Don’t just do it for yourselves
NEW Southport boss Liam Watson believes his side will need an improved team effort if they are to return to the Conference Premier next season.
Southport’s first campaign back in the Northern Conference since 2009-10 ended in disappointment, with the club finishing 15th and axing manager Kevin Davies following eight defeats in their final nine games.
Watson, therefore, believes despite possessing players such as Jason Gilchrist - the division’s top scorer - and tricky winger Dion Charles, Southport’s “collective effort” must be improved upon.
“As much as they could say ‘ Oh, we had a great season, Jason Gilchrist scored a load of goals and we’ve got Dion Charles’ - who is someone I rate very highly - at the end of the day they only just stayed out of the relegation zone,” the manager said. “It’s alright being the top goalscorer in the league, but forget about individuals. It’s a collective effort and the team has got to be right. “There’s not one person who makes a team - 18 solid players over the course of a year make a team.” The former AFC Telford chief - who is taking charge of his third spell at Haig Avenue - also took his first foray into the transfer market this week as he completed the signings of defender Ryan Astles and goalkeeper Dan Hanford. Former Carl- isle stopper Hanford will compete for the gloves with Mark Halstead next season, and Watson believes competition will bring out the best in both his keepers. Dan brings experience at the back.
“He’s been playing at a higher level.
“He’s 27-years-old, which is a good age for a goalkeeper.
“It gives us two goalkeepers of a good standard and they can fight it out for the number one spot.”
Former Wigan scholar Astles - who stands at a dominating 6”4 - also spoke of his determination to take the club back to the Conference Premier.
“Everyone here wants to be pushing for promotion.
“That’s the main aim. I’ll make sure I give 100% to that, getting the club back to where it wants to be.
“Personally for me, the aim has to be clean sheets, but we all want that promotion.”