South Shields confirm departure of ex-Prem and EFL player turned title winning boss

South Shields confirm the departure title winning boss Kevin Phillips, who leaves the club following a 3-0 defeat to Stafford Rangers.

Kevin and Geoff Thompson have discussed the direction of the club since the promotion to the National League North earlier this month, having Northern Premier League Premier Division, and have 85 points from 42 games.

The club has decided that it’s in everyone’s best interest to separate as they continue their journey to a sustainable model.

The club can confirm Kevin Phillips is to leave his role as manager by mutual consent.

We are hugely grateful for Kevin’s efforts since joining in January 2022 and wish him every success moving forward.

The search for his successor now begins.

Full statement 👇

— (C) South Shields FC (@SouthShieldsFC) April 22, 2023

CLUB STATEMENT:

South Shields FC can confirm manager Kevin Phillips is to leave the club by mutual consent.

Since promotion to National League North was confirmed earlier this month, discussions over the future direction of the club have been held between Kevin and chairman Geoff Thompson.

It has now been decided it is in the best interests of all parties to go their separate ways as the club continues on its road to a more sustainable model.

Kevin departs on extremely good terms and with the best wishes of everyone connected to the club, as well as our thanks for his efforts since joining in January 2022.

South Shields FC chairman Geoff Thompson said: “This has been a very difficult decision to come to, particularly given the successful season we have just enjoyed.

“We are hugely grateful to Kevin for his work over the last 15 months and the role he has played in delivering a promotion we have been striving for since 2018.

“He will always hold a special place in our history and we wish him nothing but success in his career.

“I can reassure supporters that our ambition remains strong and, if our fans and sponsors continue to back us in the way they have this season, we are confident in our ability to be extremely competitive in National League North next season.

“It is vital that we remain realistic when it comes to setting budgets and utilising the best talents which are produced by our Academy, though, and that will be an important part of our strategy moving forward.”

Kevin Phillips said: “I feel that this is the right time for me to depart, for a number of reasons.

“To be manager of South Shields has been an amazing experience and I’m very grateful for everything Geoff has done during my time at the club.

“I’ve given my heart and soul to this club and I’m disappointed to leave, but I’ve been in football a long time and I know things can change very quickly.

“There are lots of different factors behind this mutual decision, but I’d like to place on record my thanks to everyone connected to the club and I wish whoever comes in next all the success in the world.

“I was brought here to do a job and I did it, and although I’d have loved to have taken it further, circumstances have changed and I’ll be supporting the club in the next phase of its journey from afar.”

The club has begun its search for a new manager and will update supporters in due course.

This is what fans said as South Shields confirm the departure of ex-Prem and EFL player turned title winning boss Kevin Phillips…

@darlo_paul12: Armstrong for Shields and Phillips for Darlo 😂

@charliebufc: Heard Paul Cox is a brilliant manager at this level. I’m sure you got enough money to find him a place to live.

@Neilfarrington: Got the main job done, I suppose. But never seemed fully invested in the club to me. Took barely any interest in the academy (whereas his predecessor attended almost every academy game). The club will be stronger without him.

@1989Dayle: People saying he used them as a stepping stone clearly didnt read the statement.. clearly Phillips and Thompson have differences about the clubs direction ‘sustainable’ .. so theres not enough money to spend in the summer to kick on how Phillips wants

@davbrno: Respect to SS for focusing on a more sustainable model and operating within their means. Good luck to Kevin, sure he will appear a league or two higher soon. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@defty_sean: Knew this was coming as he wants to manage higher and we won’t have a big budget next season, it’s going to be a season of stabilising the club. I’ll be very surprised if it’s not a quiet summer ahead.

@hume_aaron: Wow! Apparently been on the cards for a while. Anyone have any favourites or suggestions as to who they would want in?

@ATM_SSFC: Don’t know what to say about that!

@ATM_SSFC: Very disappointed! This could have big ramifications for us next season as he won’t be the only one out the door will he! All of a sudden not looking forward to next season quite as much 😞

 

@ShieldsMPSAFC: Job’s done. Thanks Kev. Now it’s time to prepare for next season. #UTM

@ian_gala: Bloody hell 😡 New manager maybe another rebuild. Really thought we were building on a stable base.

@davidgill1985: Buzzing! Great news I think, let’s get someone in who knows how to manage and give the league a good shot next year!!

@CTH86: Credit for gaining us promotion, but in my opinion, the correct call. Let’s get a manager who knows the league.

@AndyG1508: Half expected this, gonna be an interesting pre season

@Radio_Ron: Not surprised. He wasn’t engaged at all with the match. Been a done deal, get promoted and move on.

@rob_nicka: What a shame. Had a good thing going. Hope Shields can get a good manager in for next year

@darlouncovered: Wow, that’s an interesting announcement

@scotti1973: If he would have loved to have taken it further why is he going ? Bit of a strange one 😱 Personally thought he did a great job once he got the players he wanted. Life goes on, who’s next for Shields ?

@Anthzny: What the fuck.

@tenchylad: Surprised by this but I’d like to see Kev be given a pop with a league club. Served his time in coaching and now cut his teeth as a gaffer. One to look out for ?

@Shottt23: Thank you for one hell of a season 🏆 I’m sure the club will now look to appoint someone with proven non-league experience to be successful in National League North next season. Onwards and upwards!

@youngy_97: Bit of a mad one like

@OfficialDPope: Get promoted then stop pumping money in?