Mariners fans to celebrate success as South Shields FC plans end-of-season party

Football fans are getting ready to party as South Shields FC toast another season of success.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Apr 2018, 06:00 BST
Updated 26th Apr 2018, 09:11 BST
South Shields FCs players celebrate winning the title on Tuesday. Picture by Kev Wilson.South Shields FCs players celebrate winning the title on Tuesday. Picture by Kev Wilson.
South Shields FCs players celebrate winning the title on Tuesday. Picture by Kev Wilson.

The Mariners secured the Evo-Stik North Division title – their third league championship in a row – on Tuesday.

They ensured they could not be caught at the top with two games to spare, and now supporters are being encouraged to revel in their success.

South Shields FC joint managers Lee Picton and Graham Fenton. Picture by Peter Talbot.South Shields FC joint managers Lee Picton and Graham Fenton. Picture by Peter Talbot.
South Shields FC joint managers Lee Picton and Graham Fenton. Picture by Peter Talbot.
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The club is at home to Kendal Town tonight before their season is completed with another game at Mariners Park, against Colne on Saturday.

It is not yet known at which match the league trophy will be presented.

After Saturday’s match, an end-of-season party will be held in the marquee at the ground, with players, staff and supporters set to join together to celebrate.

Crowds at Mariners Park have regularly topped 1,500 this season, and the club’s joint manager, Lee Picton, is hoping even more will join them for their final two games of another successful campaign.

South Shields FC joint managers Lee Picton and Graham Fenton. Picture by Peter Talbot.South Shields FC joint managers Lee Picton and Graham Fenton. Picture by Peter Talbot.
South Shields FC joint managers Lee Picton and Graham Fenton. Picture by Peter Talbot.
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He said: “It will be absolutely perfect for us to finish the season at home.

“We’ve spoken to people who have been popping in and out of the club over the last few days, and so many of them have said that they can’t wait to see the team play the last couple of games.

“I’m sure the support will rally round and we’ll get a couple of really good gates at Mariners Park.

“It will be a party-type atmosphere and one that we will hopefully really enjoy.”

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Saturday’s party will begin immediately after the game, which kicks off at 3pm, though entertainment and drinks promotions will be in place throughout the day.

A statement from the club added: “Please stay and celebrate with the supporters, players and staff of South Shields Football Club, while we celebrate another fantastic season.”

This is the club’s third promotion and league championship double in a row since being taken over by chairman Geoff Thompson in the summer of 2015.

The Mariners have won six trophies in that time and have seen attendances increase dramatically.

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Before Mr Thompson completed his takeover, the club was effectively homeless, having spent the previous two seasons playing home games 20 miles from South Tyneside, in Peterlee.

That came after the Mariners’ lease on Filtrona Park – since renamed Mariners Park – ended.

Mr Thompson’s first act as chairman was to buy the ground and return the club home. Much success has followed since.