The former Morecambe boss replaced club legend Liam Watson in August last year and inherited a callow squad reeling off the back of 11 straight defeats.
Bentley’s nous and a change of ownership eventually averted relegation from National League North, but a season of struggle left the 48-year-old in no doubt as to what was required.
Only four of Southport’s ten summer signings are under the age of 30, with former Wrexham, Peterborough and Bradford centre-back Nat Knight-Percival the headline act at 37.
“A lot of the players we had – and this is no disrespect to them or Liam – just didn’t have the know-how and the experience,” explains Bentley.
“That’s nobody’s fault. There wasn’t much money so they had to shop a little bit lower down and take a couple of chances.
“One or two of those kicked on and got sold. One or two didn’t and have ended up dropping back down. We’ve just tried to eliminate that risk element as much as possible.
This story is from the July 28, 2024 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 28, 2024 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SKY'S THE LIMIT FOR TAGS TEAM
I FELT like I had been magically transported to an alternative universe of Non-League spectator consumption on my recent visit to Hashtag United.
BAZZA'S BACK AT SAINTS WITH IAN
ST ALBANS City have brought in Ian Culverhouse to help rescue their season – and welcomed the return of a legend at the same time.
RECORD NOT ON RYAN'S AGENDA
QUORN player-boss Ryan Beswick won't be drawn on whether he is aiming to make his side Northern Premier League Midlands Division 'invincibles' after a stunning first half of the season.
DOCKERS SPOIL CITY PARTY AT THE DEATH
TILBURY were the party poopers this weekend, as they defeated Cambridge City at the newly opened FWD-IP Community Stadium in front of 1,459 fans.
BLUES ARE GUNNING FOR A CUP BONANZA
HERTFORD Town's youngsters are Gunn-ing for glory in the FA Youth Cup - as they prepare for a plumb tie against the mighty Arsenal.
DEAN'S IN IT TO WINS IT AT BLUES
AT the start of the season, the FA Vase was barely on Winsford United’s radar.
WE'RE DIALLED IN FOR A GLORY RUN
STEP 7 club Dial Square FC have reached another milestone after stretching their unbeaten home record to TWO YEARS!
AXED ANGELO PLANS AN INSTANT RETURN
ANGELO Harrop insists he will bounce back from his shock sacking by Braintree Town - and is already preparing to dive back into management.
THOMAS LEAVES IT LATE FOR MARTYRS
FRAZER Thomas netted an 88th-minute winner to give Merthyr Town victory and end Bracknell’s 13-match unbeaten run in the Southern League Premier South.
OSHILAJA SEES RED IN LATE DRAMA
AN incredible finish saw Dover pegged back in this top-of-the-table clash.
