Hopes of a return to the Football League were probably at their highest ever as
we kicked off the 2000/01 season. One win in the first four games put us on the
back foot but improved form saw us in second place at the end of November and
hopes remained high. We never dropped below fourth from then on in but realistically
were never in with a true shout. The gates were holding up well, the Wright profile
ensured great media coverage but it was clear that his thirst for success was
not going to happen at Haig Avenue and it came as no surprise when he left the
club at the end of the season with several players following him out of the door.
We reached the Second Round of The FA Cup going down 2-1 at home to Kingstonian
in front of 3659 home fans, an excellent turn out. Kingstonian went on to draw
Arsenal. The Trophy once again saw us reach the Quarter Final and the town responded
once again with 800 making the trip to Chester to see us go down to a highly controversial
1-0 defeat. No matter how many times you watch the DVD of the game you can never
see why referee Bobby Pollock, famously quoted as being an “Everton Fan”
by Wright, gave the free kick that lead to the goal.
Source: The Complete Non-League History of Southport Football Club 1978 - 2008, by Trust in Yellow (Legends Publishing, 2008). ISBN 978-1-906796-01-3
