By Pete Oliver BBC Sport Online

New Southport manager Mick Walsh believes he has inherited a club with plenty of potential at Haig Avenue.

Walsh has taken on the post until the end of the season following the departure of Phil Wilson.

The former Bury boss could then take the job on a permanent basis and admits it does appeal to him.

He told BBC Sport Online: "The structure of the club is very good with a reserve side and two youth sides at under-17 and under-18 level and there looks to be some talent there.

I don't think it's impossible to get in the play-offs, but I don't think it's impossible to get relegated Mick Walsh

"With a little bit of tinkering of the structure that's in place could be improved and whoever gets the job long-term certainly has plenty to work with.

"I have got another option at the end of the season, but this would suit me a little better.

"It gives me a chance to do something I've always wanted to and I love the coaching side, bringing young players through and hopefully moving them on to better careers and making Southport better.

"Who knows where it can go, but maybe in a couple of years full-time football and the Football League if things continue to progress."

Walsh is getting to grips with life in the Nationwide Conference after leaving his last post as Sunderland's European scout under Peter Reid.

His first league game in charge comes at home to Gravesend on Saturday when ninth-placed Port will be looking for their first Conference win since November.

But Walsh has already led the Sandgrounders into the last-16 of the FA Trophy thanks to a penalty shoot-out win over Dagenham and Redbridge.

"I have inherited a good squad of players and there are no gripes about coming into a struggling team or a struggling set-up," added the former Republic of Ireland international.

"With a bit of work and a bit of loving there must be possibilities.

"I said to the players it was a fresh start on Saturday and if as a result of winning games we do move up the table anything is possible.

"I don't think it's impossible to get in the play-offs, but I don't think it's impossible to get relegated."