"So I have no issues on finance. The backing here at Haig Avenue has been spot on from day one.

"Kevin Leadbetter came in last week, it was a very busy week looking to bring in players and that will continue. We will endeavour to bring quality players in.

"I am looking for players with desire and passion for Southport Football Club who will move up together.

"A young squad who can grow together. Age is not an issue, I will give players a go if I feel they can contribute.

"It is easy to bring very experienced players in and I am aware that we do need to have a blend.

"But with just experienced players you are not going to go very far.

"I intend to sign players who can take us a long way together. I like to have a squad that is flexible and adaptable.

"Haig Avenue is very wide and in my opinion doesnít suit three at the back, I'd prefer a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 style at home.

"I feel we have a bit of steel emerging defensively and we need to gain a reputation as a hard team to beat.

"We are working on our defensive approaches, defending set pieces, pushing out and defending further out at corners and attacking the ball.

"Confidence is the key point and you defend with more authority once you gain that belief which I believe is coming.

"Supporters have been very positive and I believe they appreciate the developments we have brought in already and are intending to do."

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Byrne came on for in-form centre forward Steve Daly last Saturday early in the second half at Alfreton. Daly suffered a groin strain and his absence would be a big blow as he builds up a striking partnership with on-loan Macclesfield front man Neil Robinson who is now in the second month of a three month loan. Robinson's robust forward play, awareness of team mates around him and close control added a new dimension to the Port attack and with further match fitness he would be a superb permanent acquisition for the Port.

Daly will be eager to play after intensive treatment from physio Bret Harris, looking to add to his tally of three goals in two games and 21 in total so far this season. Jimmy Williams is recovering after his shoulder operation last week and that gives another opportunity for ex-Notts County defender Danny Stone to impress at right-back. Barry Jones, a late casualty last Saturday at Alfreton, should be able to continue despite needing stitches in a nasty head wound though he will require patching up to prevent the wound re-opening.

Player-coach Lee Ashcroft is also close to a return after departing early in the Emley draw. Ashcroft has recovered faster than expected and his addition would add options to Liam Watson's line-up.

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Spennymoor United v Southport has been brought forward to Saturday 6th March and the home match against Gainsborough, originally scheduled for that date will be played on Tuesday 23rd March.

The original trip to Spennymoor was postponed earlier this month because of overnight snow and a frozen pitch at Brewery Field. The match was then arranged for Tuesday 9th March which is only 4 days before the Sandgrounders make another long-journey to the North-East to Blyth Spartans. The fixture has now been arranged for Saturday 6th March, a convenient date for both sides.

As a result, Southport v Gainsborough Trinity, originally scheduled for that date has been moved to Tuesday 23rd March. After a slow start to the campaign, the Lincolnshire side have established themselves as one of the most consistent sides in the UniBond. They currently sit 2 places as 5 points above Southport, however have a game in hand and despite going 3 months without a defeat, they have only won 3 of their last 8 games.

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Lane left Haig Avenue in the summer after relegation and joined Conference side Morecambe. However, after being transfer listed for a month, the 24-year old was released by the Shrimps at the start of the month. The former Everton trainee is currently training with Conference leaders Chester City where he has teamed-up with his ex- Southport boss Mark Wright, however, is a free agent and could sign on non contract terms while waiting for a Conference return.

The Sandgrounders last week received the news that regular right-back Jimmy Williams will be out for five to six weeks and Lane could be the ideal short term replacement with a return to the Conference the preferred choice for the defender.

Lane made 108 starts for the ‘Port after Mark Wright brought him to the club for a fee of £12,000 in January 2000 from Hereford United. He instantly became a fans favourite after scoring on his home debut against eventual champion Rushden & Diamonds and also netted Southport’s only goal as they became the first side to win at Yeovil Town in the same season. His time at Haig Avenue enhanced his reputation further and his 20-yard screamer in the FA Cup against Second Division Notts County last season was screened around the country.

