'Nonsense' - South Shields chairman Geoff Thompson reacts to Southend United speculation

South Shields chairman Geoff Thompson has described reports linking manager Ian Watson with National League club Southend United as ‘all a load of nonsense’.

The former Gateshead and MK Dons assistant manager has just celebrated the one-year anniversary of his appointment as Mariners manager and he can reflect on 12 months of progress after guiding South Shields to runners-up spot in the National League North. Although the season ended on a low note following the play-off final defeat against Kidderminster Harriers earlier this month, there are still high hopes Watson can lead the Mariners into another promotion challenge when the 2026/27 campaign gets underway in August.

The completion of a deal that has led to an international investment group take a majority share in South Shields will come as a welcome boost going into the summer and a club statement confirming the news also revealed Watson and his coaching staff have the ‘full support’ of Thompson and the new ownership group. The statement also revealed priority is being given to ‘strengthening the men’s first-team squad to support the club’s competitive ambitions in the years ahead’ and Watson has already confirmed talks are ongoing with three or four potential signings.

Speaking to The Gazette on Wednesday, he said: “We have had meetings all week with players and obviously we have a squad of players there that is really strong. We are just looking to add top players to the group and we are speaking to three or four of them and we will be looking to hopefully get something over the line in the next couple of weeks.

“We aren’t looking for loads because we have a strong team there. I think we need that depth because I feel that’s where we maybe fell a little short last year and we have to get players in the squad that can improve the game or change the game whether they start or come off the bench. We want competition in every single position and that’s where I want it to be. We aren’t just looking for numbers, our recruitment is being done with a fine-toothed comb and we are looking for the very best we can.”

Focus

There would be little surprise if National League and EFL clubs were keeping a close eye on Watson’s progress after he oversaw a major improvement in fortunes during his time with the Mariners by pushing for promotion into the top tier of non-league football and guiding the club into the FA Cup first round. One report has suggested Watson has emerged as the lead candidate to take charge at Southend following the departure of Kevin Maher earlier this month - but South Shields chairman Thompson has insisted Mariners supporters have ‘nothing to worry about’ as all focus goes on further plans for the new season.

Replying to a question regarding the speculation on social media, the Mariners chairman said: “Nothing to worry about. All a load of nonsense”.

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