Former South Shields captain named as new manager of National League North rivals

Former South Shields captain Jon Shaw has been named as permanent manager of the Mariners’ National League North rivals Blyth Spartans.

The 40-year-old was officially confirmed as successor to former Mariners boss Graham Fenton on Friday afternoon and will bring down the curtain on an 20-year playing career to focus on his first steps in management.

Shaw oversaw Spartans’ 3-1 win over his old club on Boxing Day and the first game of his managerial reign will come on Saturday when the Mariners travel to Croft Park for the return fixture against their North East rivals.

Speaking to the club website following his appointment, Shaw expressed his delight over stepping into the lead role in the dugout for the first time and immediately set his sights on a second North East derby inside a week.

He said: “It’s a really proud day for me becoming manager of a club with the history of Blyth Spartans. 

“I’m grateful to the club for giving me my first opportunity in management and I can’t wait to get going and I will give everything to put out teams you can be proud of. I also want to wish Graham, who I’ve had 2 great spells as assistant and learnt a lot from all the very best for the future.

“We have a great game in prospect tomorrow at home vs South Shields, the support was fantastic Tuesday and no doubt helped the players to a great performance and result. With the changes at Shields and the expected reaction, it would be brilliant if we could pack Croft Park and get right behind the lads.”

Shaw will take a late check on the fitness of former South Shields striker JJ Hooper and on-loan Hartlepool United forward Mikael Ndjoli before finalising his plans for his first game in charge of Spartans.

The Mariners, who will be under the interim charge of Elliott Dickman and Lee Picton following Julio Arca’s departure on Wednesday, will be without young forward Joao Gomes and centre-back Tom Broadbent.