Martin Smith reveals pride over South Shields progress after departure confirmed

Martin Smith has expressed his pride over the role he has played in South Shields’ progression up the non-league pyramid after it was confirmed his time as a Mariner has come to an end.

The former Hartlepool United midfielder joined the Mariners during the summer of 2022 and was part of the squad that were crowned as Northern Premier League champions under Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips during his time in charge at the 1st Cloud Arena. Smith suffered a horror injury during the summer of 2024 when he fractured his skull and a cautious return to full fitness and availability followed over the following months.

However, he went on to make 33 league appearances during his first season as vice-captain of the club before playing a reduced role during the most recent campaign under new manager Ian Watson. Smith made just nine National League North appearances as the Mariners fell narrowly short in their bid for promotion into non-league’s top tier - and a substitute appearance in a 4-1 win against Merthyr Town in March will now go down as his last for the club.

Smith’s name appeared alongside Todd Alcock, Dan Ward, James Sloan, Louis Burns, Ewan McGowan and Kyle Seymour in a list of players that are depart the club when their contracts come to an end this summer - and the experienced midfielder insisted he will leave with ‘some unbelievable memories’.

In a statement released via the club website, the midfielder said: "My time at the club as a player has come to an end, but I look back on the last four years with pride, knowing I gave everything and played a small part in helping the club progress and move forward, which was my aim when I first signed.

“I want to say a huge thank you to every player and staff member I’ve had the pleasure of working with. We’ve shared some unbelievable memories on and off the pitch that will stay with me forever. Lastly, to the fans - thank you for your unwavering support. You are the heartbeat of this club and the driving force behind its success, so please keep backing the lads through the good times and the bad.”

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