South Shields boost squad with signing of former Crawley and Stevenage midfielder
Former Crawley Town midfielder Jack Roles has penned an 18-month deal with National League North leaders South Shields.
South Shields have boosted their promotion-chasing squad with the signing of former Crawley Town and Stevenage midfielder Jack Roles.
The former Cyprus Under-21 international began his career within the youth setup at Tottenham Hotspur but made his senior debut in the colours of Cambridge United after joining the Us on loan in August 2019 before making similar moves to Burton Albion and Stevenage over the following seasons. Roles joined Crystal Palace during the summer of 2021 before moving on to Woking and Crawley after a six-month spell at Selhurst Park.
The hardworking midfielder experienced life in the North East for the first time in his career when he joined Gateshead on loan during the second half of last season and he scored three goals in 12 appearances as he worked under current South Shields assistant manager Carl Magnay. The duo have now been reunited at the 1st Cloud Arena after Roles agreed to return to the region by signing a permanent deal with the Mariners just days after his departure from Crawley was confirmed.
He joins a South Shields side sitting six points clear at the top of the National League North table and will go into competition for a place in an already high-class Mariners midfield. The midfielder admitted a move to the 1st Cloud Arena was ‘an opportunity he didn’t want to turn down’ and is relishing the chance to work under manager Ian Watson and Magnay after receiving a number of glowing references from former team-mates.
Ambition
After putting pen-to-paper on an 18-month deal, Roles said: “It feels brilliant. It’s a great club with real ambition, and when I saw where they were in the league, it was an opportunity I didn’t want to turn down. I worked with Mags last year, and we have a great relationship. I’ve spoken to ex-teammates about the gaffer and they’ve all had nothing but positive things to say about him and his style of coaching.
“The gaffer was really clear about how he wants to play and where he sees me fitting into the team. What he wants to do with the club was a big thing for me, and it matches exactly what I’m looking for at this stage of my career. I like to think I can bring creativity in the final third, energy between the lines, and a strong work rate out of possession. I want to help create chances for the front line, who have scored bundles of goals this season, chip in with goals when I can, and do my bit for the team. Ultimately, I’m here to help the lads continue what they’ve started and stay where we are in the league.”
Roles could make his Mariners debut when his new side visit National League North rivals Scarborough Athletic on Tuesday night. However, a home debut will not come until AFC Telford travel to the 1st Cloud Arena on Saturday week.
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