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After making 7 consecutive starts at the start of the season, transfer-listed Stone, a summer signing from Notts County has only featured once since the September defeat against Runcorn FC Halton. On his road to return, Stone then picked up an ankle injury whilst playing for the reserves in October.

The 21-year old, Liverpool born defender trained during the week and could make his return in place of the injured Jimmy Williams at right-back, however, match fitness could be a problem or the man who last completed a 90 minutes in September.

Stone made a quick impression at right-back after making the step-down from Division Two football, but has been able to force his way back into the side because of consistent injury and the form of fans favourite Jimmy Williams. Stone was a trainee at Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers before signing for Notts County, for whom he played last season in the FA Cup defeat against the ‘Port and signed Haig Avenue terms, originally as a centre-back in the summer.

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Robinson has been limited to one substitute appearance since his December switch from Macclesfield because of a recurring knee injury he first obtained on his debut against Marine. After a series of treatment at the Third Division outfit, the 24-year old Liverpool born frontman broke down again on Friday and Town confirmed the ‘Port would not have to complete the payment of Robinson’s wages for his initial period. Now, the former Prescot Cables goalscorer has declared himself fit for Saturday’s trip to Alfreton Town.

The striker had been sent to Haig Avenue as part of his comeback after injury had brought his loan spell at Conference side Leigh to a premature end earlier this season. He came to light after scoring 43 goals for Prescot Cables during the 2002/2003 season. A move to Moss Rose soon followed, however a promising start to that season was cut short by injury.

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The 25-year old winger joined the Wincham Park outfit only 2 months ago from Stalybridge Celtic and after falling out of favour with new boss Shaun Teale, it appeared he was set to return to Bower Fold after training with them on Thursday evening.

On Thursday evening, it was confirmed Southport boss Liam Watson had entered into talks with Potts who netted 22 goals in 67 starts in his time at Celtic. Watson was hoping to have signed the winger in time for last Saturday’s home match with Blyth Spartans, but instead, Potts started for the Vics in their defeat at Tamworth and decided to stay put.

Watson told the Southport Visiter: ‘He decided to stay with Northwich despite being made available and earlier appearing to prefer a move to Stalybridge. In no way was that a financial issue but I only want players who have a real desire to be at Haig Avenue. He is no great loss.’

Potts has always maintained that he wants to play in the Conference, which was why he left Stalybridge in the first place.

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Watson said: "We are getting it together. It will take time but the spirit in the squad is very good. We stood up to Blyth and matched them, that was vital.

"We were committed and I felt we dominated the match despite Blyth creating a couple of chances. Steve Daly scored a great goal and it is good to record a clean sheet. It is wrong to single players out but I felt Neil Fitzhenry was outstanding and the introduction of Daryl Allen changed the game. He did the right things, positioned himself in the right places and got us playing on the floor. I will be thinking very carefully about using him in the next match. I may have made an error of judgement not getting him on the pitch against Emley.

"We have been very busy on the transfer front and last week I used 700 minutes of my mobile phone minutes.

"I talked to winger Colin Potts but he decided to stay with Northwich despite being made available and earlier appearing to prefer a move to Staly-bridge. In no way was that a financial issue but I only want players who have a real desire to be at Haig Avenue. He is no great loss.

"I have targeted a number of players, we won't get them all but they will add quality on the pitch and hunger off it. Kevin Leadbetter has nailed his colours to our mast and will be a great asset. The squad is shallow at present and work will continue between now and the transfer deadline."

Williams was forced off after only 10 minutes after what appeared to be an innocuous challenge with Spartans striker Jamie Burt but initial signs were not good as physio Bret Harris immediately signalled for the stretcher.

The 24-year old right full back has arguably been Southport’s most consistent player this season after missing the first 8 games of the campaign. Williams was brought to Haig Avenue in the summer by former manager Mike Walsh after a promising career was severely interrupted by an injury at Swindon Town.

