Newcastle United and England legend Alan Shearer talks South Shields FC ambition, Football League future & Geoff Thompson friendship

The former Magpies frontman is a long-time friend, and golf partner of, Mariners owner Thompson. And while Shearer doesn’t think Thompson is a typical football club chairman, he does believe Shields could not be in better hands.

“I didn't see Geoff as an owner of a football club before he got involved at South Shields,” said Shearer.

“I know he has been hugely successful in most things he has done in his life, but once he had taken over the football club it was only a matter of time until South Shields started to improve, which they did.

“It couldn't really have gone any better for him, with three promotions and hopefully a fourth about to happen.

“They went to Wembley and won the FA Vase. They had 15,000 fans travel to support them at Wembley which is just incredible, but that is the passion we have for football here in the North East.”

Shearer continued: “He's a nice guy most of the time, apart from the times he's beating me on the golf course, which isn't very often because his golf isn't that great. He's very down to earth.

“I know how he feels about South Shields. Once he decides to do something he's full on. He wants to make it bigger and better, and it will happen.

“This is probably only the start for South Shields.”

With 13 games to in the Northern Premier League, Premier Division title race, Shields are top of the pile but with just two points separating themselves from the chasing pack. Only one side is guaranteed to go up automatically, while the lottery of the play-offs awaits second, third, fourth and fifth.

Should the Mariners go up this season, they will be just two promotions from the Football League promised land.

“Hopefully it won't be too long before South Shields are in the Football League,” he said.

“I would not be surprised if or when that happens because Geoff wants to drive the club forward.”