South Shields appoint Kevin Phillips as first team manager

The 48-year-old replaces Graham Fenton, who was relieved of his duties and placed on gardening leave in the aftermath of the Mariners’ 2-0 victory at home to Radcliffe.

Fenton leaves the club after five-and-a-half years, having led them to three consecutive promotions and six trophy wins following his arrival in September 2016.

He steered the club to FA Vase success in 2016/17, sealing a 4-0 victory over Cleethorpes Town at Wembley Stadium.

On relieving Fenton of his duties, chairman Geoff Thompson said: “This has been an extremely difficult decision to make.

“Ultimately, results and performances have not met our expectations this season given the investment made in the first-team and the club’s ambition.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Graham for all the tireless work he has dedicated to the club since his arrival in 2016.

“His long list of achievements, coupled with the huge contribution he has made to the club’s overall growth over the last five-and-a-half years, will never be forgotten.

“He leaves the club in a far better place than when he arrived.”

Saturday’s victory left Shields third in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division, five points behind league leaders Matlock Town, albeit with a game in-hand.

They are next in action away at Ashton United tomorrow night, before visiting fellow play-off contenders Warrington Town on Saturday.

Phillips boasts a wealth of experience, both from his playing and coaching days.

He enjoyed a hugely successful playing career with clubs including Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion, but is most revered for his spell at Sunderland.

He scored 130 goals in 235 appearances for the Black Cats to secure ‘club legend’ status, and is the only Englishman to have won the European Golden Shoe, having netted 30 times in the Premier League during the 1999-2000 season.

Such form saw him named in Kevin Keegan’s England squad for UEFA Euro 2000.

Since hanging up his boots, Phillips has established himself in a coaching capacity, with roles held at Leicester City, Derby County and Stoke City.

“I’m absolutely delighted to come on board having been given the opportunity to manage South Shields,” he said.

“This is my first taste of management so I’m eager to get going and I’m very, very excited.

“The club is very ambitious and is an exciting place to be, which is demonstrated by the investment which has been made in the team and the facilities.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of it and hopefully helping the club move forwards.

“I’ve never been shy in saying I’d love a crack at management when the right opportunity arose, and Geoff completely sold this club to me.

“The club is in an area I know very well and have a great affection for, and coupled with that it has great ambition and a vision to grow.

“I’m licking my lips to be part of it.

“I want to win games and be successful, and I hope myself and the players will enjoy the ride together.”

Thompson added: “We are incredibly excited about the prospect of Kevin joining us and leading our first-team.

“His pedigree, background and experience in the game are substantial and I’m sure he’s going to make a massive impact on the club.

“I’m sure everyone connected to the club will join me in welcoming Kevin with open arms, and I very much look forward to working with him over the coming years.”