This news comes a week after the injury set-back to star play-maker Lee Ashcroft who is also expected to be out for a number of weeks, despite the knee damage not appearing as bad as first thought.

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20-year old Davis joined Southport for the second time in October after being released by First Division Burnley. His first spell in a Southport shirt came in May 2003 when he made 8 first team appearances, however, his loan period was cut short due to a major operation.

Davis returned for his second spell with Southport with the understanding that he could leave at any time is approached by a Football League club and in January, he joined up with Swansea manager Brian Flynn for an extended trial at the Vetch Field.

Swansea have been in search of a replacement for highly rated central defender Richard Duffy who seems certain to join Premiership side Portsmouth despite a £400,000 bid from the South-coast side being rejected for the 18-year old.

Manchester born Davis has clearly impressed in South Wales and will join up with another former ‘Port player, striker Lee Trundle who has recently become a national favourite with his regular tricks and showboats.

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Leadbetter originally signed in the summer of 2001 from North West Counties side Skelmersdale United for £3,000 after a series of impressive pre-season performances. However, the Liverpool born left-footer found first-team opportunities limited and after only 5 substitute Conference appearances was sold in June 2002 to Liam Watson at Runcorn FC Halton.

The 24-year old was one of 7 former Southport youngsters under Watson at the Halton Stadium, who clearly had an eye for talented prospects, working within a restricted budget. The departure of Leadbetter disappointed many Southport fans and he showed what they have been missing with an impressive performance and well taken goal in Runcorn’s 3-0 win at Haig Avenue earlier in the season.

With play-maker Lee Ashcroft out for a lengthy period with medial knee ligament damage, Leadbetter will have a big pair of boots to fill and is included in the squad to face Blyth Spartans at Haig Avenue on Saturday. Watson will be hoping Leadbetter re-pays his manager’s faith with immediate effect as the ‘Port have failed miserably in front of goal in recent weeks.

The Sandgrounders have netted only 15 times in their last 13 outings and struggled after the enforced departure of Ashcroft in the home draw against Wakefield and Emley. Despite bossing the home game against Bradford Park Avenue, the lack of fire power cost the ‘Port them dearly with a last minute sucker punch.

The deal also includes the release of Liam Watson and Neil Whalley’s player registration and after a struggle with their former employers, Watson is set to play in the reserve fixture at Home to Ossett Town next Friday evening.

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The managerial duo moved to Haig Avenue in October, however, were denied the opportunity to play for the Sandgrounders by Halton chairman Dr David Robinson who was reportedly holing out for a fee. In November, Watson claimed he had ‘asked them every week since leaving to release my registration but they want money, even though they said there would be no problem when I got the Southport job. I think they are sulking because I signed Steve Daly from them.’

Watson has Football League experience for Preston North End, after signing for John Beck for £60,000 along with his now assistant Whalley after joining from Warrington Town. However, the majority of Watson’s career was spent in the football pyramid where he became one of the most respected strikers. He has netted over 200 UniBond League goals and in 2002 netted his 100th goal for Runcorn in his second spell with the club along with international honours with England at semi-professional level.

33-year old Watson declared his wish to play in the FA Trophy defeat at Altrincham and with a shortage of players and a current misfiring forward line may be forced to include himself in the forthcoming games. Watson will play for the reserves at home to Ossett Town next Friday evening.

Neil Whalley, at 38 is also no stranger to the non-league scene and has been one of the most commanding defenders in the league in recent season. Whalley captained Preston North End on 75 occasions and maybe forced to act as defensive cover with only 2 recognised centre-halves in the current Southport squad.

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Boss Liam Watson faces fierce competition form Potts’ former club Stalybridge Celtic for the signature of the highly rated 25-year old.

Potts joined the Vics 2 months ago from Stalybridge for £5,000, however has been made available after being told he does not feature in the future plans of new manager Shaun Teale. The Bower Fold outfit are eager to re-sign the former Rochdale man, however, based in Preston, it is believed Potts may prefer a move close to his Lancashire home.

