Southport FC’s leading scorer Marcus Carver has penned an emotional message to fans after he today signed for League 2 side Hartlepool United for an undisclosed fee.
Marcus is the Sandgrounders’ top scorer this season, with 17 goals in all competitions helping the club to rocket up the league and into the play-off places.
He said: “If someone said to me at the age of 28 that I would have a chance to play in the football league again, I would have laughed.
“This is an amazing opportunity for myself and my family.
“I would like to thank every single person involved with Southport FC for the last 18 months.
“Thank you to the fans and volunteers for your never ending support, and believing in me.
“Thank you to the management, staff and players for pushing me to the best I could be.
“Thank you to Liam Watson for having the confidence in me and giving me a chance.
“I have had an amazing time, from breaking a club record to countless black eyes and head injuries.
“This team has an amazing bunch of lads and I wish nothing but the best for them and Southport FC in the future.
“I will truly miss Haig Avenue.”
A Southport FC spokesperson said: “It’s a dream move for Marcus who at the age of 28 is relishing the chance to play in the Football League.
“He has been in sensational form this season with 17 goals in all competitions and it is no surprise the scouts have been flocking to Haig Avenue.”
Southport FC Manager Liam Watson said “We have had a few enquiries about Marcus and this deal is good for the club and the player.
“I have always maintained that I would never stand in the way of any player at Southport Football Club who has the opportunity to progress and wish him well at Hartlepool.”
Marcus has been a real fans favourite this season scoring goals on a regular basis.
He broke a club record by scoring in nine consecutive home matches earlier in the season.
In all competitions Marcus has scored 21 times for The Sandgrounders in 35 starts but he doesn’t qualify as a “20 Goal Club Member” as five of those goals came in Cup competitions.
He must also be a red hot favourite for the goal of the season award for this effort against Chorley in the FA Trophy.
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