Oliver Samuel Southern (born 6 January 2002) is an English semi-professional footballer who plays as a defender for club Runcorn Linnets.
Career Southern had spells in the academies of Manchester United, Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers and Rochdale as a youngster, won a scholarship at Crewe Alexandra, before moving to National League North club Curzon Ashton to begin his senior career. While at Curzon Ashton he had a very brief loan spell at North West Counties League Premier Division club Squires Gate.
In February 2021, Southern had a trial with Norwich City, featuring for their U23 side.
On 7 August 2021, Southern signed for Cymru Premier club Bala Town. In May 2022, he extended his contract for a further year. He was part of the starting XI for Bala that won the 2023 Welsh League Cup.
On 15 May 2023, Southern signed for National League North club Hereford on a one-year contract, following his Bala team-mate Lassana Mendes to the club. He made his debut in the opening league fixture of the season. He left Hereford after just one season at the club.
On 17 July 2024, Southern signed for hometown club Warrington Town. He was released by the club after one season. In August 2025, he signed for Northern Premier League Premier Division club Warrington Rylands 1906. The following month, on 16 September, he moved to divisional rivals Prescot Cables, where he would spend two months with the club before dropping down a level to join Northern Premier League Division One West club Trafford. After Trafford's relegation, he remained in the division and joined Runcorn Linnets.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsCurzon Ashton2020–21National League North7010—1090Squires Gate (loan)2020–21NWCFL Premier Division10———10Bala Town2021–22Cymru Premier2105030002902022–23Cymru Premier200405020310Total410908020600 Hereford2023–24National League North25110—40301Warrington Town2024–25National League North28000—00280Warrington Rylands 19062025–26NPL Premier Division0000—0000Career total102111080701281
Honours Bala Town Welsh League Cup: 2022–23
References
External links Profile at Bala Town Profile at Hereford