South Shields will face Dagenham and Redbridge in a testimonial fixture for long-serving defender Dillon Morse on Saturday afternoon.

Mike Williamson has described Dillon Morse as ‘a real warrior’ as the South Shields FC stalwart prepares to celebrate ten years of service in a testimonial match with National League North club Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday afternoon.

The former Blyth Spartans defender joined the Mariners during the summer of 2016 and enjoyed a stellar first season with the club as they claimed the Northern League title, Northern League Cup and Durham Challenge Cup before Morse netted in a 4-0 victory over Cleethorpes Town help to Graham Fenton and Lee Picton’s men lift the FA Vase and secure a historic quadruple.

Julio Arca and Dillon Morse celebrate South Shields' FA Vase final win (Getty Images) | Getty Images

placeholder image — Julio Arca and Dillon Morse celebrate South Shields' FA Vase final win (Getty Images) | Getty Images

Since that outstanding campaign, there have been further title wins, promotions and visits to the proper rounds of the FA Cup. The Mariners have also transitioned from part-time football to full-time professional status and Julio Arca, Kevin Phillips, Elliot Dickman and Ian Watson have all enjoyed managerial spells at the club.

Morse has been a consistent presence throughout a significant period of change and progress at the club and he will celebrate his journey from Northern League to the brink of the National League on Saturday afternoon. Current Mariners head coach Williamson praised the attitude and mentality shown by the long-serving defender and believes there is more to come from him over the coming seasons.

He told The Gazette: “He just epitomises everything we want. He is such a selfless individual, an unsung hero and he just does his bit. He’s a real warrior, a real competitor and he epitomise what we want to be seen as by opposition with his attitude and mentality. We ask the lads when they walk off the pitch, what do you want the opposition to say about you, and I think he is that. He’s just hard to beat.

“Players move on very quickly these days and it’s rare and unique to spend so much time at one club. It’s testament to him that he’s done that and that he has come through everything to get to this level. He looks after himself, he keeps himself in good nick and I think he has many years to come.”

Your next South Shields FC read: More to come from South Shields FC as stalwart Morse reflects on 'incredible' decade