Ex-keeper Tony may assist boss
LIAM WATSON is hopeful of bringing former Southport goalkeeper Tony McMillan back to Haig Avenue as his assistant and goalkeeping coach.
McMillan enjoyed a successful spell under Watson as a player and the Southport manager is keen to strengthen between the sticks on and off the field this summer.
Dan Hanford and Charlie Albinson – the latter arriving from Blackburn Rovers at the start of the campaign – had shared the number one jersey for the majority of the term.
Hanford, however, had reclaimed his starting position for the last several weeks before the season was suspended – but Watson is understood to have identified a number one goalkeeping target.
The season remains on hiatus but the National League has advised clubs in its three divisions to vote in favour of ending the campaign without playing games that were scheduled up to April 25.
Watson believes Southport ‘will be fine’ despite the current lay-off and issued a positive injury update on stricken midfielder Marcus Wood.
“It’s been a blessing in disguise for Marcus,” he told the Southport Visiter. “It’s a medial knee ligament, not a rupture or anything. That’s a huge plus for us.
“You’re talking midfielders there, I’ve got Russell Benjamin, Marcus Wood and David Morgan. That’s strong for our level.”
Watson also reckons a break could be beneficial for several young talents, adding: “Charlie Oliver, he was at Manchester City, he had never been used to playing the amount of games he did.
“Nor has Jack Doyle, he’s played too many games in his first year.
George Newell had an injury, he just needs a good pre-season. Adam Anson has played loads of games.
“Connor Woods probably could have done with playing the backend of the season and leave him in the team.
“[Jack Sampson] has had a tough season basically up front on his own but we’ll be fine.”