South Shields FC: The Mariners’ Journey Through National League North Under New Leadership
A Historic Club’s Continued Evolution
South Shields FC, a professional football club based in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, currently competes in the National League North, representing the sixth tier of English football.
The club’s home ground, the 1st Cloud Arena, boasts impressive facilities with a capacity of around 4,000, including approximately 1,100 seats across two seated stands. The venue features three bars, a hospitality lounge with balcony, 15 executive boxes, and a club shop.
Recent Developments and Management
The 2023-24 season began promisingly, though the club faced challenges when Julio Arca was dismissed on December 27, 2023, with the team in 8th place after an eight-game winless streak.
Academy boss and U19’s coach Elliott Dickman took interim charge, leading to a remarkable turnaround. Under his leadership, the team achieved an impressive run of 12 wins in their final 20 games, narrowly missing the play-offs by a single point. Following this strong performance, Dickman secured a two-year contract with the club.
Infrastructure and Future Prospects
The team’s home venue, formerly known as Mariners Park, has been rebranded as the 1st Cloud Arena due to sponsorship arrangements. This naming rights agreement has been extended until at least summer 2025.
The club has seen significant progress since being purchased by Geoff Thompson in 2015, achieving several promotions to reach the Northern Premier League. Their success continued with winning the 2017 FA Vase final, and they secured their position in the National League North as champions in the 2022-23 season.
Community Engagement
The club maintains strong community ties, with a significant social media presence including over 34,000 followers on Facebook. They currently compete in the Enterprise National League North, continuing to build their reputation in the region.
Looking ahead, the club has already begun preparations for the 2025/26 season, with fixtures scheduled against teams like Bedford Town and Buxton in the National League North.
