Exclusive:South Shields FC set for major boost as striker Paul Blackett close to signing long-term deal

Paul Blackett is set to hand a major boost to South Shields FC by putting pen to paper on a new long-term contract.

The former Gateshead and Spennymoor Town striker has enjoyed a highly successful three-year spell at Mariners Park and has established himself as one of the most prolific frontmen in the top two tiers of the non-league game. The 28-year-old scored 30 goals in 44 goals during his first season with the Mariners and added another 22 goals to his league tally during the 2024/25 campaign.

The appointment of Ian Watson as Mariners manager last summer brought a reunion with Blackett after the duo worked together at Gateshead - and that appeared to inspire the striker as he provided 34 goal contributions in just 42 National League North games as his side narrowly missed out on the league title before suffering a play-off final defeat against Kidderminster Harriers just two weeks later.

Watson’s departure to League Two club Rochdale has brought Blackett into contact with another of his former Heed manager after Mike Williamson was named as new Mariners head coach last month. The Gazette understands the striker has been the subject of interest from a number of League Two and National League clubs throughout the summer - but the Mariners have made a decisive move to see off that interest by ramping up talks over a new deal. Those discussions are moving quickly towards a successful conclusion and Blackett is now close to committing his future to the Mariners as he enters the final 12 months of his existing contract.

‘Showed a lot of quality’ - Mike Williamson

Blackett was in the Mariners starting eleven for Friday night’s opening pre-season friendly against Northern League club Blyth Town - and he marked the occasion by grabbing his side’s second goal in a 2-0 win at Gateway Park after fellow forward Sonny Finch has opened the scoring. Although several members of the senior ranks were not risked after picking up knocks in training, Williamson was able to hand debuts to summer signings Adam Campbell, Khanya Leshabela, Toby Onanaye and Jordan Marshall - although the latter was forced out of the action during the first-half after suffering an ankle injury. A number of academy prospects were given a chance to impress during the second-half and they played their part in a satisfying start to life as Mariners manager for the former Newcastle United defender.

Speaking after the game, he told The Gazette: “The boys applied themselves. They rank their socks off and the only negative was Jordan Marshall having to come off but hopefully that shouldn’t be too long. They were difficult to play against, they were organised and disciplined and they made it really hard for us. The youngster were fantastic when they came on, they played with no fear but they showed a lot of quality too. They aren’t even back in for pre-season but their attitude and investment was first class. We used them throughout the week and they have picked up a lot from that so we are delighted for them.”

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