Southport have terminated the contracts of Mike Phenix and Zac Corbett with immediate effect due to “serious issues” involving the two players.
Striker Phenix, 29, re-joined Southport in the summer from Salford City while Corbett signed from FC United of Manchester.
But their time at the National League North club has been cut short with Phenix announcing his retirement from the game.
On his Instagram, Phenix posted: “Unfortunately it’s not good news… Let’s see what life after football is all about.. it’s been a pleasure…”
And then replying to a comment on why he has hung up his boots, he responded: “Been tested for a so called sports enhancement.”
Southport’s statement read: “The club has co-operated fully with the relevant authorities regarding separate yet equally serious issues that involve the two players and having a zero tolerance policy towards such issues, there was no other option than to part company.
“No further comment will be made on this matter.”