Colin is the son of the former Preston player Eric and with 22 goals in 67 appearances for Celtic, the right-winger clearly has an attacking eye for goal, breaking from his midfield position.

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Ashcroft limped off after only 11 minutes in Saturday’s home draw with strugglers Wakefield & Emley and physio, Bret Harris has said is it is too early to diagnose to full extent of the injury, but it looks like suspected medial ligament damage. If this is the case, the former Wigan and Preston favourite will be out for a lengthy period.

The Sandgrounders struggled once their influential playmaker departed at the weekend and failed to create and real opportunities. Lee Mulvaney was paired upfront with Steve Daly for the rest of the match, however, failed to register a clear attempt on goal.

Ashcroft has already missed a spell of 8 consecutive matches this campaign, failing to register a victory during that period. And this news comes at a bad time for all concerned with Southport, as the fixture schedule increases and the push for a top 13 place picks up pace.

Watson indicated after the Wakefield draw that he is hoping to sign 3 more players in time for the weekend’s home fixture against Blyth Spartans, and he will have to buy carefully if he is to replace such an indispensable member of the team.

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After making his first team debut last season, McGuire fastly became a Conference regular because of the serious injury problems at the back end of last season. However, after making 15 starts last campaign, the Ormskirk born midfielder, who turns 20 at the end of this month has found first team opportunity limited this term.

McGuire started the season on the bench but only has one appearance to his name under new manager Liam Watson. Following his red card in that game in the Lancashire Trophy against Colne, an act Watson labeled ‘cowardly,’ McGuire has not featured and was made available for loan in early December.

McGuire broke through from the reserve side along with Lee Mulvaney, however is still relevantly inexperienced and manager Watson will be looking for the youngster to gain vital match practice in Cables’ UniBond Division One first team, rather than stay in the Lancashire League second string side.

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Davis re-joined the Sandgrounders in December after an operation on a troublesome injury, with the understanding that he was free to go on trial at a Football League club. The 21-year old Manchester born defender was released by Burnley in the summer following 8 matches on loan at Haig Avenue at the back end of last season.

Swans manager Brian Flynn must be considering a possible move for the powerhouse defender and after he completed the initial agreement last week, Flynn has decided to take an extra look at Davis. Flynn will be looking for a possible replacement for highly rated 18-year old Richard Duffy who is currently in transfer talks with Premiership side Portsmouth. With a £400,000 bid already rejected for Duffy, boss Flynn will have money at his disposal for a possible replacement, although any Davis move will be free.

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Watson's revolution has radically shaken up his squad and now the Port's renaissance can begin in earnest, building for an assault back into the of wide Conference.

The Sandgrounders have a home Haig Avenue double header with six points a springboard to a great start for 2004. Blyth Spartans provide the opposition next Saturday. Watson and assistant Neil Whalley have two targets, to get secure in the top ten immediately and between now and the end of the season finish as high as possible - a top six finishing place is not beyond them as the new-look squad gels.

Confidence will continue to grow in the squad and on the terraces if they can get on a winning run and the magnificent New Year's day gate emphasises the potential to attract supporters is in the town.

The Sandgrounders need to build on their first double of the season, recorded on New Year's Day with a 2-1 victory over Burscough.

On loan Macclesfield striker Neil Robinson who made an impressive debut as a substitute at Marine on Boxing Day before suffering a knee injury could also be added to the squad after receiving treatment at Moss Road this week.

Earl Davis completes his trial at Swansea and the Port management team have to wait on decisions made at the Vetch as to whether Davis becomes a Swan or remains a Sandgrounder.

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Formby could have done with the Blues defender for the game as Southport showed their class and experience against a side three leagues below them in the pyramid.

The Sandgrounders' Man of the Match, Lee Ashcroft, has commanded transfer fees in excess of £2m in his career - compare this to the entire Formby team who pay to play football for the Squirrels -and the gulf between the two sides is clear.

