South Shields chance too good to turn down '“ John Grey

Left-back Grey – who played the full 120 minutes at Wembley in May as the Robins won the FA Vase – joined the Mariners in a surprise cross-river move on Friday.

The 22-year-old made his first appearance for his new club on Saturday as a second-half substitute in a 3-1 friendly win over Bedlington Terriers.

Within two minutes of being brought on, Grey was struck in the face by a high Bedlington boot, and had to receive treatment from Shields physio Andy Morris.

He played the rest of the match, but afterwards showed signs of being dazed, so was taken to hospital, where it was found he had mild concussion.

Grey is now looking to getting started in earnest at Mariners Park, having found the move too good to turn down.

He could come up against former club North Shields on February 2, when the sides are due to face each other at Mariners Park in the FA Vase.

The cross-river neighbours will also be pitted against each other at Mariners Park this coming Saturday in the FA Vase, if South Shields beat Morpeth Town tomorrow’s rearranged fixture at Consett.

Grey said: “This is a big club, and to move here was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

“I’ve been given the chance to play alongside some top quality players and under a manager like Jon King, with Gary Middleton as his assistant, and it’s an awesome chance.

“The club is on the rise and a lot of things are happening here, so I just couldn’t refuse it in the end.

“To play against North Shields is going to be a bit interesting, but making moves like this is part and parcel of football.

“I can’t wait for the chance to play against them. As a player, you want to play in those big games, especially when it’s against your former team.

“I know all the lads there and they’re a good group. I don’t have any bad words to say about North Shields.”

Grey has recently returned to fitness after a two-month injury lay-off, and admits he also had the opportunity to join the Mariners in the summer.

However, he ultimately stayed with North Shields, for whom he made 149 appearances.

The left-back added: “I had been at North Shields for a while and had a good time there. They treated me so well.

“South Shields tried to sign me at the beginning of the season, but after just winning the FA Vase, my loyalty was with North Shields so I couldn’t make the move.

“When they came back in for me, I didn’t know if I was going to come here, but Jon King is a man of persuasion and he convinced me to join.

“I’ve played against my new team-mates for most of my time at North Shields, and some of them have got unbelievable talent, so I’m looking forward to playing alongside them.”

Grey takes some incredible memories from his time at North Shields, chief among them the victory at Wembley in May.

He continued: “It was an unbelievable experience. You don’t get many chances to play at Wembley, and it was awesome to experience it with that group of lads.

“I played 120 minutes and played well. I made a good tackle in the last coupld of minutes to keep us ahead, and it’s certainly something I’ll never forget.

“North Shields have a special group of lads, and there’s a special group here as well.

“I wouldn’t join a club if I felt the players there were just individuals. There is a very good team here, and good characters as well, so I can’t wait to get started.”

Tickets for the Shields derby in the League Cup are now on sale. The match is all-ticket and will take place on Tuesday, February 2.

Adult tickets cost £5, while it is £3 for students and over-65s, and £1 for under-16s. To book, visit Mariners Park or call 0191 454 7800. Payment can be made in person or over the phone.