2021 Inductee: Colin Alty

Arguably Southport’s most versatile performer, Southport-born Colin was a member of the Southport Schoolboy sides in 1958-59 and 1959-60, captaining the team in the 2nd season, and attending Lancashire trial matches. He was left-back in the 1958-59 town team which won the Lancashire Schools Trophy. defeating Atherton in a two-leg final, having defeated Liverpool at Goodison Park in an earlier round.

On leaving school. Colin became a member of Preston North End’s ground staff, Playing in the ’A’ and ’B’ sides until signing as full-time professional at the age of 17. During the next 2 seasons he appeared in 65 Central League games. It was not until he joined Southport that he made his League debut. He was signed by Willie Cunningham from North End for the 1964-65 season and alternated with the Player-Manager in the right-back berth, making 21 of his 22 appearances in that position.

During his 6 years at Haig Avenue he represented the Club in every position except goalkeeper, a role he once fulfilled with Preston North End ‘A’.

When Billy Bingham arrived, Colin was moved to centre or inside forward to take the weight off Alan Spence. Under Bingham’s system of ’Defence in depth’, Alty -though nominally a centre-forward – was often utilised to mark
Opposing forwards – a move not always appreciated by Southport supporters. Colin played his part in the great Cup run which followed and scored the sensational winner at Ipswich 15 seconds from time.

His best season at Haig Avenue was the promotion year of 1966-67 when he missed just one match and, switching to centre-half in mid-season after injury to Fred Molyneux, was the first winner of the ‘Player of the Year’ award.

A foot fracture in the 1967-698 season meant a long period of inactivity and limited his appearances to 15. But he recovered his best form the following season when he plaved mainly in midfield, where he became renowned for his powerful shooting from free-kicks.

Colin was released in the summer of 1970 after chalking up 190 League games for the club and scoring 22 League goals.

Colin joined Morecambe in the Northern Premier League where he had the misfortune to break his right leg 3 times in 3 seasons which put an end to his’ football career. Undaunted he took up Squash and became a most
proficient player.

Since retiring from football Colin has been a regular face at Haig Avenue. He still resides in Banks he attends most home games with his great friend and now fellow Hall of Famer, Alex Russell.

Colin Alty will be inducted into the Southport FC Hall of Fame on 13th November 2021