Southport without a manager after Duffy leaves following mutual termination

Thursday 22 October 2026 · By Lorna Ridley

Southport are without a manager after the club confirmed on Tuesday that Mark Duffy had left his position, just 19 days after he was appointed on a permanent basis.

In a statement, the club said: “Southport Football Club can confirm that Mark Duffy has left his position as First Team Manager following the mutual termination of his contract.” It added: “The club would like to thank Mark for his efforts and wish him all the best for the future.”

Duffy had been in charge of the first team since early September. He took over as caretaker when Neil Danns stepped aside on 6 September, and was given the job permanently on 1 October, when the club said he would bring in Craig Noone as his assistant.

His two games as permanent manager both ended in defeat, a 1–0 loss at Harborough Town followed by a 2–0 home defeat to Radcliffe on 17 October, according to the Doncaster Free Press.

The Southport Visiter reported that the departure came hours after the paper had raised now-deleted posts on Duffy’s X account with the club. The Visiter also reported that the account has since been removed. The club has not commented on the reasons for Duffy’s departure, beyond describing it as a mutual termination.

By Thursday lunchtime, the club had not announced who will take charge of the team for Saturday’s game. It means Southport could be on their third man in the dugout in seven weeks.

The defeat to Radcliffe left Southport 22nd in the Enterprise National League North, on nine points from 12 games. They have won only two league games all season, and are without a win in five. Their goal difference of minus 10 reflects the struggles at both ends of the pitch, with 23 goals conceded.

The gap to safety is three points. AFC Telford United and Radcliffe are both on 12 points, and whoever takes charge will need to find results quickly.

Saturday’s game is a difficult one. Southport travel to King’s Lynn Town, who are fourth and one of the surprise packages of the season. The game at The Walks kicks off at 3pm BST.

The week does not get any easier. Southport host leaders Macclesfield on Tuesday 27 October at 7.45pm, and then welcome AFC Telford United on Saturday 31 October at 3pm. Both kick-off times are GMT, following the clock change on Sunday 25 October. The Telford game, against a side also near the bottom of the table, could be a crucial one. Southport travel to South Shields on 7 November.

Southport also have a Liverpool Senior Cup tie at home to Ashton Town on Tuesday 10 November, with a 7.45pm GMT kick-off.

The search for stability at Haig Avenue goes on. The players will need to respond quickly to another change, and supporters will be hoping that the club can find the right appointment to lead the fight against relegation.