Middlesbrough coach named as new assistant manager at South Shields FC

South Shields FC have confirmed Middlesbrough academy coach Stephen Harrison has been appointed as assistant manager to new head coach Mike Williamson.

The former Magpies defender was officially confirmed as successor to Ian Watson on Sunday following his departure to League Two newcomers Rochdale and he has wasted little time in adding to his coaching staff. Harrison’s coaching career kickstarted with an 11-year spell within the academy setup at Sunderland before he spent eight years as an academy lead phase coach at Newcastle United. Harrison then moved on to Middlesbrough in August 2023 and has worked as a youth development programme coach before stepping up to Under-18s assistant coach.

However, he will now join the Mariners as Williamson’s assistant and he will be joined on the first-team coaching staff by Jack Sadler after he was named as new first-team coach after impressing within the South Shields academy setup in recent seasons.

A club statement released on Tuesday read: “We are delighted to welcome Stephen Harrison to the club as our new assistant manager. Stephen joins head coach Mike Williamson and brings a wealth of experience from his time at Middlesbrough. His knowledge and understanding of the modern game will be a major asset to the squad as we continue to build for the future. We are equally pleased to confirm that Jack Sadler has been promoted to first team coach.

“Jack’s journey through our academy coaching pathway is a testament to his hard work, his talent, and to the club’s commitment to developing exceptional staff from within. We’re excited to see him continue his work within the first‑team environment. Please join us in welcoming Stephen and congratulating Jack as they help drive the next chapter of our journey.”

Williamson will now look to move forwards with strengthening the squad he inherited from Watson and work is ongoing with potential additions to the Mariners ranks. As reported by The Gazette on Monday, two new signings, a left-back and a midfielder, have already been secured prior to Watson’s departure and will join their new team-mates when they return for pre-season training later this month.