Former Colchester United favourite lands managerial role at non-league side
FORMER Colchester United favourite Neil Danns has been named as Southport's new first-team manager.
The 42-year-old, who helped the U's achieve a historic promotion in 2006, has taken charge at the National League North club, succeeding Jim Bentley in the role.
Danns has taken up the role after leaving his role as assistant boss at League Two side Tranmere Rovers, where he had worked for the last two years.
READ MORE: Let us know your views in our U's End of Season survey
Danns said: 'I can't wait and I'm really excited. I'm really thankful for the opportunity.
'My job is to make sure we have a squad ready for pre-season, when we get down to work.'
Danns made 85 league and cup appearances for Colchester after joining them from Blackburn Rovers in December 2004, initially on loan.
He left the U's to join Birmingham City, in the summer of 2006.
Get to know our new First-Team Manager! Watch our exclusive sit-down interview with Neil Danns as he shares his ambitions for SFC. 👇 pic.twitter.com/epOsLJRuBv
— Southport Football Club (@southport_fc) May 12, 2025
Danns will be assisted in his new role by former Southport player, Mark Duffy.
Port finished the 2024/25 campaign in 18th place.
Southport said in a club statement: 'We are delighted to announce our new management team of Neil Danns as manager and Mark Duffy assistant manager.
'Neil joins the club after spending two years as Assistant Manager at Tranmere Rovers.
READ MORE: Ellis Iandolo makes positive statement after fine season
'Following a 20-year playing career, Neil made the transition into coaching and management, being appointed as player-manager by Macclesfield and leading them to promotion to the Northern Premier League as champions before being appointed as assistant manager at Tranmere Rovers in May 2023.
'Mark Duffy is no stranger to Haig Avenue where he made 103 appearances in total scoring 19 goals in all competitions.
'Mark was actually named as the head coach at Macclesfield following the departure of Neil Danns from Macc and after leaving The Silkmen he had a short spell as manager at Warrington Rylands.
'We extend a very warm welcome to Haig Avenue to Neil and Mark and hope they enjoy a successful time at the club.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Boxers deliver standout performances across three days of action
TWO boxers from Blackbird Leys ABC delivered standout performances across three thrilling days of action at the Ed Bilbey Box Cup in Grantham. Senior middleweight Jamal Franklin, 19, and youth welterweight Yousef Elmgraif, 17, represented the Oxford club. In the quarter-finals, Franklin was drawn against the highly-rated Tommy Naismith from York. Over three intense rounds, Franklin displayed sharp technical ability, adapting to his opponent's style and forcing a standing count in the final round. Franklin's dominance was reflected in a unanimous decision victory, setting the tone for a strong weekend. READ ALSO: Great and good pay tribute to former U's youth chief Elmgraif began his campaign against Nauman Ilyas of Solihull. Using his range and dynamic level changes, he overwhelmed his opponent, delivering three standing counts and forced a stoppage in the third round. Day two brought fresh challenges. Franklin faced local veteran Nathan Wallace (34) from Grantham ABC in the semi-finals. Despite Wallace's cut from the previous day reopening early in the bout, Franklin controlled much of the action, effectively evading wild charges while landing cleaner shots. In a result that surprised both corners, the bout was awarded to Wallace on a split decision. Elmgraif's semi-final saw him matched against Hayden Lloyd of Touch Gloves Grantham. Lloyd's style was no match for Elmgraif's relentless pressure and composed aggression, and earned another unanimous decision to book his place in the final. On finals day, Elmgraif faced Aidan Perry of White Rose Boxing Club for the Youth Class B under-67kg title. Undeterred by Perry's height advantage, Elmgraif worked both head and body with relentless forward pressure, again securing a unanimous decision and taking home the gold medal.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Three goals in three games as progress made with World Cup hopes
OLE Romeny scored the only goal of the game as Indonesia made progress with their hopes of 2026 World Cup qualification with victory at home against China. The Oxford United forward, who joined the U's for a record fee from FC Utrecht in January, netted the crucial winner from the penalty spot at the end of the first half. In doing so, Romeny made it three goals in three matches for Indonesia, having made his international debut in March. Romeny played 89 minutes against China before being withdrawn late on, as Ramadhan Sanata took his place. READ ALSO: Bristol Rovers expert gives verdict on loan of U's striker Australia's 1-0 win at the death at home against Japan earlier in the evening ensured Indonesia were no longer able to secure direct qualification, but they have still booked a fourth round qualification berth. Asia has been allocated eight direct spots to next year's World Cup, and another potential berth via the play-offs. In the third round of qualifying, 18 countries are divided into three groups of six. The group winners and runners-up qualify for the World Cup automatically, while the third and fourth-placed nations make it to the next round of qualifying. Indonesia are fourth in Group C, six points clear of Bahrain and China, with just one match left to play, and travel to group winners Japan for their final game on Tuesday.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Yahoo
Crewe midfielder Lunt signs new one-year contract
Owen Lunt made his first-team debut for Crewe as an 18-year-old in the EFL Trophy in November 2022 [Rex Features] Crewe midfielder Owen Lunt has signed a new one-year contract with the League Two club. The 20-year-old played 23 times for the Alex this season, either side of a three-month loan with National League North side Southport. Advertisement Lunt, nephew of Crewe legend Kenny Lunt, has been with the club for more than 10 years. Four of his five starts in 2024-25 came in the last four games of the season as Crewe finished in ninth place, eight points outside the play-offs. Lunt's new deal has the option for an additional 12 months and follows the club's recent signing of Harrogate Town's top goalscorer Josh March on a two-year contract.
