South Shields FC new boy sets sights high ahead of Hereford trip

South Shields FC new boy Rio Clegg has set himself an ambitious target as he settles into life with the Mariners.

The former Trafford striker joined the Mariners from Radcliffe earlier this week after what was described as a ‘significant undisclosed fee’ was agreed between the National League North rivals. Clegg wasted little time in making his debut as he appeared for the final 20 minutes of Tuesday night’s 2-1 home win against Marine and he will hope to get more game-time when Mike Williamson’s side visit league leaders Hereford on Saturday.

After scoring 27 goals during what became his first and only full season at Radcliffe, Clegg is adamant he will find the net with regularity once he ‘gets to grips’ with South Shields style of play and is hoping to surpass last season’s total with his new club.

He told The Gazette: “With this being my first week, it’s been a lot to take on but once I get going, once I get to grips with it after a few weeks, I know I’ll start scoring goals for the team. The team is made to score goals so I should get loads in this side. I want to beat last year, I got 27 so I guess 30 would be the target.”

‘I just want to get better and better’

The move was a significant one for Clegg as the Manchester-born striker moves to the North East and steps into full-time, professional football for the first time in his career. Although that will unquestionably bring its own challenges, the 24-year-old believes more time on the training pitch can only help him improve his game.

He said: “I’m happy to be training everyday, to be working hard and just trying to improve really because that’s what I want to do during my time here. We used to train twice a week at Radcliffe, I love that and I improved there so I hope to make the most of training four times a week at least here. I just want to get better and better.”

‘Everything just made me want to move here’

Clegg has been impressed with what he has witnessed from his new head coach after working under former Newcastle United defender Williamson over recent days. The duo held talks ahead of the forward’s move to Mariners Park and Clegg revealed their conversations left him eager to impress on the training pitch and on matchday.

“He’s a top guy and he’s got some good ideas,” he explained. “Just from speaking to him, it made me want to sign and I obviously knew the style of play and what he thought of me. Everything just made me want to move here and now I can’t wait to get going.”

Mariners boss Williamson will assess the fitness of defender Ethan Mann after he limped out of the action in the closing stages of Tuesday’s win against Marine. Dan Dodds is still not ready to return and Dillon Morse’s fitness levels will be assessed before a decision is made over the level of his involvement at Edgar Street.

Your next football read: Hebburn Town FC urged to learn from Radcliffe loss as Hednesford Town lie in wait