However Formby never disgraced themselves in the game, but were undone by a whirlwind Southport side who scored four of their goals in the opening 20 minutes and led 5-1 at the break. The home side knuckled down in the second half and matched Southport for long periods before conceding two further goals.

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Davis joined the Sandgrounders for a second spell on 19th December, however has only made two appearances since his return. Davis impressed in his 8 games while on loan from Burnley at the back end of last season, however, after being released by the Turf Moor outfit, joined Southport knowing he was free to go on trial at a Football League club.

21-year old Davis has clearly caught the eye of Swans boss Brian Flynn, who is not stranger to unearthing raw talent, after taking former ‘Port striker Lee Trundle from Rhyl to Wrexham while at the Racecourse ground. He then followed his down to South Wales.

The Manchester born defender certainly has a prosperous career ahead of him, however has failed to force his way into the Division One first team after being brought through the Burnley ranks by Stan Ternent.

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The ‘Port will make the journey over to Lincolnshire to play Gainsborough on Tuesday 17th February 2004 before hosting strugglers Vauxhall also in the UniBond Premier League on Saturday 28th February 2004.

The Sandgrounders were originally due to play Gainsborough on 25th October, however their participation in the 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup meant the fixture had to rearranged. After finishing 15th last season, the Blues have been a surprise package in the UniBond league, currently sitting in 6th place, 11 points above Southport, having only lose once since early September.

Vauxhall Motors’ provisional trip to Haig Avenue was set for Tuesday 14th October, however was postponed because the Cheshire side’s cup commitments. They had drawn with Bradford Park Avenue the pervious Saturday and forced a replay, which they eventually lost.

February 28th was supposed to see Southport play Wakefield and Emley, but, because of possible fixture postponements and to prevent fixture backlog, that game was moved forward to this Saturday (10th January) as neither side were involved in the FA Trophy.

Vauxhall have recorded only one league victory since they knocked the Sandgrounders out of the FA Cup in September. Following the departure of manager Alvin McDonald to Northwich Victoria, new boss Owen Brown has failed to win in 11 attempts, conceding 32 goals and gaining only 3 points. The early cup exit ended former manager Mike Walsh’s reign as ‘Port boss and on current form, the Sandgrounders should be able to settle the scores with the Motormen.

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The Brewery Field pitch failed to pass a pitch inspection at 10am and with continuous rain forecast for the remainder of the afternoon, the referee was in no doubt to postpone the fixture.

This comes as a huge blow for Liam Watson and his Sandgrounders who were no doubt looking forward to continuing a good run of form and were hoping to have a quick rise up the UniBond Premier League table. Spennymoor who currently sit below the 'Port in the form guide have won only once in their last six matches, conceding 12 goals and looked like the ideal opposition to end a tricky away run, but will have to wait until 31st January and Vauxhall Motors for another chance of an away league victory.

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But the Port will be without Peter Thomson, last season's top scorer.

The transfer-listed striker has become another Port player to join Phil Wilson's Lancaster. He turned down a move to Conference basement club Northwich Victoria.

Thomson disappointed in the run-in last season, missing too many matches with niggling injuries and despite manager Liam Watson giving the ex-Luton striker the chance to lead the line he decided Thomson's lack of team play and unpredictability was not for him.

Neil Whitworth has joined Radcliffe while Danny Stone is still on the list.

Watson has told Liam McGuire he must have a spell in the reserves as clubs are offered the midfielder on loan.

Better news for Mark Byrne. The ex-Burscough FA Trophy winger has returned from injury and put in an impressive performance for the reserves last Saturday. He will be included in the 14-man squad for the trip to Spennymoor. On-loan Macclesfield striker Neil Robinson made an immediate impact at Marine on Boxing Day but he picked up a 76th minute knock on the knee and he was ruled out of yesterday's Burscough match. Physio Bret Harris will make a decision and keep the Macc backroom staff informed.

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