South Shields confirmed the release of seven players after the National League North season came to an end earlier this month.

Ian Watson has described releasing seven members of his South Shields squad as the ‘hardest moment’ of his managerial career so far.

The former Gateshead and Carlisle United assistant manager stepped into the lead role in the dugout for the first time in his career when he was named as permanent successor to former Mariners boss Elliott Dickman and went on to enjoy a largely positive first season in charge.

Although there was bitter disappointment when Watson’s side fell to a 2-0 defeat against Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North play-off final, securing runners-up spot in non-league football’s second tier and reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup can be viewed as major positives after a disappointing bottom eight finish during the previous campaign.

Watson has wasted little time in preparing for his second season in management and several potential new additions have been identified over the last week. However, there has also been a need to freshen up the Mariners squad and that led to the departure of senior players Dan Ward, Martin Smith and Todd Alcock and academy graduates James Sloan, Louis Burns, Ewan McGowan and Kyle Seymour. Informing all seven players of the decisions taken on their future was a difficult experience for Mariners boss Watson as he revealed his hope that they go on to enjoy successful careers elsewhere.

He told The Gazette: “It was really difficult because they’re all really good people. I had a connection with them, I have a connection with them and it’s been the hardest moment since I’ve been in the job because it breaks your heart to be honest. You really feel it, it’s a side of coaching I’ve not really experienced in my previous roles. I’ve been an assistant and it’s not me having to make the decision or have that conversation. It hasn’t been easy, it’s been hard, and I hope they go on to do really good things and have unbelievable careers. I will be watching them and I hope they have successful careers because they’re all really good lads.”

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