South Shields FC '˜on verge of something very special'

South Shields' players and officials head off to Coleshill yesterday. Picture by Stu Norton

Shields take on Coleshill Town in the first leg of their FA Vase semi-final today with a trip to Wembley tantalisingly close.

Picton, and fellow joint manager Graham Fenton, have done their homework on the Midland Premier League side. The team will be backed by 400 travelling fans with the cup run – and Shields’ resurgence since chairman Geoff Thompson took over – capturing the imagination of the town.

A crowd of more than 3,000 is expected for the second leg at Mariners Park, and Picton admits if they could get to Wembley it could see an even greater explosion of interest.

“It’s been fantastic,” he said. “This club has had some tough times over the years before Geoff Thompson came in and transformed it.

“Now the fans are desperate for some success and, if we can overcome Coleshill over the two legs and make it to Wembley, I think we would witness something very special.”