Clapham does not deserve such treatment - we need to save our club
IT was another controversial week for Southport as a board meeting with supporters led to the resignation of Chairman Charlie Clapham.
The meeting has upset many club members who have insisted despite relegation this season, they have worked hard to turn things around for the club.
However, things didn’t improve on the field as Southport were defeated 4-1 by league fliers Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.
Ahead of their final game of the season against Lincoln City on Saturday, the club’s Commercial Director Haydn Preece and Interim Chairman Nigel Allen gave their thoughts on the week’s events.
“It’s been a very tough season but the last few days have been the worst ever.
“After the reactions we’ve received – I have to say, the silent majority really need to come forward,” said Preece.
“I feel after relegation a small group have said too much and done too much. We have got damage on our hands.
“We were in a situation where we have faced relegation but in the last few days – what has gone on is unacceptable.
“We have lost our Chairman Charlie Clapham who has spent half of his life with the club, he doesn’t deserve this treatment.
“It’s wrong. We need to safeguard the club. We have to go back a step and secure the club. Every supporter’s voice is valued.”
Allen added, “It’s been a really difficult week. Thursday’s board meeting has taken us by surprise. I just hope that next week the true Southport supporters come out and show their support for somebody who has given a phenomenal length of service to the club.
“Since September, I have seen the work that has gone on in the background. I has been an awful season. We know that.
“There aren’t many high points but now is the time for Southport to unite, look forward, regroup and that should all be done together.
“This is not the way I would have liked to have found myself as Chairman. I’m actively speaking to people for potential involvement with the club.
“I want to see the true Southport club and see the pride put back into that shirt.”
Manager Andy Preece was not on hand to comment on his side’s performance as Haydn Preece insisted they wanted to make it known that Clapham’s resignation is an important issue that needs addressing.
He and Allen have already started to take steps with the board to ensure Southport’s future can take a more positive direction.
“We wanted to get Andy out of the firing line because the story is about what has happened in these last few days,” said Preece.
“We need to get the message out to the silent majority. I’m really offended by a lot of things. There’s a lot of positives out there though and they have missed a lot.
“We’re all sorry about the season. It has gone horribly wrong. Southport has spent more money this season than ever before but we have tried to put it right.”
Allen added, “We have improved things commercially but it’s being spun negatively. We have to ensure there is some stability around the club.
“We need to put ourselves in a position where we can be as competitive as we can be. We have to look at our budget, our targets and players.
“In the next seven days we have some work to do with our existing players and then go for our targets.
“What has happened the last couple of days has damaged the reputation of this club. We need to get back to business as usual.
“When the season closes we look ahead. We need to do it all together.”