Julio Arca named South Shields boss

Arca, who will embark on his first spell in management, returns to 1st Cloud Arena five years after ending his hugely successful playing career by captaining the Mariners to the Northern Premier League North Division title.

That was one of three promotions secured in three seasons while Arca patrolled Shields’ midfield.

The former Sunderland and Middlesbrough man replaces former team-mate Kevin Phillips, who left the club by mutual consent after steering them to the Northern Premier League title.

The Mariners will be joined in the National League North next season by either Warrington Town or Bamber Bridge, with the pair contesting the play-off final at Cantilever Park on Monday afternoon.

During his playing days, the Argentine captained South Shields to FA Vase glory at Wembley as the Mariners won a historic quadruple of trophies in 2016-17.

Following his appointment, Arca said: “It’s great to be back at the club after so many years. I firmly believe this is the right time for me to come back for a different challenge, and I’m very excited about it.

“The club has grown so fast, and this is a fantastic opportunity for me to become a manager for the first time, especially with the platform we have here.

“There is a lot of work to do between now and the start of pre-season but I’m very hungry to get started and help the club continue to progress.

“I like to compete. I’m not a person who is happy to sit in mid-table, and that’s why we need to get the right things done at the beginning.

“I will do the best I can to put South Shields in a great position next season.”

South Shields chairman Geoff Thompson added: “We are thrilled to welcome Julio back to the club and to provide him with his first opportunity as a manager.

“He was one of the main catalysts behind the growth of the club between 2015 and 2018, both on and off the pitch, and I’m very confident that many of the qualities he demonstrated in that time will translate excellently to his new role.

“It’s a hugely exciting time for the club and with Julio now installed, we are ready to finalise our plans for the season ahead in National League North.

“I’m sure our fans will be just as delighted as we are to welcome such an important figure in the history of our club back to 1st Cloud Arena.”

Photo credit: South Shields