South Shields name Robert Briggs as new captain

South Shields have appointed Robert Briggs as their new captain after Jon Shaw relinquished the armband.
Robert Briggs has been named as South Shields captain.Robert Briggs has been named as South Shields captain.
Robert Briggs has been named as South Shields captain.

Briggs, the club’s longest-serving player, has been named skipper by manager Graham Fenton, with defender Blair Adams stepping up to be vice-captain.

The move comes after Shaw was promoted to the coaching staff following Lee Picton’s decision to step down as joint-manager alongside Fenton. Picton has moved upstairs as chief executive, with Shaw and Brian Smith now assisting Fenton.

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Shaw, who replaced Julio Arca as captain two seasons ago, will continue as a player but decided to hand over the captaincy duties to his deputy, Briggs, so he could focus on his new role.

The 28-year-old said: "I'm delighted to have been offered the chance to become captain of the club.

"It's a great honour for me and there have been some incredible captains in the past, including Leepaul Scroggins, Barrie Smith, Julio Arca and Shawsy.

"I appreciate the faith shown in me by Graham, Jon and Bri, and my aim doesn't change because I'm now captain.

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"Everything is still the same in the sense of trying to be successful at the club and getting the club as far up the football pyramid as possible.

"It's great to have Blair as vice-captain as well because he is a tremendous player and a big part of the dressing room.

"Again, for me and him the goals don't change. Winning every game we play in is the target."

Briggs, who has made 279 appearances for the club, has been part of three promotion campaigns and six trophy wins.

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Shaw added: "After a conversation with Fents and Bri, we've decided that with my new added responsibilities as joint assistant manager it's the right time to pass over the captain's armband.

"The natural progression from vice-captain and the right man for the job is Briggsy.

"He already acts like a leader in the changing room, on the training pitch and on game day with his performances.

"I'll be proud to follow him out of the tunnel and I'm sure the lads will be happy with him leading them, which he has done so well on many occasions already."