Southport unable to persuade Luke George to stay but sign local lad Andy Wright

Phot0: Luke George

Paul Carden has stated on the club website that he has been unable to agree terms with Luke George. Luke George was offered terms by Paul Carden just after he became manager and again in the last week but on both occasions Luke George and his agent has turned them down leaving the Port manager having to look elsewhere. Paul Carden said “I wish Luke good luck for the future and along with our supporters thank Luke for his service to Southport Football Club. He has made his choice and I respect that.” .

On more positive note Carden has made four new signings and has re-engaged on contracts five players-Paul Rutherford, Louis Almond, Paul Smith, Connor McCarthy and Matty Challoner.

New players include 33-year-old Peter Cavanagh who joins from Altrincham. Cavanagh will be Paul Carden’s player coach as his first step into a management role.

Photo: Peter Cavanagh

Also with considerable Football League experience is the Southport born and bred midfielder Andy Wright who joins from Morecambe having also played for Scunthorpe, Grimsby and in the USA.

Photo: Andy Wright

Following a spell at Ayr United former Bolton Wanderers and Hyde left back Adam Blakeman moves back closer to his Burscough base, Adam is the younger brother of ex Port players Chris and Liam Blakeman.

Nineteen year old striker Jamie Allen has signed from Fleetwood, having already achieved Football League appearances and will compete upfront with the mightily impressive end of season find Connor McCarthy, who is now a contracted ‘Port player. Also back at the Merseyrail Community Stadium are Paul Rutherford who gave 100 per cent throughout last season, Players Player of the Year Paul Smith and the now Conference battle hardened Matty Challoner who will be aiming to make the right back position his for the season. Louis Almond also has earned a contract having initially joined the squad in the run in and will really benefit from pre season and being part of a settled squad.

With key players Luke Foster and Richard Brodie agreeing terms early in the close season along with Charlie Joyce, Paul Carden has now got the basis of his squad in place with an experienced goalkeeper a priority along with further additions to come in through the summer close season and early in pre season.

Report Courtesy of Southport FC website

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