South Shields striker Paul Blackett has signed a new three-year deal with the National League North club.

Paul Blackett has revealed South Shields went ‘above and beyond’ to secure his services after the striker signed a new three-year deal at Mariners Park.

As exclusively revealed by The Gazette on Friday, the Mariners hitman had been in talks over a new deal and was on the brink of reaching an agreement that will commit him to the National League North club until the summer of 2029. Blackett has plundered his way to 87 goals in 138 games since joining South Shields from Spennymoor Town in July 2023 - and that has sparked serious interest from clubs in the EFL and National League in recent months - but the striker has now committed to the Mariners after putting pen-to-paper on a new three-year deal.

Paul Blackett celebrates after scoring in South Shields' FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie against Spalding United (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

placeholder image — Paul Blackett celebrates after scoring in South Shields' FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie against Spalding United (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

After signing his new contract, Blackett told The Gazette: “I’m delighted to get it done because it’s something that has been going on for a little while now. There was a little bit of interest over the summer but South Shields have gone above and beyond to keep me and that meant a lot to be honest with you. I am happy here, I feel comfortable here, I’ve scored goals here and I am delighted to be staying with the club ahead of the new season.”

Conversations

South Shields head coach Mike Williamson (photo Kevin Wilson) | South Shields

The appointment of Mike Williamson has brought Blackett’s professional career full circle after he worked under the former Newcastle United defender during their time at Gateshead. Then a young striker making his way into the pro game, the Geordie is one of the most feared frontmen in the National League North and provides an experienced head in the Mariners dressing room.

Blackett is relishing the opportunity to work with Williamson once again and gave an insight into how their relationship has developed since their time at the International Stadium.

“The manager coming in here played a part, of course it did,” he admitted. “I’ve worked with Mike before at Gateshead - although the relationship I have with him now is slightly different because I’m a more senior figure within the squad than I was back then. At Gateshead, I was just going into professional football really. But I’ve had a lot of conversations with Mike this summer and it just feels like the right fit.”

Competition

Cedwyn Scott, Paul Blackett and Will Jenkins (L to R) celebrate after the latter scored in South Shields' win at National League North rivals Chester (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

Williamson has added to his attacking options since succeeding Ian Watson last month after completing the signings of experienced forward Sam Ashford and Blackett’s former Gateshead team-mate Adam Campbell. For last season’s top goalscorer, further competition can only be a positive as the Mariners look to push for success during Williamson’s first season in charge.

He said: “We have got a lot of forward players and a lot of very good forward players as well. There is a lot of competition for places at the top end of the pitch and that can only drive us on to do even better during the new season. There have been good signings all over the pitch and that can only strengthen us and that puts us into a good position ahead of the season. We have plenty of games in pre-season to work on the things the new lads might not know and for us to really get to know them too.”

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