CHARLIE JUST TOO QUICK TO PULL TRIGGER

I’VE got a lot of time for Southport’s new manager Andy Preece. It’s just a shame his new chairman hasn’t got much time for his managers.

Charlie Clapham goes through bosses like they’re going out of fashion in his attempt to make his club something they’re honestly not.

In terms of size, budget and support, Southport are about where they should be. Nature has taken its course and the chance of the club earning promotion into the Football League are slim to none.

When York City and Maidstone – watched by 2,500 each week – are below you in the table, some perspective should come into play but no, Steve Burr became the latest to be fired last week.

On the National League board, there’s a running joke among some chairmen that the famous AGM Cup would make a return if Southport were to finish in the bottom four.

Whose ground suddenly won’t be up to scratch? Where’s that rule book Clapham can throw at them to keep his side up?

All good fun of course, but in his defence you can see why he will do anything possible to keep his club in the division.

A few years ago when Southport won the Conference North, they were possibly the biggest club in it.

Now? All things considered, they would struggle to finish in the top half, such is the size and finance of the clubs in that league – and they know it.

I like Andy Preece and I like Southport. Just give him some time, Charlie!