Skipper Anson among those departing
SOUTHPORT skipper Adam Anson was among the players released by the club last week as Jim Bentley announced his retained list.
Anson was perhaps the surprise name among those leaving Haig Avenue along with Declan Evans, Jordan Archer, Connor Heath and Sam Billington.
Chris Renshaw, Harry Flowers, Danny Lloyd, David Morgan and Will Russ have all been retained while the club has taken up the one-year options on Matty Thomson and Keenan Quansah.
Contract offers have been made to Jack Doyle, Josh Hmami and Tyler Walton while the club is in discussions with Finlay Heath and Luke Burgess.
Tony McMillan will continue as goalkeeping coach and a non-contract player while loan players Marcus Carver, Danny Philliskirk, Richie Bennett and Finlay Lockett all returned to their parent clubs.
Anson addressed his release on social media: “It’s been a frustrating season for me with injuries, bu another year ticked off the list.
“Just like to thank everyone at Southport FC for the past five seasons. A club I came to as a young lad and left as Captain.
“A massive thank you to Hamish, Julia, Rob, Joe and all the fantastic volunteers at the Club. They are the absolute heartbeat of the Club who are so often under appreciated and unnoticed at times, nut have gone above and beyond for me and all the lads since being at the Club.
“A big thank you to the fans, who have travelled up and down the country through the good times and bad. You deserve better but have been nothing but supportive of me and the lads and I wish you all the best moving forward.
“I have played with some of the best lads in football, and shared a changing room full of highs and lows. Couldn’t ask for a better group of lads to work with across five seasons and I am looking forward to staying in touch with them all.
“Thanks to Liam for bringing me to the Club and trusting me. Something I will always appreciate. Always had everyone’s best interest at heart and done so much for myself and the Club.
“Time to have a bit of time off, and prepare for next season, ready to prove people wrong.”
Striker Archer did likewise, saying: “Just want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Southport FC during my time there. The most enjoyable years of my playing career, playing alongside some top lads on and off the pitch, at what I can only say is a great club.
“Unfortunately due to an injury from last season, I didn’t get to play as much as I’d liked to this season. My last goal for Southport against Brackley is one that I will cherish.
“Thank you to Liam for bringing me to the club, and all the staff behind the scenes – Dan, Hamish, Rob, Julia, Steve, Pottsy, Joe and everyone else that made me feel welcome from day one.
“Thank you to all the fans that travelled up and down the country, home and away to support and all the Jack Carr lads for the songs, it was always appreciated.
“I wish the club and management all the very best for the future.”