Marriott joins Shildon on loan after signing Shields deal

Alfie Marriott has joined Pitching In Northern Premier League East side Shildon after committing his future to South Shields by signing a contract.

The defender, who recently turned 18, made his first-team debut earlier this season and has caught the eye with a string of commanding displays at Academy level.

Marriott will now get the opportunity to further his senior experience at Dean Street, subject to receiving FA clearance, while he will still be able to train on a daily basis with the Mariners.

South Shields manager Kevin Phillips said: “We’re delighted to have Alfie on board.

“He has hugely impressed us when he has trained with the first-team, and he is certainly one for the future.

“We feel we have a real talent on our hands and he is definitely a player we believe will be challenging strongly for a place in the squad and starting 11 in the future.

“It’s important for us to get the balance right with our young players, which is why players like Will Jenkins, Sam Hodgson, Will McGowan and Jack Bodenham have gone out on loan, and is also why Alfie will now spend time with Shildon.

“This will be a great taste of first-team football for him and he’s more than capable of playing at that level.”