ARCA: BOSS DUO MAKE DIFFERENCE
FORMER South Shields midfielder Julio Arca believes that jointmanagers Graham Fenton and Lee Picton can take the club to where they want to be.
Arca announced his retirement at the end of last season, bringing an end to his three-and-a-half year stay at Mariners Park.
The Argentinian helped the club to three consecutive promotions and three cup wins before bringing down the curtain on his career in May.
The Mariners face a trip into the unknown in the coming season when they take their place in the EvoStik Northern Premier League.
But Arca sees no reason why they can’t be a success, especially with such a “talented” management team in charge.
“They are a little bit different to other managers at that level,” said the former Sunderland star. “They pay attention to detail and they work on things that others might ignore.
“They do video analysis and some people might think that is boring, but then you are out on the pitch and realise that what they have shown you is helping.
“With Lee and Graham there, with a stronger team than last year after the new signings, I believe they can get another promotion.
“The higher you go, the harder it will get but they are doing the right things.
“They have strengthened in the right places and it is an exciting time for the club.”
Arca stressed the importance of patience as the Mariners prepare to take on the likes of Farsley Celtic, Workington and former FA Trophy winners North Ferriby United in the Evo-Stik League’s top-flight.
It is only three years since the former Argentina Under-20 international joined the Mariners in the Second Division of the Northern League.
Since then supporters have only witnessed occasional defeats as they romped to three consecutive promotions.
However, Arca believes it will be a tougher task this season as they look to challenge for promotion into National League North.
“The supporters are like a growing monster, I mean that in a nice way,” he said.
“Every year the amount of supporters gets bigger and bigger. I think they need to be patient because the excitement will put big pressure on the team and the management.
“The supporters have got used to winning and haven’t seen the team lose many games. It is a tough league and hopefully they will get promotion, but it’s not every season you get promotion.
“If they do it again, wow! Four promotions in a row would be unbelievable.
“The club has come so far, it’s incredible but it will be tough because there are some very good teams in the league.”
Arca has spent time with his young family since the end of last season.
“I got told I applied for managerial jobs and I was signing for clubs in the Northern League but no, that’s not true.
“I have my football academies and I would like to try and get into football agent work. I have been told I could open the door for some South American players so that is something I could look into.
“But I am enjoying having time with the family and not worrying about training or pre-season.
“I have my B Licence but management isn’t in my plans quite yet. But never say never!”