Southport appoint former Bolton and England striker Davies as new manager

(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)
By Matt Bishop
Southport have appointed former Bolton Wanderers and England striker Kevin Davies as the club's new manager.
The 40-year-old, who played over 350 times for the Trotters between 2003-2013, scored 123 goals during a career that also included spells at Preston, Blackburn and Southampton and earned him one cap for his country.
Joining with John Dreyer as his assistant, this will be Davies' first managerial role and he cannot wait to get started at the National League North side.
Speaking to the club's Twitter account, the Bolton legend said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the new Southport manager. This is a great opportunity and the timing is right for me.
“This is a very exciting time to be involved with Southport FC with new investment to develop the stadium and infrastructure.
“Football is about creating memories and I will be working tirelessly to take the club forward in a positive direction.”
Former Southport manager Alan Lewer left the club at the end of September, and the club are currently languishing 16th in the league following a run of five straight defeats.
Nevertheless, Sandgrounders director Phil Hodgkinson is feeling positive, saying: “This is the beginning of a new era and a statement of our intent to inject a different, more modern approach.
“We are taking Southport FC on an exciting journey and we need the support of the town with our pledge that we will deliver.”