WATCH: Champions South Shields aiming for further success after wrapping up league title

South Shields FC celebrate their title win. Image by Peter Talbot.

And chairman Geoff Thompson is already hoping the Mariners will be able to emulate the success next season following their first championship win since 1995.

Backed by a big travelling support, Shields eased to the win at Crook to spark scenes of joy on the pitch between players, officials and fans.

They can look forward to life in Division One of the Northern League next season, after what Mr Thompson described as an “amazing day”.

He said: “When the final whistle went, and the players and fans were celebrating together, I’ll admit that I got quite emotional.

“It was a great feeling, and great for the town, players management and everyone involved with the club. It was an amazing day.”

Mr Thompson took over as the club’s chairman last May, in doing so bringing it back to Mariners Park following two years of playing ‘home’ games in Peterlee.

The club has enjoyed a hugely successful year, with 101 points already on the board in the league, and crowds of regularly more than 1,000 at home matches.

Mr Thompson now hopes that manager Jon King and his team can “kick on” again next season, and has vowed to give him the resources he needs to make any improvements he feels are required to the squad.

He added: “We all hoped we could push on and achieve early success, and get an immediate promotion, so we’re delighted we’ve managed to achieve that.

“We’ve got a good squad of players who deserve every accolade, and the management team – along with everybody behind the scenes – have done a terrific job.

Julio Arca, front, and the rest of the South Shields players celebrate their title victory in the dressing room.

“Now we need to kick on, and try to repeat this success next season. Having played and done well against a number of First Division teams this season in cup games, I don’t think we have anything to fear.

“Myself and the board are going to be making sure that Jon has the resources he needs, though, to make sure we can compete at that higher level.

“We’ve got a great crowd of supporters behind us, and I really want to spend their money wisely. The fans turning up in their numbers allows us to invest correctly.”

In the summer, the club is making an £80,000 investment to install a drainage system on its pitch, while there are plans for new stands and a 3G facility.