Southport lose boss Gary Brabin to Everton

SOUTHPORT have been rocked after Gary Brabin left the Sandgrounders for Premier League side Everton.

The former Cambridge and Luton boss returned to Southport – where he had a brief two-month spell in charge in 2008 – in October.

He replaced the axed Martin Foyle and led the Sandgrounders to the third round of the FA Cup, where they narrowly lost to Derby County, as well as up to 20th in the Vanarama Conference.

Brabin, an Everton fan, has left the club to join the coaching staff at Goodison Park. He will be responsible for the club’s youngsters up to U21 level. He will be replaced as manager by his assistant Paul Carden.

Southport chairman Charlie Clapham said: “We gave Gary a manager’s post after a couple of years out of the game

“It is a compliment to both Gary and Southport that Everton want our manager for such a prestigious role.

“It’s Gary’s lifelong ambition to be part of Everton and sometimes in life things happen when you are not expecting them to. I would not want to stop Gary achieving his ambition and genuinely wish him all the best.”