SHIELDS SKIPPER CALLS FOR CALM

SOUTH SHIELDS captain Jon Shaw believes everyone at the club has a responsibility to manage expectations this season.

The Mariners have secured promotion in each of the last three seasons and were sat at the top of the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division ahead of this weekend’s trip to Warrington Town.

League defeats against Farsley Celtic and North Ferriby United and last weekend’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Stockport County have led to some online criticism from a minority of the club’s supporters. But Shaw insisted the majority of those connected with the club realise the challenge that faces them over the coming months as they look for a fourth promotion in as many years.

“Expectations must be managed as you go up the leagues,” explained the former Sheffield Wednesday and Luton Town star.

“We have players that have been here since the Northern League Division One season, some since Division Two. They are now playing three leagues above that. We are going to lose more games this season than we have recently.

“We are playing a lot of clubs with ex-pros in their squad and clubs with decent budgets. We are running into a standard where it starts to even out. You know it’s coming and how you react to that is key.”

It has still been an overwhelmingly positive season for the South Tyneside club. They have a perfect record at home, winning all four of their Mariners Park fixtures. And away wins at Matlock Town and Stalybridge Celtic show that Graham Fenton and Lee Picton’s side can be a force on the road.

Shaw revealed the Mariners players are excited about the “buzz” around the club and is hopeful that their supporters will stick with them.

“Our fans should still be excited. But when we do lose, which will come, just be there to back us.”