Mixed emotions after South Shields play-off final defeat - but the future is still bright

The sting of defeat will linger and the nagging feeling of what might have been will be present over the coming days.

But with every passing day and week, those connected with South Shields will move on from the disappointment of missing out on promotion into the National League and reflect on what has been a largely positive season. Just 12 months ago, the Mariners ended a season of uncertainty in the bottom half of the National League North table and a run of nine games without a win hardly screamed of momentum going into the summer.

Yet the appointments of Ian Watson and Carl Magnay sparked something inside and an inspired recruitment drive has triggered a transformation that has converted the Mariners from also-rans to promotion contenders. The highlights have been aplenty, the disappointments have been few and far-between - even if the latter will feel prominent in the aftermath of Saturday’s defeat against Kidderminster Harriers.

Throughout his first season as a manager, Watson has continually spoken of the need to move on from wins, losses and draws and focus on the next day, the next training session, the next game. Now, he, and everyone connected with South Shields, must extend that mindset into the summer and beyond as they look to move on from their play-off heartache. New investment has arrived, the playing squad will be strengthened and the club’s infrastructure will be bolstered to make short-term success and long-term progress even more achievable.

Planning

Perhaps more so than ever, South Shields are an attractive proposition for potential signings and that should bring great anticipation for the summer months. The attractive style of play, the mindset encouraged by the management team and the clear and obvious ambition for progress will mean even the most ambitious of targets will become surprisingly attainable.

Yes, there should be disappointment over missing out on promotion on two occasions in recent weeks and there is a need for reflection and analysis on where golden opportunities were allowed to slip away. That process will already be underway - but so too will the planning to make sure another promotion push is firmly on the agenda when the new season gets underway in August.

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