Ex-Sunderland and Middlesbrough star Julio Arca explains new managerial challenge with South Shields

South Shields boss Julio Arca believes the club are well prepared for the step up to National League North after the squad returned for pre-season training.

The 42-year-old, who made over 150 appearances for both Middlesbrough and Sunderland, was appointed the Mariners’ new boss in April, succeeding former Black Cats striker Kevin Phillips.

South Shields were promoted to National League North last season and held a launch event on Monday to unveil their new home shirt for the 2023/24 campaign.

“The new top is looking very good,” said Arca. “Everyone is excited about this and the club is having good feedback.

“Regarding the football side we only started pre-season 10 days ago. We are going into a league that is more competitive and harder but we believe we have a strong team here to compete in the division.”

Arca will be supported by former Sunderland teammate Tommy Miller, who was appointed the club’s assistant manager in May.

Miller previously held the same position at National League North club Spennymoor Town between 2016 and 2021, and at Buxton last season.

“Obviously with any challenge you want to do as well as you can,” Arca added when discussing the upcoming season.

“This is a new challenge for me but I have an assistant coach alongside me with a lot of experience, especially in this division.

“We have got a lot of experienced players as well as the younger players that we have.

“It’s a mix in our group but we are trying to put things forward now with pre-season. We will try different things in the next few weeks with our friendly games and get things sorted by the time the season has started.”

The new South Shields kit has a traditional look to it, with a claret body and sky blue sleeves, along with a sky blue collar.

It is accompanied by the logos of front-of-shirt sponsor Pulman Group and back-of-shirt sponsor Darling’s Pharmacy, along with that of Umbro on what is the first kit released since the iconic sportswear brand became the club’s official technical partner.

The home kit is available to order from the club’s online store, store.southshieldsfc.co.uk, priced at £45 for adults and £38 for children – the same price as the club’s home jersey for 2022-23 – and in sizes from youth Small to Adult 4XL.