The Haig Avenue shake-up has peaked, with the decision by ‘Port manager Liam Watson to release two players and transfer list a further trio as the club makes way for impending signings.

Striker Peter Thomson and defenders Neil Whitworth and Danny Stone have been made available for sale while non-contracted players Graeme Atkinson and Tony Hallam have been released with immediate effect. Young midfield prospect Liam McGuire has also been made available for three-month loan, as the ‘Port coaching staff make room for possible signings. ‘I have to work within the budget,’ Watson explained. ‘There is one player that I am hoping to bring in soon but arrivals will have to be matched by departures.’

Nine goals is not good enough to keep Peter Thomson at Haig Avenue



Saturday’s FA Trophy defeat to Altrincham was the last straw for a number of players as far as Watson was concerned, accusing them of lacking ‘character and heart.’ Despite a recent scoring spree of eight goals in nine matches, Peter Thomson, the club’s top goalscorer last season has clearly failed to make an impact upon the ‘Port boss and leads a list of high profile casualties. The former Luton target-man has started all eight of Watson’s League games so far after failing to begin a match this campaign under former manager Mike Walsh. Following his transfer from Kenilworth Road in the summer of 2002, Thomson became an instant hit with the Southport fans, netting 15 goals in his first season. However, a number of inconsistent performances have frustrated large quarters of the Haig Avenue crowd and the club have already had inquiries from Conference sides Leigh and Northwich along with two UniBond sides. The ‘Port are reportedly holding out for a fee or exchange deal.

Thomson celebrates his first strike of the season with another departed player Steve Soley



Also listed is former Manchester United and Wigan central defender Neil Whitworth, an ever present so far this season. Singed in the summer from Exeter City by ex- boss Walsh, the 31-year old, Ince born defender was at the heart of the defence which kept four successive clean sheets in a start to the season which promised so much, however has since been suspect with aerial frailties. Fellow centre-half Tony Hallam has been released from his non-contract after being loaned from Morecambe in September before being released by the Shrimps at the back end of last month. These departures will most definitely signal a new defensive partnership as Watson looks to re-build his back line.

A new central defensive pairing are expected as Neil Whitworth is also shown the door



Fellow centre-half Tony Hallam has been released with immediate effect



Former Notts County youngster Danny Stone has had his name circulated after a recent ankle injury has restricted him to only 8 starts this season, all of which came under Mike Walsh at right-back. Stone played in County’s FA Cup defeat to the Sandgrounders last season, but has been told he can leave without kicking a ball under Watson.

Graeme Atkinson has also had an end put to his short Haig Avenue stay of just over three months. The experienced midfielder whose former clubs include Rochdale and Preston has featured in three of Watson’s 12 matches at Southport after a hamstring injury has dogged him in recent weeks.

Graeme Atkison has been released after just over three months at the club



And finally, Liam McGuire who was publicly criticised by Watson after a recent red-card against Colne has been made available for a loan deal, expected to be for three months. The 19-year old who was thrown into a Conference dogfight following mounting injuries last season has only made four starts this term and any temporary deal will be seen as valuable experience for the young prospect as he looks to mature in his footballing education at a level higher than the reserve team.

Liam McGuire has been made available for loan



These departures and decisions will certainly have acted as a wake up call for the remaining members of the Southport side, who will surely now know than any less than 100% for Southport FC and manager Liam Watson is not going to be tolerated. The Haig Avenue boss said ‘We can sort out Southport Football Club. We need a better squad, better team spirit and produce a lot better performances for the fans.’ Watson’s ambition is a top 13 finish, which will mean subsequent Conference North qualification. ‘As far as I’m concerned, our season starts next Saturday, against Bradford Park Avenue.’