Southport have announced a two-year contract extension for manager Jim Bentley, until June 2026.
Bentley has overseen an incredible shift in momentum at Southport since his initial one-year appointment in August, leading The Yellows to eight wins and three draws in 15 games.
In a club statement, the 47-year-old expressed a sense of community at the Big Help Stadium.
“The supporters and the players have been great since I arrived and really welcomed me in,” he said.
“We have work to do here, and the building blocks are in place and the foundations have been laid. I see a bright future for this club.”
The ex-Morecambe manager came back to Merseyside with a wealth of Football League experience, albeit following difficult spells at Rochdale and then National League North side, AFC Fylde.
The Port struggled at the start of this campaign that saw previous manager, Ian Watson, relieved of his duties after five defeats and a poor defensive record that saw The Yellows at the wrong end of the table.
The club has undergone massive change in recent weeks, being acquired by the Big Help Group who have pledged to take The Sandgrouders forward.
An initial promise from chairman, Peter Mitchell, outlined plans to “include immediate investment into the stadium and training facilities” alongside “giving Jim Bentley the funds that he needs”.
Mitchell spoke on BBC Merseyside this week, confirming the news – following a successful Fans’ Forum held at the stadium last week.
💬 "It's vital that we put the building blocks in place, because without the building blocks, the building won't stand."
🗣️ @southport_fc chairman, Peter Mitchell, spoke to @paulsaltysalt about Jim Bentley's new two-year contract
🎧 Hear the full interview on @BBCSounds ⤵️
— BBC Sport Merseyside (@bbcmerseysport) November 16, 2023
Southport will now turn to Isuzu FA Trophy action, hosting South Shields – for the second time in seven days – on Saturday 18 November at 3pm.
