Manager Kevin Phillips speaks out after his South Shields side get mocked online shortly after their penalty shootout loss on Tuesday night.
The Mariners saw their promotion hopes crushed again, this time down to spot kicks in a playoff semi final defeat at home to Warrington Town.
Kevin Phillips has since warned his side that “tough decisions” are to be made after being brought in with the hope to guide them to promotion, yet instead they lost the title to Buxton and his first season in charge doesn’t end in the ex-Sunderland player celebrating promotion into the National League North after losing 6-5, so instead must look to another season in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.
Yes the lads! Roll on Monday @theyellows unbelievable last night pic.twitter.com/Pd7su9WJlo
— Dom Finnigan (@Domfinnigan) April 27, 2022
Warrington Town visitors forward Jordan Buckley cancelled out a first-half strike from Darius Osei, but with no further goals scored when the game went to extra-time, it was all down to spot kicks and it was the Yellows advancing through, meaning they will take on Scarborough Athletic in the playoff final on Monday.
Kevin Phillips told Chronicle Live: “I will say now, there will be players in that dressing room that won’t be here next year. There will be players that will be and there will be players added.
“It needs an overhaul, I need new players in and I will have to make tough decisions – but I am not afraid to do it. That is what I have been brought here for and I am sure I will have the backing of Geoff (Thompson, South Shields owner), who has been incredible this season.
“We are all desperate to get promoted but I have big decisions to make this summer. It starts tomorrow, it’s been bubbling away in the background anyway. I’ve got it in my head, players, positions and that’s what you do.
“We need to act quick because if you don’t get the players you want, other teams snap them up. There will be some activity over the next few weeks.”
He added: “I’ll shoulder most of the blame because I was brought here to get this club promoted and I’ve fallen short. I will take the whole of the blame if that’s what’s needed.
“I’m sure there’ll be plenty of people on social media blaming me and that’s fine, I have broad enough and big enough shoulders – I can take it. But I’ll defend those players to the hilt.
“For the lads that were brave enough to step up and take the penalties, I give them credit because I’ve been there and it’s tough. I really, really feel for Jordan and Jenks but it’s a learning curve and football is all about that. You have to learn from that, it will make them bigger and stronger characters and players. They’ll come back stronger.”
As mentioned, Kevin Phillips speaks as South Shields get mocked online after their penalty shootout loss…
@fletch138: There are some things in life you can’t buy with money. It appears promotion is one of them 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@JoshButlerBUFC: Surprised your sugardaddy isn’t organising a court case to get 2nd in the league promoted
@TheRFCFanpage: See you next season lads
@SteveAd77908633: Sacking an experienced and successful manager, and bringing in a “big name” boss with no managerial experience was a disastrous decision !
@conFCUM: Promotion isn’t for everyone 😉😝
@kingstonbob01: Oh well, what a pity the full timers of South Shields bottle it again. Get in Warrington well done. Morpeth fan.
@StevenFlett2: Such a shame that the lights didn’t go out! 🤣
@MelvynStocks: 😊😄😂😭 Cheaters
@PaulJacklin: You had one heck of a way budget to stay in the same league as Mickleover
@John10lfc: Grand a week players and still can’t get out the division
@seacider: 🫢 Come on Scarborough !!!!!
@HighwaymanLRC: Karma is fun
@Rhorn1872: AHAHAHA. Bet you Fenton is laughing his heed off!!! SOOOOPA KEV!!!
@liamrobinson94: Always next year lads. 🍼🍼
@geoffwalker80: Fenton will no doubt be chuckling 🤣🤣🤣
@SDIXON1902: Publicity stunt failed, hiring a sunderland “icon” in a neutral area was always going to be a disaster and split fan opinion. Bringing in a manager with no experience was a brain dead choice by the chairman (who is also a safc fan). Reep what you sow
@anotherredrebel: Ah well never mind, sling another million in next season and you might go up.
@lucasfcutd: Dead club 😂😂
@OllyWhiteley13: Sack Fenton soo you can take selfie with Phillips well done have fun at Whitby next year!!!!!!! UTB project football league must of run out of petrol hahahah
Don’t worry lads like last year and the year before that I’m sure next years your year pic.twitter.com/zwoi4XXUYG
— Ryan (@RyanBro11591296) April 26, 2022
“Next year is our year” pic.twitter.com/M42elXmtmK
— Sam Jupp (@S_Jupp_) April 26, 2022
— Matthew Bartram (@matthew_bartram) April 26, 2022
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