When it comes to a Buildbase FA Vase pedigree South Shields could not ask for much better than their new joint managers Graham Fenton and Lee Picton.
Former Premier League midfielder Fenton guided near neighbours North Shields to the Vase crown in 2015 while Picton lifted the trophy twice as a player with Whitley Bay.
The management duo have made an immediate impact at the Mariners since taking over at the start of last month as they are riding high in the Northern League Division One.
South Shields v Runcorn Linnets
Buildbase FA Vase
First Round
3pm, Saturday 22 October 2016
Mariners Park
By Charlie Talbot-Smith
With Geoff Thompson as chairman the club are on the rise and their first round Vase clash with Runcorn Linnets on Saturday is another chance to reinforce that.
And former Blackburn and Leicester midfielder Fenton is confident his side are ready for the big stage.
He said: “This is such an exciting time at the football club. We felt our way in and the lads have responded really well. The ambition of this club was what attracted me.
“I loved my time at North Shields, I had a great four and half years. But there was not the same chance of progressing, we had success on a shoe string.
Graham Fenton guided North Shields to FA Vase glory in 2015
“This club is different, with Geoff Thompson on board. He was redeveloped the whole club, restructured the ground and training facilities.
“They had good players and we have come in and looked to add to that.
“Home games in midweek we are getting up to 1,200 in which is just fantastic.”
And after Fenton’s successes with North Shields and Picton’s with Whitley Bay, the challenge now is to replicate that at their new club.
“Both myself and Lee have got a great history in this competition,” he added.
“We are looking to do that again here now, we have both had good experiences in a really enjoyable competition.
“Will that rub off on our players? We will have to see.
“The league is our priority this year with promotion but this is a massive competition at our level.
“The game against Runcorn will be tough – they have only lost one of their last 15 games. I have been to watch them.
“But a cup run is great for the club, crowds go up and bring more revenue, so hopefully we can keep going.”
FA Vase history
South Shields made the Vase quarter-finals in the 1975/76 season and last year made it as far as the third round before losing 10-9 in a penalty shootout to Morpeth Town after a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Runcorn Linnets made the third round in 2008/09, but were knocked out in the second round last year by Marske United.
Did you know?
Runcorn Linnets were formed on 28 April 2006 as a replacement for the town's previous club, Runcorn FC Halton, which had resigned from the Northern Premier League due to financial difficulties.
Michael Ellison is their manager in his first coaching role after retiring as a Linnets player at the end of last season.
One to watch
Gavin Cogdon scored for Spennymoor Town in their FA Vase win at Wembley in 2013. He joined South Shields in the summer and has hit the ground running with 12 goals in 13 appearances.
A veteran of the Northern Premier League, Runcorn have their work cut out to contain him this weekend.
The Prize
The winners will bank a cheque for £675 and take their place in the second round next month. There is also a £225 prize on offer to the losing team.
