The South Shields gaffer discusses the scarcity of great strike partnerships, Golden Boot glory and Euro 2000 heartbreak
Interview Ed McCambridge
INTERVIEW
You took charge of Northern Premier League side South Shields in January 2022, with the club in third and big expectations to go up. That’s a lot of pressure for a first managerial role...
Pressure comes with managing a team with great crowds, good infrastructure and investment – that’s what most managers want. My goal is to get this side promoted. We made the 2021-22 play-offs but didn’t quite have enough to go up. Luckily, my chairman backed me to lead the club through a transfer window and judge me on my first full season. I know this job is a big gamble as, if you don’t succeed in the seventh tier, further opportunities aren’t likely to be thrown at you.
South Shields have been absolutely flying this season, topping the table. What’s been the key to that success?
We brought in the right players in the summer. Being full-time also gives us a decent advantage over some of the division’s other sides, as we can fully focus on fitness levels and preparing for matches. As an ex-pro, getting to bring that sort of professionalism to this league has been crucial.
Beyond promotion this term, what’s the aim for South Shields?
There was a long-term plan from the owner that was sold to me when I first arrived. Looking at the facilities here, the infrastructure, the crowds – we’re getting around 2,500 at every home game, which is phenomenal – we need to be aiming for the Football League in the years to come. But that’s not all down to me, it will take a team effort. The job isn’t done this season.
You’ve served on the coaching staff at various EFL clubs in the past. How much did those experiences help?
It was massive for me. I learnt a lot at Stoke from Gary Rowett, who speaks to his players with so much clarity. Paul Clement at Derby, too – he’s worked with some of the biggest players in the world. They gave me an insight into what it takes to be a football manager.
You were on the Leicester City staff until partway through the season they won the Premier League title in 2015-16. What made you leave?
We’d stayed up by the skin of our teeth but then Nigel Pearson left, Claudio Ranieri came in and you’re thinking we just need to survive again. Some of the signings we made that summer were excellent and we made such a strong start. Jamie Vardy was scoring every week. Listen, if I knew they were going to go on and win the Premier League that season, I wouldn’t have left in the September. But a good opportunity ca
