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Tuesday 23rd July 2024

Despite a recent 5-0 friendly defeat to Hartlepool United, the mood within South Shields FC remains optimistic as they gear up for the upcoming National League North season, starting on Saturday, August 10, 2024. In a recent report by Mark Carruthers in the Shields Gazette, South Shields manager Elliott Dickman expressed strong support and confidence from the club's owner, Geoff Thompson, highlighting a solid foundation as they approach the new season.

The Mariners are currently on the market, with ongoing discussions about a potential sale since Thompson announced his decision to end his nine-year tenure last October. Yet, the stability at the club remains intact, with Dickman emphasizing the positive impact of Thompson's leadership. "I have settled here and I absolutely love it. I think we’ve got a fantastic set of supporters, I think we’ve got a fantastic set of players and it’s just the right environment for me," Dickman shared with The Gazette. He added, “He’s certainly backed us with some of the players we have brought in and some of the ideas that we have to change things a bit.”

This summer has seen strategic reinforcements at South Shields, starting with the signing of Whitby Town winger Coleby Shepherd. He was soon followed by former Newcastle United academy forward Kyle Crossley and local talent Dan Ward, who returned to South Tyneside after stints with several clubs including Spennymoor Town, Gateshead, and Oldham Athletic. The latest addition, Stockport County's young prospect Ashton Mee, has joined on a season-long loan, bolstering the squad further.

Despite the heavy loss in their recent friendly, Dickman remains confident about the quality and potential of his team. "We are really happy with the core group we have, and the younger players will certainly get better being around it," he commented, indicating that the squad's current composition is strong, yet open to further tactical additions if needed.

As the club navigates through these transitional times, the support from the owner, the strategic signings, and the commitment from the staff and players suggest a promising season ahead. With a focus on solidifying team dynamics and enhancing on-field strategies, South Shields FC is poised to tackle the challenges of the new season with vigor and optimism.

Briggs Named Captain and Extends Stay to 2026

The all-time appearance maker pens a further two-year extension to his current contract, keeping him at the 1st Cloud Arena until 2026. He also becomes Club captain, taking over from Blair Adams. Briggs has seen four promotions with the Club since rejoining in 2015, including a historic treble in 2016-17.

The 32-year-old made his 400th appearance for the Club on Good Friday against Spennymoor Town where he was presented with gifts to commemorate the milestone. The midfielder has been with the Club through thick and thin and is a modern-day South Shields legend, scoring 91 goals across his tenure in claret and blue. Briggs said: “I am delighted to have signed a new 2 year deal and extend my stay with the Club. 

“The Club is going from strength to strength and it's still very exciting to be a part of, I am really enjoying my football again and can't wait to push for promotion again next year.” On becoming Club captain, Briggs was never going to pass it up.

“It's a huge honour to be captain of the Football Club again. It won't affect how I conduct myself or how I play because that's my principles when playing any game but for the manager to ask me to be captain again, it's gives me a lot of confidence and pride and I have to thank him and the Club for that. 

“Blair has been a great captain for the Club and to lose him is a blow for the Club and team but we all wish him well on his next chapter of his life and wish him all the success as he deserves it.” Manager Elliott Dickman was quick to praise Briggs for his contribution during his time at the helm. “I’m delighted he has agreed to a two-year contract extension and become Club captain, he’s the right man, the right character and a natural leader.

“He has been fantastic for the team both on and off the pitch, his leadership quality speaks volumes, and he is excellent at portraying the message we as staff want out there. He is at the forefront of getting the message from us to the pitch. “We couldn’t be more excited that he is staying with us.”