Keith Paterson Steps Down as Southport FC Women’s Manager

Southport FC Women’s manager Keith Paterson has stepped down from his role two days after the opening league game of the new season. Paterson informed his players of the decision on Tuesday morning before making the news public later that day.

Paterson took over the role in February 2024, overseeing 32 games and crucially a promotion from the Liverpool Women’s league division 1 last season.

In his statement, Paterson kept his message brief, thanking supporters, staff and players:

“Today I’ve stepped down from managing Southport Women. Thank you to everyone who came to support us, to the coaching team for all the hard work, and to the players for everything they gave. It was a hell of a ride.”

Privately, he told the squad that the decision had not been an easy one and was not a reflection on the players. He praised the progress made since he first took charge, highlighted last season’s promotion campaign as a special moment, and urged the team to build on that success with the backing of the club.

Meanwhile, it is understood that the women’s first scheduled home game at Haig Avenue on Sunday has unfortunately had to be moved. Following the hastily arranged men’s FA Cup replay against Radcliffe on Tuesday night and with the men’s first team at home on Saturday, the pitch was judged unable to sustain four matches in a week. The Academy’s FA Youth Cup tie against Stockport Town takes priority on Wednesday, as competition rules require it to be staged at a suitably graded ground with floodlights and cannot be switched elsewhere. As a result, an alternative venue is being sourced for the women’s fixture and it may instead be played at St John Bosco in Liverpool. This will be confirmed in due course.