Watson, who signed for a second spell at Haig Avenue yesterday, has signalled his intentions by landing hot-shot Ciaran Kilheeney in a £11,000 switch from previous club Burscough.

Haig Avenue fans' favourites Steve Daly and Earl Davis also returned and Watson will strengthen his squad further in the coming weeks.

"We need the fans smiling again, bring the team spirit back, then we can have fun trying to get Southport back in the Conference," said Watson.

"I've had success here before, so know the expectation that comes with the job. I've done it once and now my ambition is to make sure I do it again.

"I'm a better manager now for sure."

Watson, who guided Port to the Conference North title in 2005, added: "Some of the ex- players I've brought back I hope can recapture former glories.

"They are young enough and have the desire to do that. One or two might even be coming back to prove a point. I've come back, not necessarily to prove a point, but to take Southport forward again."

Southport were relegated from non-league's top flight months after Watson quit to join Burscough, where he won the UniBond League title and established the Linnets at the next level.

But despite Port continuing as a full-time club, they only made the Conference North play-offs last term, with Gary Brabin replacing sacked Peter Davenport in the final weeks.

"Only the circumstances of the past week led me back, otherwise it wouldn't have happened," added Watson.

"There is sadness because of Chris Lloyd's illness. He is a great friend and my greatest wish is that Chris makes a full and speedy recovery.

"We shared fantastic times at Burscough and I'm incredibly proud of what we achieved.

"But I'm also very proud and privileged to be manager again and I'll give it my best shot. We achieved a lot last time.

"But that's gone now and we need to get competitive again and make sure we have a team capable of trying to win a league.

"The chairman will allow me full control of football matters, so I will be calling the shots.

"Now I have to write a fresh chapter and hopefully bring another period of relative success to Southport."

Southport chief executive Haydn Preece added: "This club needs stability and Liam Watson will bring that."