South Shields confirm release of 7 players as options triggered on duo

South Shields have kickstarted their preparations for the new National League North season by confirming the departure of 12 players.

Versatile midfielder Dan Ward’s time at the 1st Cloud Arena has been brought to an end and former Sunderland and Hartlepool United midfielder Martin Smith will move on after his contract came to a close. A third midfielder, Todd Alcock, will also look for a new club after the Mariners opted against offering a new deal to the former Aston Villa academy star. Academy graduates James Sloan, Louis Burns, Kyle Seymour and Ewan McGowan have also departed after their contracts came to an end - although The Gazette understands the latter of that quartet already has significant interest from elsewhere.

The Mariners have also confirmed they have triggered one-year options on former Crawley Town goalkeeper Jasper Sheik and long-serving defender Dillon Morse as the latter surpasses a decade of service at the club. Former Newcastle United academy forward Kyle Crossley is in talks over a new deal at the 1st Cloud Arena and loan signings Oli Bainbridge, Tom Watson, Niall McAndrew, Ethan Robson and Lennon Wheeldon have all returned to their parent clubs.

Still under contract for the new season are Robbie Tinkler, Cain Sykes, Sean McGurk, Paul Blackett, Will Jenkins, Ethan Mann, Sonny Finch, Cedwyn Scott, Caden Kelly, Dan Savage, Daniel Dodds, David Carson and Jack Roles.

Focus

The focus has already shifted towards potential new additions to the Mariners squad as they look to push for promotion once again next season. A more measured approach to recruitment is expected after Watson’s first summer in charge brought a major overhaul of the squad he inherited from predecessor Elliott Dickman and there will be a major focus on quality rather than quantity. Watson have already confirmed he would be interest in securing a permanent deal for former loan signing Ollie Bainbridge - although the Sunderland youngster is expected to have significant interest from elsewhere.

Speaking earlier this week about his summer business, the Mariners boss told The Gazette: “We are already underway with planning. We had a meeting on Monday to discuss what we look like for next year and what that looks like. We are always planning, we are really ambitious, I’m really ambitious and I want to drive this club and take it as high as it can possibly go. With that perspective, we will be working straightaway.”

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