South Shields boss 'can't thank Sunderland enough' as Black Cats aid promotion bid
Sunderland have supported South Shields' bid to secure promotion via the National League North play-offs.
South Shields manager Ian Watson has admitted the Mariners ‘would have been lost’ with the support of Premier League neighbours Sunderland as they prepare for Saturday’s National League North play-off final with Kidderminster Harriers.
Watson and his coaching staff put the Mariners squad through their paces at the Academy of Light ahead of last weekend’s play-off semi-final win against Buxton after receiving a generous offer from the Black Cats hierarchy. A first-half penalty from Paul Blackett was enough to take South Shields within 90 minutes of a potential promotion into the National League and they have now returned to Sunderland for training sessions ahead of Saturday’s showdown with the Harriers.
Watson, who praised Sunderland ahead of the win against Buxton, reaffirmed his admiration and gratitude towards the Black Cats as he looks to take his side within one promotion of a place in the EFL.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
Speaking ahead of a training session at the Academy of Light on Wednesday, the Mariners boss said: “We literally can’t thank Sunderland enough, can’t speak highly enough of the football club. You talk about a football club that are just doing things for the community and helping. It just looks like, from the outside in, that football club is in such a good place and they are doing everything right. That is filtering through with the help they have given us.
“We would have been lost without them in the last two weeks. They don’t need to help us. Other than the fact they want to help and they want to be a big part of the community. I can’t thank them enough, we really appreciate that.”
Your next football read: 'We love him' - Sunderland youngster on South Shields transfer radar after successful loan deal