HUNTING HIGH FOR SUCCESS!

JORDAN Hunter has set his sights on moving back into the Football League – with South Shields – after signing a permanent deal with the ambitious Mariners.

The former Sunderland and Liverpool youngster impressed during a season-long loan spell with the Northern Premier League club and has now accepted a three-year deal to remain on South Tyneside.

The Garstang-born full-back played a key role as Graham Fenton and Lee Picton’s side moved to within touching distance of securing a place in next season’s National League North.

A thrilling 5-3 home win against FC United of Manthis chester moved the Mariners 12 points clear at the top of the Premier Division table before the coronavirus epidemic curtailed the season.

An FA decision to null and void all results during the campaign put a delay on South Shields’ plans to take another step towards the Football League

– but Hunter, 20, sees no reason why they can’t continue that push when football returns.

“As a young player, I aspire to be in the Football League,” Hunter said.

“I do feel

South Shields can get there and I believe I can get there with them.

“That is where I want to play my football, and with the ambition shown by Geoff Thompson (South Shields chairman) and the club as a whole, I see no reason why we can’t. “The club have offered me a three-year deal, and that backed up what they were saying about their confidence in my ability.

“They have faith and confidence in me, and I am really determined to help them challenge again next season.” Hunter, left, revealed that the South Shields squad are keen to make up for lost time as they prepare for a third season at Step 3.

A play-off final defeat against Warrington Town ended their hopes of securing a fourth consecutive promotion in April 2019 and the FA’s decision to void last season dashed their hopes of moving to within two promotions of the Football League.

Consensus

Hunter looked ahead to next season with excitement and admitted that the Mariners players are hoping to use their disappointment to fire them to promotion.

“I think there is now extra motivation to get promoted

season,” he explained. “I wasn’t here at the time, but obviously there was the playoff defeat in the season before last.

“And last year, nobody deserved to win the league more than us, nobody.

“If we got into the play-offs next season, we would be disappointed, although hopefully that would get us promoted.

“But the consensus in our group chat is that we want to do even better and win the league.

“A lot of people have said it will be tough in the league this year, and that looks to be about right.

“But we are confident in our ability and we believe we will be right up there.”