South Shields FC are ready for Scarborough Athletic test - Mike Williamson

Mike Williamson is relishing the opportunity to see his new-look South Shields FC squad in competitive action for the first time as they prepare to visit Scarborough Athletic on the opening day of the National League North season.

It has been a summer of major change on and off the pitch at Mariners Park as Williamson was appointed as new head coach following Ian Watson’s departure to League Two newcomers Rochdale. There has been change behind the scenes with Jason Yeo’s ORY Investment group now majority shareholders in a new-look ownership group with Geoff Thompson still in place as club chairman. For all of the change, there is a feeling of calmness within Williamson and his coaching staff as they prepare for their first competitive test of the campaign as the Mariners travel to the North Yorkshire coast to take on familiar foes Scarborough.

The former Newcastle United defender has been pleased with the work his players have put in during a busy pre-season - but admitted he will know more about them once he sees them in competitive action this weekend.

He told The Gazette: “I think we are ready and we have all of the work in with detail and fitness. Things can always be better but the work we have done has been really good and we have seen some really encouraging signs in the last two games. When it gets down to the competitive business, it just feels different. The lads have come in and they have been excellent during the summer but it’s been a really positive preparation.

“They have taken on all of the detail we have asked of them but until the pressure of the league game is there and the need to show that mentality is there, you just have to wait and see how players will react - but we are confident they will react in the right way because they’ve been excellent so far.”

‘We are fortunate’

One of the main issues Williamson will face during the campaign is finding the right blend in attack with the Mariners boasting a wealth of options in the final third.

Last season’s top goalscorer Paul Blackett has penned a new three-year deal with the club during the summer and Cedwyn Scott, Sean McGurk, Caden Kelly, Sonny Finch, Kyle Crossley and Dan Savage also remains part of the Mariners ranks. However, the additions of Adam Campbell, Sam Ashford and Chinonso Chibueze have left Williamson with something of a headache when it comes to selecting his starting lineup for Saturday’s season opener.

He said: “The difficult thing is that the attacking players are all very, very good players - and we have to keep them all happy. We are fortunate because we have real strength in depth and they aren’t just youngsters here, they are seasoned professionals that have played at a very high level. It will be tough for me to keep them happy - and although you can only pick your eleven and your substitutes, you have to make sure everyone realises that they will all be needed throughout the season and it is a very long season.”

Your next football read: Hebburn Town FC's 'total transformation' continues with historic Southport clash