Shaw’s played last game for the Mariners

SOUTH Shields stalwart Jon Shaw has played his last game for the Mariners – but he will remain at the 1st Cloud Arena in a key off-field role.

The former Gateshead and

Luton Town star joined the Mariners in the summer of 2016 and has been a mainstay of the club’s rise up the non-league system. His first season ended with a historic quadruple as South Shields claimed the Northern League Division One title, Durham Challenge Cup, Northern League Cup and FA Vase.

Another title followed when his side became Northern Premier League East champions in 2018 and he helped the Mariners reach the FA Cup first round for the first time since 1973 in October 2020.

However, last month’s Northern Premier League Premier Division play-off semi-final defeat against Warrington Town will be the last of his 211 appearances for the club after they decided against extending his playing contract.

Shaw admitted he understood the decision and is adamant he will extend his playing career elsewhere next season.

He told the club website: “It has been a privilege to represent the club through all of my various roles and to have been part of some great successes, as well as a few little disappointments along the way.

“As it has been throughout my time here, the club is striving to move forward, and inevitably a few players have to move on.

“I understand the decision not to renew my playing contract. I can’t honestly say I agree with it, but that’s me backing myself, which in this game you have to do, and I feel I have something to offer a team and want to play for as long as possible.”

Shaw will now await offers from elsewhere and focus on returning to a position as South Shields head of professional development. That will see him play a lead role in working with Mariners academy players as they look to progress into Kevin Phillips’ first-team.

Mariners boss Phillips said: “Jon has been a fantastic servant to the club and is a credit to himself and the club.

“He has been exemplary, but unfortunately tough decisions have to be made in football and

Jon understands that.

“It was a tough one because I want to freshen up the squad and build my own team to challenge for promotion next season, and I couldn’t guarantee Jon the minutes he would be looking for.”