THE NEW SEASON | Steve Haw Relishing New Role

As a player, Steve Haw was the leading figure in what is still regarded as one of Southport’s best-ever seasons.

Few campaigns evoke fonder memories at the Merseyrail Community Stadium than 1992-93, when Haw struck 31 goals to lead the Sandgrounders to the Northern Premier League title and secure a place at the top level of Non-League football for the first time.

The coming season marks 25 years since that landmark campaign, and having turned back the clock by returning to the club this summer, Haw is again looking to play his part in putting Southport on an upward curve.

Haw’s achievements during that season went down in history, setting what was then a club record for the number of league goals scored in a campaign, including four hat-tricks, as Brian Kettle’s team fired in more than 100 goals and racked up 96 points.

Amid the many comings and goings at Southport since the end of last season, Haw is back as general manager – a role that sees him assume responsibility for the day-to-day running of the club.

A lot has changed at Southport since Haw’s playing days, not least in recent months, but he returns at a time when the Sandgrounders are looking to plot a route back into Non-League football’s first tier, just as they did during that unforgettable season.

“The year we won the league was an exceptional season with a fantastic team,” Haw recalls.

“We had a great bunch of lads who we kept together after promotion for our inaugural season in what was then the Conference when we went on to finish fourth.

“Winning the league was brilliant, I scored lots of goals and if you do that then you tend to have a successful team. I was a striker but we had goals throughout the team in Peter Withers, David Gamble and even defenders like Derek Goulding and Leroy Dove contributed.

“It’s always nice to look at individual records, but it’s a team-driven game and our success together is the thing we remember the most.

“There’s nothing quite like playing football and you want to play for as long as you can but a time comes for everyone when you’ve got to stop playing.

“I may not be playing any more but it’s fantastic being around the club and you still get that buzz at the start of a new season like this.”

Southport’s relegation from the Vanarama National League last season has led to an overhaul in the playing squad, and Haw’s return is one of many changes to have also taken place off the pitch.

His arrival followed the appointment of manager Alan Lewer and Mark Wright as Head of Development, and Haw is keen to see the Sandgrounders make progress on several fronts.

“It’s great to be back at the club, renewing old friendships and making some new ones,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to being back in a completely different role. My job in the club is one that wouldn’t change no matter what level of football you’re at.

“I’m looking after the stadium, the pitch, training facilities, the corporate and catering side of things and there are a few other projects that we’ve got in the pipeline.

“We’re engaging more with the schools and we’ve got some great ideas to deliver with the community. Those aren’t just buzz-words, these ideas are going to happen.

“I retire from the Fire Service after almost 30 years at the end of October and I was looking for something different. The role that Haydn Preece did has been split up between a couple of people and as general manager I’ll essentially be looking after the club.

“I knew Mark when he was last here and Alan has been around Non-League football for a long time. My role isn’t to work directly with them on the football side, it is to work alongside them. If they want something, then it’s my job to try and make it happen.”

Southport kick off the new season on Saturday at home to Boston United, one of the bigger clubs in what promises to be a highly-competitive National League North.

A number of teams in the division boast significant financial muscle, but Haw reckons the Sandgrounders have got what it takes to be successful and wants the support from the stands to make a difference.

“The past few seasons have been disappointing but sometimes you’ve got to take a step back to take two steps forward,” says Haw.

“This is going to be a tough league. There are five or six clubs who have got lots of money, some are full-time and they have spent big: Salford City, York City, Stockport County, Kidderminster Harriers, Darlington and there are others.

“Competing against these clubs will be difficult but I think Alan and Mark have brought together a really good group of lads.

“I genuinely think there are some good times ahead. It’s a new start but we can’t do it on our own. No football club can achieve success without the support of the town.

“I’ve played in front of a packed crowd at Southport and it’s a fantastic environment, not only to play in but just being there.

“We really want the people to come and get behind us. I think the quality of football here this season will be good and if we can get more people behind us it will give everyone a great lift.”