Earl Davis was given a hero’s welcome as Southport supporters paid tribute to the long-serving defender on Saturday.

Earl, who became a crowd favourite during his seven seasons with the Sandgrounders, received a presentation from Trust in Yellow at the match against Dartford.

Earl left the club at the start of the season due to injury having made more than 230 appearances.

After meeting supporters ahead of kick-off, Earl was presented with a memento and collection of photographs by the Trust to recognise his achievements during his Southport career. He also becomes an honorary member of the Trust.

Having first joined the Sandgrounders in 2003, Earl’s time with the club spanned three spells and included two Conference North championships.

Thanks to Trust board members Colin Aindow, Rob and Julia Urwin for arranging the presentation. Thanks also to Ron Ellis for providing the track Duke of Earl, which was played during the presentation.

Photos below by Julia Urwin.

Minutes of Board meeting -21^st February 2013

Apologies: Rob, Julia, Martyn

Minutes of previous meeting – Earl provisionally due to come down on 2^nd March, presentation at half time

Southport fans will have the chance to pay tribute to Earl Davis at Saturday’s home match against Dartford.

Trust in Yellow will be making a presentation to Earl at half-time as a way of recognising his achievements and service during his Southport career.

He will also be in the club shop from around 2.15pm to meet fans. So please get to the ground early to have a chat and bring along any memorabilia for him to sign.

Earl left the Sandgrounders at the start of the season and the Trust has been keen to formally thank him on behalf of supporters. He will also become an honorary member of the Trust.

Earl first joined the club in 2003, winning two Conference North championships during three spells that saw him make over 230 appearances.

Thanks to Trust board member Colin Aindow for making the arrangements. 

Voting in February's Player of the Month award is now open to members of Trust in Yellow.

The online voting form can be completed HERE.

Every month throughout the season, members are asked to nominate their star performer from the Southport team, with everyone who votes for the winning player going into a draw to make the presentation.

This month, Karl Ledsham scored twice in the win against Barrow - including a spectacular volley - while Shaun Whalley, Neill Byrne, Liam Willis, Chris Almond and Andy Owens have also featured on the scoresheet.   Aaron Chalmers also scored a fine free-kick in the defeat against Woking and, on his comeback from a bad leg injury, he has registered some very accomplished performances at right wing back.

Or has another player caught your eye in February?

Voting is open until Sunday 2 March. The member chosen to hand over the award will be contacted ahead of the match against Cambridge United on Tuesday 5 March, when the presentation will be made.

You can submit your vote in any of the following ways:

- Complete the voting form by CLICKING HERE

- E-mail playerofthemonth@trustinyellow.com

- Text POTM followed by the player’s name and your name to 07790041514

- Complete a voting slip at the Trust office or club shop