Mark Duffy exits Southport less than three weeks after landing manager’s job permanently

Southport have confirmed manager Mark Duffy has left his role at the National League North club less than three weeks after taking charge permanently following the ‘mutual termination’ of his contract.

The Sandgrounders announced Duffy’s departure in a brief statement, saying: “Southport Football Club can confirm that Mark Duffy has left his position as first team manager following the mutual termination of his contract.

“The club would like to thank Mark for his efforts and wish him all the best for the future.”

The former Sheffield United, Scunthorpe United and Macclesfield midfielder initially took caretaker charge following Neil Danns’ departure in early September after a poor start to the season, having served as his assistant since May 2025.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed Non-League news you need, subscribe to The Non-League Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

Short tenure

Duffy made a winning start with a 2-1 league victory over Morecambe, but Southport then lost to Worksop before being knocked out of the FA Cup by the Shrimps.

A 2-2 draw with Spennymoor Town followed before he was appointed permanently on October 1st.

Craig Noone joined the backroom staff as his assistant, with the former Southport winger returning to Haig Avenue from Warrington Town.

The appointment was presented as a move towards continuity after Danns’ exit, with owner David Cunningham backing Duffy despite acknowledging that some supporters had wanted a more experienced candidate.

Cunningham described the 41-year-old as a “breath of fresh air” and said he had identified problems within the squad.

Back-to-back defeats

Duffy said he was “extremely proud” to be given the job and believed Southport were not far away from turning things around.

However, defeats to Harborough Town and Radcliffe followed, with Southport stuck in the relegation zone with nine points from 12 games.

Duffy played for Southport between 2007 and 2009 before returning as Danns’ assistant.

The club must now find another manager, with a trip to King’s Lynn Town next up this Saturday.

READ MORE: Darlington part company with manager Steve Watson