Mike Williamson has given an update on South Shields FC's attempts to add to their squad ahead of his first season in charge at Mariners Park.

Mike Williamson has confirmed South Shields FC are in talks with potential new signings - but insisted there won’t be ‘big changes’ to the squad he inherited from predecessor Ian Watson.

The Mariners kickstarted their summer transfer business earlier this week when full-back Jordan Marshall agreed to return to his native North East after an overwhelmingly successful spell with Welsh club The New Saints. As revealed by The Gazette earlier this month, a deal for a young midfielder that has recently left an EFL club has also been completed and there is an acceptance the Mariners must strengthen in other areas too.

South Shields head coach Mike Williamson (photo South Shields FC) | South Shields FC

placeholder image — South Shields head coach Mike Williamson (photo South Shields FC) | South Shields FC

Williamson stressed he must also focus his attention on the current members of the squad he inherited and is adamant there is no need for a major overhaul of a group of players that secured runners-up spot in the National League North last season.

He told The Gazette: “Negotiations and talks are happening and we are hoping one or two more will come through the door. These things are never straightforward but we are working hard behind the scenes. At the minute, my biggest thing is what we have in the building because it doesn’t need to be big changes but we want to make sure the players are aware of what we need from them and anyone that comes through the door. We just probably need a little bit of help.

“There may be players to filter out. I hope the lads know that there will be things we would have brought in this season that would have coming in with Ian and Carl anyway. There will be little tweaks and we will be bringing in our view on the game and I think they will understand quickly the demands and high standards will still be there same as what they always have been.”

Evolved

Mike Williamson and Ian Watson on the touchline at South Shields (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

Williamson and newly-appointed assistant head coach Stephen Harrison will welcome the Mariners squad back for pre-season training this week as they begin their preparations for the new campaign.

Several academy prospects will also be involved in first-team training throughout the coming weeks and they will find a familiar face after Jack Sadler was promoted from the Mariners youth ranks to a position of first-team coach. Former Newcastle United defender Williamson has set out his demands for what lies ahead and gave an insight into what Mariners supporters can expect from their side during his first season in charge at Mariners Park.

He said: “We want to be the hardest working side, we want to be the fittest side, we want to be the most aggressive with and without the ball. We will have a good amount of possession but that’s not the focus. The focus will be on being on the attack, doing it in a controlled way and being in control of as many areas of the game as we can. Since I’ve come in here and we had a little break not working together, Ian changed and evolved and so have I. We’ve had different journeys and experiences - but the principles will remain the same.”

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