Geoff Thompson issues South Shields rallying call - ‘get down and get behind us’

Geoff Thompson has implored the town of South Shields to visit the 1st Cloud Arena this weekend on Non League Day.

The Mariners have been on some journey under Thompson’s ownership in recent seasons, with the club currently sitting second in the Enterprise National League North table.

Ian Watson’s will begin this weekend’s clash with Alfreton Town just a point behind league leaders AFC Fylde, with just one automatic promotion place to the National League on offer.

Speaking to the Gazette ahead of Non League Day, Thompson is hoping to channel the spirit of Wembley to get fans through the gates this weekend.

“I'd really implore them to do so. I remember when we won the FA Vase back in 2017, there was something like 16,000 to 18,000 Sanddancers down there at Wembley.

“It would be great to just get a proportion of them along to the game at home. Such a key time now for the club.

“South Shields as a town is kind of 50-50 Split, Sunderland and Newcastle. So there's no reason why we couldn't be, for those Newcastle fans and those Sunderland fans, why can't we be their second team? And if there isn't a fixture clash, why don't they come along and get behind the lads?

“Obviously for a lot of people in South Shields, we are their first team. So I'd implore everybody as best they can to get down and get behind us.”