Keeper Hanford Becomes Watson's First New Signing For Port

Goalkeeper Dan Hanford has joined Vanarama National League North club Southport FC as their first summer signing ahead of the 2018/19 season.

Hanford brings higher level and international experience to Port, having made twenty-seven League appearances, fifty-nine National League appearances and representing Wales at under-17 and under-19 level.

Hanford joins on a two-year contract at the Merseyrail Community Stadium.

He started his career in Swansea City’s youth set-up before moving to Evo-Stik League North side Clitheroe in 2010, appearing in every game that season.

Hanford then joined the Glen Hoddle Academy in Spain and spent time at Jerez.

The Swansea-born keeper then moved to Hereford United where he spent two years.

After a spell in Malta - lifting the Maltese FA Trophy in the process - Hanford then joined SkyBet League Two side Carlisle United, making thirty-three appearances in two years.

Most recently, he has played for National League side Gateshead, making forty-seven appearances.

On joining the club Hanford told southportfc.net: “After speaking to everyone at the club, I just thought they were going in the right direction. It’s something that I wanted to be a part of. Southport have ambitions to be in the EFL and they want to do it the right way so after speaking to the Board and the Management I thought it was the right thing to do, so when the club showed interest, it was something I wanted to sort straight away.”

Returning manager Liam Watson said of his first summer signing: “Dan brings experience at the back. He’s been playing at a higher level. He’s 27-years-old, a good age for a goalkeeper. It gives us two goalkeepers of a good standard and they can fight it out for the number one spot”.

Where next?

Tickets: Vanarama National League's Big Day Out 4! Ticket information for the Vanarama National League Promotion Final to be played at Wembley Stadium connected by EE, on Saturday 12th May with a 3.00pm kick off.
FC Halifax Release Young Defender & Winger FC Halifax Town have announced that Ross Barrows and Shiraz Khan have let the Vanarama National League club.

Southport Video playlist

Match centre

Vanarama National League North
Vanarama National League South
National League Cup Group A

Latest photos

102 photos
Woking (Home) - 24/25
100 photos
Woking (Home) - 24/25