Kevin Phillips’ South Shields sign ex-Plymouth, Oldham, Hartlepool, Morecambe, Notts County, Carlisle player Lewis Alessandra.
The experienced player became a free agent this summer after departing Carlisle and makes his first move into non league football having spent 15-years in the Football League.
He spent much of his career at League Two level, 12 seasons in the fourth tier, and five in League One (third tier).
His new club play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division (seventh tier) and lost in the playoffs last season.
🗣️ Kevin Phillips: “Lewis is someone who has only ever played league football, so to attract a player of his calibre is a massive coup.
“He brings brilliant pedigree, experience and leadership, and fits well with the players we already have.”#SSFC #OurTownOurDestiny pic.twitter.com/gbHibiKadm
— South Shields FC (@SouthShieldsFC) August 5, 2022
SOUTH SHIELDS’ STATEMENT:
Striker Lewis Alessandra is to bring his vast experience to South Shields after becoming the Mariners’ eighth summer signing.
Alessandra, who departed Carlisle United in the summer, has spent his entire 15-year career to date in the Football League, making over 400 appearances in the competition.
The 33-year-old is now bringing his talents to 1st Cloud Arena after spells with Oldham Athletic, Morecambe, Plymouth Argyle, Rochdale, York City, Hartlepool United, Notts County and Carlisle.
He said: “South Shields is definitely a club on the up and going places with big aspirations, so I’m delighted to be part of it.
“They made me feel very wanted, which was a big factor in my decision, and I can’t wait to get started.
“I knew a few of the lads here already and they said everything I wanted to hear in terms of the set-up and the way the club goes about things.
“I had a chat with the manager, who has great pedigree as a forward himself, and it will be great to get the chance to learn from him, even at my age.
“He explained what he was looking for in a forward, which suits the way I play, and everything I’ve heard and seen regarding the way the team likes to play has been positive.
“Now I have to prove my worth and try to get into the starting 11 and make the position my own.”
A versatile forward, Alessandra’s best work is usually through the middle, but he is also capable of playing in wide positions.
He is in no doubt as to the Mariners’ target for 2022-23.
Alessandra added: “We must aim to be right at the top of the league.
“It doesn’t always just happen the way you expect and that’s why being professional and setting high standards every day is so important.
“As a full-time squad we have to be as fit as possible and our target has to be promotion.”
South Shields manager Kevin Phillips said: “Lewis is another fantastic signing for the club.
“He is someone who has only ever played league football, so to attract a player of his calibre is a massive coup.
“We’re naturally delighted to have him as he brings added competition to the squad and excellent quality, alongside the players we already have in that position.
“He brings brilliant pedigree, experience and leadership qualities, and fits well with the players we have signed this summer and those who were already here.
“I’m very pleased with the balance of the squad and this will be our last addition for the foreseeable future.”
You can purchase a season ticket to watch Alessandra and his new team-mates by clicking here.
Alessandra is not expected to be available to make his debut in Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Dunston.
SOUTH SHIELDS SQUAD
Myles Boney
Blair Adams
Dillon Morse
Jordan Hunter
Jack Bodenham
Gary Liddle
Tom Broadbent
Josh Doherty
Robert Briggs
Callum Ross
Mackenzie Heaney
Martin Smith
Will Jenkins
Will McGowan
Dylan Mottley-Henry
Michael Woods
Lewis Alessandra
Darius Osei
Ntumba Massanka
Joao Gomes
J.J. Hooper
Sam Hodgson
Cedric Main
Fans react as South Shields sign the ex-Plymouth, Oldham, Hartlepool, Morecambe, Notts County, Carlisle player Lewis Alessandra…
@AndyG1508: Welcome to Shields Lewis!!
@Arranweeks_: Welcome Lewis, the squad is looking tidy now
@PhilGibson1973: Welcome aboard!
@chrisallen125: Welcome to the family Lewis
@ShieldsMPSAFC: Welcome to Shields, Lewis. Looking forward to seeing you play and help win promotion!
@adydent67: You’ve got a cracking player, think he could have stayed with #cufc and our loss is your gain
@rocknrolo: He will do well for you, a good player, good luck Lewis. #cufc
@daveyarkley: Excellent signing 👏👏👏
@adam_brig: For this level, that’s a ridiculous signing
@CUFCalways: What a blooming player you have signed! Loved watching him play at Carlisle and would have loved to see him stay, proper genuine guy too, Good Luck Lewis 💙
@kearney85: Absolute great signing well done guys can we lend your recruitment team you guys have a good set up and hopefully fly up the leagues
@tracy_sturgess: Great player you have signed there. Got the experience and nous of reading the game well, plus 100% commitment on and off the pitch. Go smash it Lewi 💪 💙
@H86ewey: What a signing..
@BriLeeStokle: The players they’ve signed👀 Surely it’s got to be there year.. Won’t be long and they’ll be pushing to get back into the EFL 😎
@Rachelcum1984: Just what we need… with the talented, skilled and professional players we now have with there fitness we should absolutely blitz this league! I actually can’t wait for the season to start 💪🏼 @SouthShieldsFC
@damiandent37: What a signing that is 🤯 gonna be a great NPL Premier Division this season ⚽️
@Dazzla84_SSFC: Holy moly!!!! We really do mean business now Now hopefully we can begin clearing one or two out
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