Robbie Tinkler signs new deal

We are delighted to announce that Robbie Tinkler has penned a new deal with the Club, with his services being retained until the summer of 2028.

The 28-year-old defender joined up with the Mariners at the beginning of last season, having spent the previous four years with Gateshead, where he saw great success, getting promoted to the National League upon winning the National League North on 94 points, only losing six games that season in the league. Tinkler also saw The Heed make the trip to Wembley under Rob Elliot, where they won the FA Trophy, beating Solihull Moors in a nail-biting 2-2 draw, to go on and win 5-4 on penalties.

Tinkler started his playing career with Middlesbrough, featuring for the Under-23’s before leaving in 2016 to sign for Gateshead. After two seasons, Tinkler would go on to spend a season in the National League with Aldershot Town, finishing 18th in the league. The following season, Tinkler joined York City in 2020, but saw the season cut short after just thirteen games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tinkler was quickly handed the role of Club Captain, replacing club legend, Robert Briggs, who departed the club last season. It would go on to be a successful first season for the centre-half, who played in 44 games in total for the Mariners, registering 5 assists and being named in the league's Team of the Week on 3 occasions. At the end of the Enterprise National League North 25/26 season, Tinkler was named in the league's Team of the Season, alongside Oliver Bainbridge and Paul Blackett.

Robbie added:

"I'm absolutely delighted to sign a new two-year deal with South Shields. It was an easy decision for me because I've loved every minute since joining the club.

From the players and staff to the supporters, everyone has made me feel at home, and I believe we're building something really special here. It's a privilege to captain this team and wear the shirt every week, and I feel we've got a group that's hungry to keep improving and competing at the top end of the league.

The fans have been brilliant with me from day one, and their support means everything to the lads. I'm grateful to the manager and everyone at the club for the faith they've shown in me, and now it's about repaying that trust by giving everything on the pitch.

'I'm excited for what the next two years hold, and hopefully together we can create plenty more special memories and bring success to South Shields."