Brown, who hails from South Shields, enjoyed a fleeting visit home, and took the opportunity to collect his South Shields Supporters' Club membership.

Brown, who guided Hull to the top-flight for their first time in history, has been involved in the professional game for many years, but has never forgotten his roots.

He said: "When I heard that the South Shields Supporters' Association had been re-established, I jumped at the opportunity to join up.

"After all, it is my home-town team, and I would be delighted to see them go from strength to strength.

"I will be watching their progress closely, and wish everyone connected with the club every success in the coming season. Good luck Mariners!"

Shields host Tow Law Town in Division One of the Northern League tomorrow, with boss Gary Steadman admitting he is looking forward to the game.

After narrowly losing to Ashington, the Mariners bounced back to beat Northallerton, and gain their first points of the season.

Both Ashington and Northallerton are accepted to finish in the bottom half this season, however, and Steadman knows his side face a huge test of their credentials against Tow Law, who finished sixth last season, and beat Whitley Bay 5-2 in the opening game of the campaign.

He said: "We will see how far we've come. No disrespect to Ashington or Northallerton, but this will be a different proposition.

"They will be a top-six side this season again, especially the way they've started."

Steadman is without the suspended David Graham, while Dean Patton has a knee ligament injury and Simon Fitzpatrick is still suffering from a sore back.