South Shields take Middlesbrough forward on loan as Woolston returns
A Middlesbrough forward will spend the remainder of the 2025/26 season on loan at National League North leaders South Shields.
South Shields have landed a major coup after completing the loan signing of highly-rated Middlesbrough youngster Sonny Finch.
Mariners manager Ian Watson spoke recently of his desire to add to his squad as his side look to continue their push for promotion into the National League during the second half of the season - and he was boosted when Derby County striker Lennon Wheeldon, Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Tom Watson and Sunderland wing-back Ollie Bainbridge all extended their existing loan deals.
The news that Boro youngster Finch has agreed to spend the remainder of the season with the Mariners will offer Watson further options in the final third as the versatile forward will compete with the likes of Paul Blackett, Cedwyn Scott and fellow loan signing Wheeldon for a place in the South Shields side. Finch has scored seven goals in 12 Boro Under-21s games so far this season and produced an eye-catching display as Mark Tinkler’s side claimed a narrow 1-0 win at Premier League 2 rivals Newcastle United on Friday night.
The 20-year-old has made six senior appearances for Boro and spent time on loan at MK Dons last season when he spent time working under current Mariners boss Watson, assistant manager Carl Magnay and former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson. He will now go into the South Shields squad for Saturday’s home game with Leamington and the Boro youngster admitted he can’t wait to get going.
After putting pen-to-paper, he said: “I am buzzing to sign for the club and can’t wait to get started. Hopefully, we can get winning games straight away. The group of lads are class and they have helped me settle in straightaway. Looking at how Luke (Woolston) did and how he developed helped me make the decision and also knowing the gaffer and assistant very well after being at Milton Keynes with them.”
Woolston returns to Boro
Finch’s move to the 1st Cloud Arena comes just hours after South Shields confirmed on-loan midfielder Luke Woolston had returned to Boro for assessment on an injury. The 21-year-old has been an integral part of the Mariners side that reached the FA Cup first round and currently sit at the top of the National League North table. Although there is interest in a loan deal that would allowed the Boro academy graduate to remain with South Shields during the second half of the season, any decision over his future will go on hold as his injury situation is assessed.
A short statement released by the Mariners read: “Luke Woolston has returned to Middlesbrough FC, after sustaining an injury during our fixture against Chester FC, to be assessed by their medical staff. We'd like to thank Luke for his major effort and contributions to the side this season!”