not to allow that again.
“Everybody is looking positively towards next season and being a collective. We need some stability at the club.
“We can get things right if we move things quickly. Hopefully this is our jolt and we get things moving.
“We’ll see what happens in the next two or three weeks but I’m very positive about things moving forwards.”
Despite a disappointing season all round, there was one Southport player who caught the eye.
Ryan Higgins produced a number of strong displays and he picked up a clean sweep in the Player Awards last week, claiming all three senior accolades.
Higgins was named Player of the Year and Champion’s Player of the Year before he rounded the night off by picking up the Goal of the Season award for his strike against Macclesfield Town.
Liam Nolan played second fiddle in the Player of the Year and Goal of the Season awards after he too produced a number of pleasing performances.