LIFE PRESIDENT | Sam Shrouder
Southport FC are pleased and honoured to announce that Sam Shrouder has been invited to take the role of Honorary Life President, an invitation that he has accepted.
Sam was of course previously Vice Chairman of Southport from 1995 until 2017.
In his ‘other life,’ Sam is one of the most liked people in show business, having spent his entire working life in the entertainment industry.
Brought up in Aughton, he has followed Southport since 1954, initially sponsoring the club through Apollo Leisure in his guise as CEO. Since then, he has made the journey back up north from his home in far flung southern locations such as Oxford, Kingsbridge and Cheltenham to support the club.
Sam has experienced the highs and lows at Southport from promotion to relegation, with a few memorable FA Cup games along the way.
There are many stories we could relay here about Sam’s time as Vice Chairman but these are best saved for Sam to relay himself on a matchday when he will hopefully be a frequent compere in both the hospitality lounge and the new fanzone.
Director Steven Porter said: “As soon as Ian Kyle mentioned to me the possibility of our appointing a Life President there was only really for me one candidate for the position.
“Our last President was the late Jack Carr, a real character and true gentleman. It is a testament to the impact he had on the club that the role has laid dormant since his death.
“It is further an indication of the huge respect and admiration that everyone – fans and staff alike – hold for Sam that we feel he is the perfect person to step in to this role. Jack was the very heartbeat of the club, and I have no doubt Sam will be the same.
“I met Sam 30 years ago, and was immediately impressed by probably the most flamboyant, enthusiastic and positive person I have ever met. If he brings even an ounce of that to the hospitality lounge and bar on a matchday then it will be a very entertaining place to be!”
Sam responded to the invitation to become Honorary Life President by saying: “I feel both honoured and humbled to have been invited by Ian, Steven and Liam to become Southport FC’s Honorary Life President.
“My first match was at the end of the 1954-55 season when we drew with Scunthorpe United and I then happily joined the rollercoaster that is Southport FC!
“My Dad was a fan and he handed to me both the passion for the club as well as the ability to take disappointments with a smile! I first got involved when through Apollo Leisure I sponsored the Club for 11 years, whilst also then becoming vice chairman for over 20 years.
“I am delighted with the current direction of the club, and particularly that, with the club’s support, Dan Hayes has been able to form the Former Players’ Association. These are the people who created our history, as well as being my heroes, and I am delighted to be playing a part in this moving forward.
“As much as I can bore people with all my memories (and I will given half a chance!), I see my role as being about the present and the future.
The last President, Jack Carr, was a fantastic character and man, and whilst I could not dream of emulating him, I will try to bring to the ground a little of what he did for the club. I will be here to support the Board and everyone involved with the running of the club, to make everybody visiting feel most welcome, and generally help in any way that I can.
“My hope is that all people who care about Southport FC will now bond together and get behind Ian, Liam, Steve and of course the team.
“I would like to thank everyone at the Club for once again allowing me to be a small part of Southport Football Club”
Sam and his wife Linda will now be part and parcel of the matchday experience as often as they can make the six hour round trip.
Welcome back to the Club, Mr President!
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