We sat down with Manager Brian Smith along with his backroom staff, Steve Cuggy, Andy Bowman, Sean McCafferty and Bree Nessling as we reflected back on last season and look forward to another season at The Daren Persson Stadium as preparations got underway as soon as the final whistle blew to get ready for the 2025/26 season.
Reflecting on the 2024/25 Season
How would you summarise the team’s overall performance this season?
I would say it was a positive season overall but had strands of inconsistency. We started poorly then had a great run for two months leading up to Christmas. However, a couple of injuries over the Christmas and new year period really cost us a chance to push into the play offs
What were the standout moments or key highlights of the 2024/25 campaign?
The run we were on over October, November and December was special and very rare. We were turning up to each game knowing we would win. In particular the FA Vase game away to Redcar Athletic was the highlight of the season for me.
How would you describe the team spirit and dressing room atmosphere over the year?
I would say it is very good. We have good people who want to play for the club. That is rare these days as a lot of players just want to know how much money they are getting rather than wanting to play for a club like North Shields FC with all it’s history, fan base, camaraderie and community spirit.
What have you learned personally as a manager during this season?
The main lesson for me has come in the close season when trying to sign players. Players we approached were more interested in getting an extra few pounds than play for a club like North Shields. Unfortunately that’s the way people are these days with money coming before pride. Luckily we have players who care for the club and the ones that have signed haven’t done it for money.
We then changed the outlook and we look towards a brand new season and looking at 2025/26.
What are your main priorities going into the 2025/26 season?
I think the main priority is adding to our squad. Adding 5 or 6 players to the squad early is key so we are settled before pre-season starts. That is key and will lead to us having a better start to the season. We are close to having this sorted now. Like others we want to have a go at everything . Good runs in the FA Cup and Vase are key to attracting more support. In the League we have to be aiming for promotion this season. Getting to St James in the Northumberland FA Senior cup is also another goal. Basically everything !!
Are there any specific areas you’re aiming to strengthen in the squad?
We need more help in the forward areas as in most games we were never outplayed bar Shildon at home. Adding more firepower to the team will help everyone and lead to more success at the club.
What goals are you setting for the team, both short-term and long-term?
We want success quickly as this will help the club grow. We aren’t here to finish 8th in the league so we have to improve this year.
Long term it’s about having that connection with North Shields Juniors and Athletic so we can bring players that are good enough through into the first team. When that happens you then have players who love the club and want to play for it rather than those that are here for money. We are lucky that this season we don’t have that.
How important will the home support be in helping the team hit the ground running next season?
It’s crucial. We have a good solid core of supporters but we need everyone to help in making that number bigger. The noise that we hear in some games has been instrumental in pushing players on and helping the team win. We need more of that.
Do you have a message for the fans ahead of the new campaign?
Yes.
Firstly I know you might think we have been quiet around new signings but that isn’t the case. We are close to finalising the squad and we will make announcements when we start pre season on 16th June.
Finally can you please do as much as you can to make sure we get as many people as possible to the shields 800 event at the ground on Saturday 21st June. All the players will be present and as already mentioned every penny raised goes to the club.
Thanks
Brian, Cuggs, Sheep, Bowsa and Bree
