Southport Football Club can confirm that Director Phil Hodgkinson will be leaving the Club, both as a Director and shareholder, with a view to his taking over as Chairman and Majority shareholder at Huddersfield Town Football Club, once the necessary approvals have been received.


Director Ian Kyle said, “It is with a very heavy heart that everyone at Southport Football Club says goodbye to Phil, whilst at the same time wishing him all the very best of luck at Huddersfield.

For me personally, I have worked hand in hand with Phil on a daily basis for the last 20 months or so, and enjoyed every minute of it. The texts from Phil usually start at around 7am most days, and this is indicative of the passion and drive that he has had for this Club.


When I first met Phil it was by way of a meeting between him and the then Board to try and unite everyone who had the best interests of the Club at heart after a summer of turmoil. I was in no doubt, from the first minute of that meeting, that Phil wanted nothing but the very best for the Club.

Since then, he has played a huge part in turning the Club around, both in respect of stability on the pitch, and of course by planning and carrying through the rebuild of the main stand.

Our intention on day one was to stabilise a playing staff which was very much like a revolving door, improve performances on the pitch, and give the Club the opportunity to become self-sufficient. Phil has never waivered from this , even when the opportunity of Huddersfield became a reality.


We are now preparing for the new season having won both local cups, and for the first time since my arrival, having a core of good players contracted for next season. Off the pitch, the hospitality has had great reviews all season, and we have in excess of 40 events booked in already for the next 12 months. We are clearly much closer to the self-sufficiency target.


Clearly all of this has taken much investment, a large proportion of which has come from Phil. Indeed, Phil has, very much in keeping with his character, further agreed that upon leaving he will be responsible for any outstanding creditors, ensuring that the Club moves into next season debt free.

People talk about players being an “asset” to a Club. I am in no doubt that Phil will be considered one of the biggest assets that this Club has ever had. I am sure that everyone involved with Southport Football Club will join me in expressing huge gratitude to Phil, and wishing him all the best with his new and very exciting journey with Huddersfield Town. I certainly expect to see Phil and Josh back at Merseyrail Community Stadium on a regular basis.



Phil will, prior to the transaction being completed, be selling his shares to myself , Liam Watson, and Steven Porter. I welcome Liam and Steve on to the Board. Both Liam and Steve are Southport FC through and through, and I feel extremely confident moving forward with the two of them as part of a new Board, and excited at the opportunities now lying in front of us.


UP THE PORT! UP THE TERRIERS!

There will be houses built on the football stadiums grounds in the next 10 years Ladbrokes are already offering 7/1

Originally Posted by theskinners

There will be houses built on the football stadiums grounds in the next 10 years Ladbrokes are already offering 7/1

They've been saying that for the last 60 odd years and 7-1 are long odds.

Originally Posted by theskinners

there will be houses built on the football stadiums grounds in the next 10 years ladbrokes are already offering 7/1

.

Originally Posted by theskinners

There will be houses built on the football stadiums grounds in the next 10 years Ladbrokes are already offering 7/1

Club have a lease until 2073 so I bet you £1000 there won't be.

How long did the Thompson family have a lease on the fairground for before Sefton got it back a lease is not worth the paper it's written on just like a guarantee

Originally Posted by theskinners

How long did the Thompson family have a lease on the fairground for before Sefton got it back a lease is not worth the paper it's written on just like a guarantee

They gave the lease up.

Originally Posted by theskinners

There will be houses built on the football stadiums grounds in the next 10 years Ladbrokes are already offering 7/1

And why not? Would make an excellent brownfield site. Should be able to squeeze a fair few houses on there. It’s not like it’s exactly home to any quality football. We could do with some quality affordable housing for first time buyers and would be a much more favourable option than destroying any green belt land and habitats for wildlife like the carbuncle they’re throwing up in Kew. Great idea!

Well with Watson now a shareholder and board member he'll be manager for life. God help us all.