North Shields

CLUB HISTORY

North Shields Athletic was originally formed in 1896, and played initially in the South Shields & District League. They progressed through the Northern Combination, Northern Alliance and North Eastern League and became a major force in North East Football, outside the Football League, moving to play at Hawkey’s Lane around 1900. At least two players, Alan Grenyer and Harry Chambers, went on to play for the full England team after starting their careers with North Shields Athletic.

Preston Colliery F.C. emerged after the Great War becoming North Shields A.F.C. in 1928, and the club won many honours over the years. They enjoyed tremendous local support with a record 12,800 watching the local derby with South Shields in 1936. Shields won the North Eastern League title and numerous cups but their moment of crowning glory came in 1969. After joining the Northern league they won the F.A. Amateur cup by beating Sutton United in front of 47,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium. Shields were a goal down after only four minutes but won with second half strikes from Richie Hall and Brian Joicey – both laid on by Orrick, a shipyard worker from Byker.

The club, which also won the Northern League Championship and Challenge Cup that same year, were declared joint holders of the European Amateur Cup the following season when the two games against Italian side Almas resulted in a level aggregate score. In 1982 “The Robins” won 1-0 at Halifax Town in the F.A. Cup 1st Round, Bede McCaffrey scoring the all important goal. Walsall were the visitors to Appleby Park in the next round and left with a 3-0 victory. Having moved into the national pyramid by joining the Northern Counties East League, North Shields earned promotion to the Nothern Premier League by winning the title, but financial problems resulted in the club losing the Appleby Park Ground and then reforming to play in the VAUX Wearside League.

Since then “The Robins” have enjoyed considerable success, winning the treble of League, Shipowners Cup and Northumberland Senior Bowl in 1998/99. In 2000/01 they finished runners-up to Nissan but won the Monkwearmouth Cup and the Senior Bowl for the second time. They won the Wearside league by eight points in 2002 and the Monkwearmouth Cup again in 2003. “The Robins” finalley gained promotion back into the Albany Northern League in 2004 – after a 15 year absence – following their third Wearside League title and a further Shipowners Cup triumph.

PLAYING STAFF

Michael Robinson Goalkeeper

Michael rejoins us for his second spell at the club. A top class keeper who’s made more than 100 appearances in a Robins shirt. Also played for Blue Star, Tow Law and Benfield.

Ryan Beal Goalkeeper

Ipswich-born keeper who impressed in the pre-season friendly with South Shields.

Anthony (Michael) Woodhouse Defence

Player manager signed from Whitley Bay. Equally at home in defence or attack. Previous clubs include West Allotment Celtic, Dunston Fed, Jarrow Roofing, Ashington, Spennymoor Town and Blyth Spartans.

Daniel Bolt Defence

Cool, composed, great in the air and distributes the ball superbly, Dan is a young centre half who will be a great asset this year.

Kevin Hughes Defence

Very important signing for the club. Joined from West Allotment and will be influential at centre half this year.

Neil Baistow Defence

Solid defender signed from Team Northumbria. Can play anywhere across the back four.

Philip Cartwright Defence

Signed from local football and a good player to bolster the squad.

Joe Elliott Defence

Versatile player signed from Cullercoats who can play in midfield or at right back.

Martin Graham Defence

Experienced defender previously at Jarrow Roofing, West Allotment and Ashington. A great asset at the back.

Daniel Patterson Defence

Experienced player who turned out professionally with Queen of the South. Signed from West Allotment, can play left back, centre half or wing back.

John Grey Defence

18-year-old left back who can also play left midfield. Loads of potential. One to watch.

Steven Salter Defence / Midfield

Signed from Esh Winning, ‘Salts’ can play centre half or centre mid. Adds a bit of steel to the defence.

Paul Watson Midfield

Midfield work horse and a fantastic signing for the club. Played for West Allotment and Dunston last season – will chip in with goals from midfield.

Robbie Livermore Midfield

Joined from Whitley Bay. Can play centrally or wide right.

Mark (Alan) Rasmussen Midfield

Re-signed from West Allotment. Another strong addition to the squad – can play on the right or in the centre of midfield.

Jonathan Hall Midfield

One of the fittest players at the club, pacy midfielder signed from Bedlington Terriers.

Ross Atkinson Midfield

Signed from Ashington, Ross is an attacking midfielder or forward. Always amongst the goals. Previous clubs include Queen of the South and Newcastle Blue Star.

Keith Douglas Forward

Previously with Ashington, Bedlington Terriers and West Allotment Celtic. Top scorer last season with 32 goals.

Femi Akinbolu Forward

Natural goalscorer signed from Northern Alliance side Cullercoats.

Liam Harris Forward

17-year-old centre forward signed from local football. Definitely one to watch.

Andrew Hay Forward

Prolific scorer who holds the club record for most goals in one game (7). Previous clubs include Blyth, Whitley Bay and Blue Star.

Paul Gordon Forward

Signed from West Allotment, Paul has bags of pace and is capable of causing havoc in opposition defences.

James Luccock Forward

Can play on either wing or at wing back. A real assett to the squad.

Andrew Bowman Forward

A prolific scorer formerly at Whitley Bay, Morpeth, West Allotment and Newcastle Benfield. Now concentrating on coaching.

Stuart Wright Forward

Centre forward signed from Cullercoats. At 21 he is still learning the game but has impressed in pre-season and will play his part this year.

Andrew Wright Forward

Left winger who is quick and has great quality with his left peg. Another great signing for the Robins, his previous clubs include a spell at Blyth Spartans.