South Shields FC land record fee as Sonny Finch joins League Two club Grimsby Town

South Shields FC have confirmed the departure of Sonny Finch after League Two club Grimsby Town triggered a release clause in the young forward’s contract.

The Middlesbrough academy product originally joined the Mariners on a loan deal in January and scored six goals and provided seven assists in 14 appearances before he became a permanent member of the South Shields squad just over two months later. Finch was part of the Mariners side that narrowly missed out on promotion into the National League after they suffered a play-off final defeat against Kidderminster Harriers in May - but his performances were enough to capture the attention of a number of clubs at higher levels.

The 21-year-old continued to impress in pre-season as new head coach Mike Williamson prepared for his first season in charge at Mariners Park and it was Finch that scored the first competitive goal of the former Newcastle United defender’s time in charge when he netted in a 1-0 win at Scarborough Athletic on the opening day of the National League North campaign. The versatile forward started in wins against Chorley and Morecambe over the last week - but he was missing from the squad that battled to a 1-1 home draw with Merthyr Town on Saturday as talks over a possible move to Grimsby were ramped up.

The League Two club agreed to trigger a release clause in Finch’s contract over the weekend and The Gazette understands that was enough to represent a club record sale for South Shields. The youngster underwent a medical on medical on Monday and completed the formalities of a deal that will see him return to the EFL for the first time since he spent time on loan at MK Dons during the first half of the 2024/25 season.

Mariners boss Mike Williamson admitted he was ‘very disappointed’ to lose Finch so early in the season - but stressed the forward will depart with his best wishes as he looks to make an impact at a higher level.

He told The Gazette: “Grimsby triggered his clause and it’s a brilliant move for him. We are very disappointed to lose him because he’s an excellent human being to start with and a really talented footballer as well. You can see the impact he has had on the pitch, in games and in the changing room. It’s really exciting for him, he’s got all of our blessings and best wishes and I hope he goes down there, tears it up, and goes to the next level.”

‘We need to assess’

Williamson also revealed he could consider adding to his defensive ranks as he heads into Saturday’s visit to Brackley Town without captain Robbie Tinkler after he received a red card in Saturday’s draw with Merthyr.

He said: “It is looking tight at the back and we will see how Dillon Morse is first. We need to assess his fitness levels and see where we are at - but we are going to be short at the back.”

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