Southport finished 21st in the Conference Premier. Southport however were saved from the drop following the demise of Rushden and Diamonds, and continued to compete at the top level of non-league football. Watson took full advantage of the second chance, Southport finishing the season in 7th place in 2011–12. The club remained around the play-off places the entire season, Watson managing the team to a record breaking 8 consecutive away wins, culminating in a 1–0 win against Stockport County at Edgeley Park on 26 November 2011 and top the season off by winning the Non League Manager of the Year award. On 17 April 2013 it was announced that Watson would be leaving Southport once again, but on more amiable terms, stating at the time: "I feel it right that both the club and myself move on from here". AFC Telford United Only weeks after announcing he would leave Southport at the end of the season, he immediately became favourite to become new manager of relegated side AFC Telford United. On the Friday 3 May 2013 it was announced that Liam would become the club's fifth boss of 2013, with Dominic Morley as his assistant manager. In his first season as manager, he won the Conference North title. Watson and Morley won the Conference North title first time round in the 2013/14 season; the first title for 62 years; also reaching the second round of the FA Cup for the first time in AFC Telford's history. However, after a poor run to the 2014/15 season the board of AFC Telford announced on 14/12/2014 that Watson and assistant Dom Morley have been relieved from their duties. Stalybridge Celtic On 20 March 2015, Watson signed a contract until April 2017 at Stalybridge Celtic. On 31 August 2016, after a poor start to the season Watson resigned as manager and director of Stalybridge. Stating at the time "you will never see me in the dug out again, I am retiring from management". Further returns to Southport On 6 September 2016, Watson was announced as returning to Southport for the third time but in a new capacity. Watson joined the board of directors, along with local businessmen Nigel Allen and David Barron, to take up the newly created role as Operations Director. He then took interim charge at the club after the sacking of Steve Burr. After a spell scouting for Scunthorpe United, he