Though the team displayed a startling inconsistency in 1984-85 they were still lying eighth in the table when a heated discussion between Chairman and Manager immediately after the Lancashire Junior Cup defeat at Morecambe in December led to his instantaneous dismissal. One can only say it was the classic conflict

On the field the season of 1983-84 was undistinguished. Off the field it was a season of great change. Southport started the season with Russ Perkins at the helm, and Alex Gibson and Bob Johnston assisting. Having brought a number of players in over the summer Perkins was hopeful of a season

Yet the troubles were not quite over; Jim Gudgeon, appointed Managing Director in March 1982, resigned in the July and rumours soon abounded that the club was 'up for sale'. Colin Hall announced that a consortium headed by player-manager John Johnson had taken over the running of the club for

Half of the 42 games were lost in 1979-80, with only one fewer defeat in the season which followed. Harry McNally resigned as Manager early in September 1979, to be replaced by Jimmy Melia in the capacity of 'acting manager' only. It was January before a proper appointment was made