GILLIES FOLLOWS ROAD TO SHIELDS
JOSH Gillies has become the fourth player to leave Darlington to join Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division new boys South Shields this summer.
The 28-year-old winger follows defensive duo Chris Hunter and Gary Brown and midfielder Phil Turnbull in moving to Mariners Park.
It brings an end to Gillies’ two-year stay with the Quakers and the attacking midfielder is looking forward to helping his new club continue their rapid rise up the Non-League pyramid.
“I’m over the moon to have joined the club,” he told the Mariners’ club website. “I met Graham (Fenton) and Lee (Picton) earlier this week and came away feeling very excited about what is happening here.
“From the outside looking in, you can see where the club is going and where it wants to be.
“The plans the club have are amazing and hopefully I can help it on its way. It’s something I want to be a part of.”
The former Gateshead and Carlisle United winger joins a Mariners side well and truly on the up. After securing last season’s EvoStik Northern Division One North title, the 201617 FA Vase winners are going in search of a fourth consecutive promotion when they start their first ever Step 3 campaign in August.
“You want to join a team that is looking to win the league, and that’s the number one target,” Gillies added.
Positive
“I’m confident we’ve got the team here to do that.
“I know quite a lot of the squad having played with them in the past, so it will be easier than going to a brand-new club where you don’t know any of the players.
“Everything I’ve heard about the place is positive.
“There’s never any negativity when you speak to people about it and you want to be part of clubs like that.”
Mariners joint-manager Fenton, pictured inset, revealed that it wasn’t the first time the club had shown an interest in a player he believes gives them “real quality”.
“We’re delighted to bring Josh to the club as our latest addition.
“He’s someone we showed a bit of interest in last season and it’s great to now have him on board.
“Josh will give us real quality at the top end of the pitch.
“He has played at a real high standard and is an intelligent footballer who will suit the way we play really well.”