Jim Bentley believes he has unfinished business in the National League North as he looks to awaken ‘sleeping giants’ Southport.
Former Rushden & Diamonds striker Andy Burgess and David Morgan, previously of Accrington Stanley, were installed as joint caretaker managers following Watson’s exit. “I’m really pleased, I’ve been out of work and wanted to get back in, it’s an opportunity at a club that is local to me,” Bentley told the ECHO.
Bentley added: “It’s an ex-Football League club at the end of the day, they’ve had decent crowds and they’re well supported.“They’ve got a good history but for whatever reason, it hasn’t worked out, it’s had a difficult couple of years and now they're in the position they find themselves in. The summer brought the return of Marcus Carver, on loan from Scunthorpe United, but they have endured pre-season and the opening six games without last season’s top goalscorer, Jordan Archer.
“There’s a lot of football to be played but we’ve got to assess, look at what we’ve got, what we need and try build relationships as quick as we can. Bentley admitted that discussions with chairman Ian Kyle over finances are yet to take place - however, he has been given the all-clear to pursue options.
“I’ve discussed the scope to get players, he’s given me that green light,” the new Southport boss continued. “We need bodies, we need quality, we need to get better, it does need a little bit of something because the league table doesn’t lie, the goals against and [goals] for tally don’t lie either.“I’ve already spoken to one or two managers of other clubs just to see what players are knocking about.
More recently, he took charge of the Dale when they sat at the foot of the Football League. A number of differing factors added problems for Bentley at Spotland and he was relieved of his duties after just seven wins in 37 games. After a win and a draw to open their campaign, the Bulls have suffered three straight defeats with newly-promoted Tamworth hitting them for four on Monday.
“We have to go there with no fear, give it our absolute all, enjoy the challenge, no one in the game will feel sorry for you, that’s one thing I have learned. “Naturally it [a response] will happen because a new manager comes in, players always look to impress,” he began.