Exclusive:Will Jenkins move to Rochdale is a 'real success story' for South Shields FC - Mike Williamson

Mike Williamson believes Will Jenkins’ move to EFL newcomers Rochdale should be viewed as a ‘fantastic success story’ for South Shields FC.

The midfielder joined the Mariners academy setup at the age of 15 and has benefitted from loan spells at Northern Premier League clubs Morpeth Town and Dunston UTS before firmly establishing himself in the South Shields senior setup in recent seasons. Jenkins’ form has helped the Mariners establish themselves in the National League North and he was an integral figure within the side that narrowly missed out on promotion into non-league football’s top tier last season.

The midfielder’s progress caught the eye of several EFL and National League clubs in recent seasons - although the Mariners appeared to have warded off the threat of a departure when Jenkins put pen-to-paper on a new long-term deal earlier this year. However, former manager Ian Watson returned to his old club just weeks after departing for Rochdale and agreed a deal that will hand Jenkins an opportunity to shine in the EFL for the first time in his career.

New manager Williamson admitted there was disappointment at losing a key player during his first summer in charge but stressed the deal should be viewed as a success for the Mariners and their academy setup.

He told The Gazette: “We are obviously really disappointed to lose Will because, first and foremost, he’s an unbelievable lad and player - but this is the nature of football and I am really excited for him. He knows the manager and the staff really well and I’m excited to see his progression. He’s been here since he was 15, he’s been on a long journey and he hasn’t taken the easy route - but I think that has made him who he is and that’s humble, hardworking and you couldn’t ask for a player that is more of a model professional. I think it’s a fantastic success story for the football club and the academy and he goes with our best wishes.”

New signing has the ‘perfect mentality’ - Williamson

One player that will hope to replicate Jenkins’ success in the heart of the Mariners side is summer signing Toby Onanaye. The former Leicester City youngster became one of Williamson’s first signings earlier this month and he produced an eye-catching display on his debut in Friday night’s friendly win at Northern League club Blyth Town. The 19-year-old did not make a senior appearance during his time with the former Premier League champions - but he was a regular in their Under-21s setup in recent seasons and has already shown why the Mariners were so keen to secure his services.

Williamson has been impressed with the young midfielder’s mentality since he joined the club and he believes Onanaye has a ‘very high ceiling’ in his development.

“Toby is something that has come in and has shown he is hungry to learn,” he explained. “He wants to embrace the opportunity here, he has the perfect mentality and he has a very high ceiling so I am very keen to see where we can take him because he has already shown glimpses of what I believe he can offer us.”

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