Off The Park’s non-league notebook brings you insight into the behind-the-scenes at football clubs around Merseyside including Southport and Bootle.
Charlie Oliver and Michael Carberry are among the players leaving Southport this summer as part of the clear-out at Haig Avenue. More are set to follow as Liam Watson plots to challenge the upper reaches of the National League North next season.
Scouting has been well underway for months and negotiations are set to begin for their targets. As many as five new players could arrive this summer while the new budget also permits a ‘big hitter’ or two.
Ian Kyle confirmed that there will be a scouting and analytical addition at the Sandgrounders in an interview with the club. There was news on their search for a new assistant manager which will be confirmed this week in what is an exciting switch for the club.
Off The Park understands that the incoming coach has experience of managing semi-professional football and comes to the club highly regarded with a CV to match.
Prescot Cables made their first acquisition of the summer in James McCarten following the end of his time at rivals, Bootle.
Having already secured the services of Mitch Allen long-term, the club are now looking to secure their other squad assets for the upcoming season
Pre-season is set to get underway towards the end of June for the Bulls as they start their friendlies in July.
Bootle are formalising their retained list as James McCarten and Conor Millington became the first two to express their gratitude to fans for their time at Vesty Road. It is understood a further six will be leaving.
Ben Hodkinson’s return provided a boost during the interim period following the conclusion of the 2022-23 campaign as eyes turn to next season. Off The Park understands there is a shortlist for each position as the Bucks look to strengthen their squad and improve on last season’s 13th-place finish.
At Lower Breck, pre-season will begin in early June with seven friendlies pencilled in. A number of conversations have been held with targets as they look to strengthen for the upcoming campaign ahead of an improved season in 2023/24.
Warrington Rylands’ preparations for the new season will kick-off at the beginning of July as discussions continue over incomings and outgoings.
There is a tighter budget in place at Gorsey Lane for the upcoming season which will see the Blues table offers for only the right players. There is no rush for acquisitions but a few are tied up already.
