Southport Football Club are preparing for a significant change after their first-team manager stepped down from his role following a difficult start to the new National League North campaign.
The departure comes at a particularly important time for the club, with Southport set to face arch-rivals Morecambe on Tuesday in what will be their first competitive meeting for 20 years.
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Southport confirmed the managerial change in an official statement, revealing that the departing boss will remain involved in the short term while the club manages the transition and considers its next steps.
Assistant manager Mark Duffy will take temporary charge of the first team for Tuesday night’s fixture, while a further update on the permanent managerial position is expected in due course.
The man at the centre of the development is former Liverpool academy coach Neil Danns, who has chosen to step aside from his position as Southport first-team manager.
Danns, father of Liverpool striker Jayden Danns, who previously worked within Liverpool’s academy setup before moving into management, took charge of Southport at the beginning of last season.
His time at Haig Avenue included some memorable moments, although the club have endured a difficult opening to the current campaign.
Southport’s latest setback came in a 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Spalding United, a result which left the club sitting 22nd in the National League North table.
The team have collected just five points from their opening six league matches and have managed only one competitive victory so far this season.
That win came in an impressive 4-1 triumph over Bedford Town at Haig Avenue.
Of particular concern will be Southport’s record against newly promoted opposition, with the club collecting just one point from matches against three newly promoted sides during their opening six games.
However, Danns’ time as manager was not without positive moments.
After a similarly difficult start to his first season, a significant squad rebuild midway through the campaign helped spark a major improvement in results.
Southport enjoyed a nine-match unbeaten run in the league and also recorded notable FA Trophy victories over AFC Fylde and Yeovil Town.
The club eventually came within 90 minutes of reaching Wembley before falling short against Southend United at a sold-out Haig Avenue.
Southport owners Dave Cunningham and Kieran Malone paid tribute to Danns following his decision, praising the commitment and care he showed during his time in charge.
They highlighted the relationships he built with players, staff and supporters and insisted that he had always worked with the club’s best interests at heart.
Danns will now leave the managerial role with Southport searching for a new permanent direction, while Duffy takes charge of the immediate challenge against Morecambe.
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