Watson delighted to see Challoner return to Port
DEFENDER Matt Challoner, has returned to the Pure Stadium after four seasons away. Matt made 90 appearances for the Port between 2013 and 2016 before moving to Chorley, where he won promotion to the Vanarama National League North through the play-offs last year.
Now 26, the right-back was a regular in the Southport side for three seasons at the top level of NonLeague football during his previous time with the club.
He becomes the Yellows’ second signing of the week after the addition of fellow former Chorley team-mate Marcus Carver.
Born in Blackburn, Matt progressed through the youth set-up at Blackpool, earning a Player of the Season award and featuring for the reserves before joining the Port.
He made 180 appearances for Chorley, twice helping them into the play-offs before achieving promotion. He played in the National League last season before finishing the campaign at Boston United.
Manager Liam Watson said: “It’s great to have Matt on board for next season.
“He has got valuable experience in this division and at the level above and has really developed as a player during the last few years.
“We want to be solid all over the pitch, have a competitive squad and Matt will be an important player in achieving that.
“I’m very pleased to have two players on board who have won promotion from this level and we’re making good progress with our plans to ensure we’re as strong as possible for when football returns.”
Challoner had a spell on loan at Northwich Victoria during the 2012/13 season, before then manager Alan Wright swooped to sign him the following season.
After making 37 appearances for Chorley last season, Challoner departed the club in March by mutual consent to join Boston United on a short term deal.
His time with the Pilgrims was short lived, with the season ending early following the outbreak Covid 19.