Our thanks go to Mr Clapham

IT IS a thankless job being a football chairman.

They say there is only one way to make a small fortune from running a football club – and that is by starting out with a big fortune.

That is certainly the case with Southport FC, where Charlie Clapham and his devoted family have invested a huge amount over three decades – in money, definitely, but also in time, in devotion, in effort.

No-one wanted to take on the club back in the 1980s. Nearby sides such as Everton and Liverpool were doing very well, and attendances at Haig Avenue weren’t great. Neither was the quality of the football. There weren’t many takers when Charlie Clapham stepped in.

Over the years, as with many clubs, there have been some amazing ups, some painful downs: that incredible Wembley appearance in 1998, some thrilling FA Cup ties against giants like Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday, promotions to the Football Conference, and a couple of downs, including the difficult to watch relegation this season.

All the time we’ve seen disasters unfold at other clubs; Rushden, Charlton, Coventry, Leyton Orient, Leeds United, many more besides.

Southport fans who have been demanding change and calling for heads to roll should perhaps be very careful what they wish for – change can go one of two ways.

What is clear is that Southport FC needs fans to get behind them next season. The promotion bid starts here. But our town should also recognise the huge debt we owe to the man, and his family, for everything they’ve done for our football club. Thank you for everything you’ve done.