South Shields retained list for 2023-24 season

South Shields FC’s retained and released list can now be confirmed following the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.

Four players will be leaving the club at the end of their contracts, with six more remaining in contract negotiations.

The club would like to express its sincere gratitude to all those departing the club for their invaluable efforts during their time at 1st Cloud Arena, and wish them well for the future.

Forward Darius Osei is exiting the club after scoring 33 goals in 95 appearances since his arrival from Stalybridge Celtic in February 2020. Lewis Alessandra, who notched 10 times in 40 appearances in claret and blue last season, is also departing.

They are to be joined in leaving the club by defender Jack Bodenham, who has spent two years in South Tyneside, and Ade Shokunbi, who produced some important performances after signing in January 2023 as Shields successfully chased the league title.

The club remains in contract negotiations with Blair Adams, Robert Briggs, Josh Doherty, Joao Gomes, Jordan Hunter and Conor Newton, and hopes to have further updates to share with supporters soon.

An option has been exercised to extend the contract of Will McGowan by a further year after his impressive loan spell with Blyth Spartans last season.

The club can also confirm that striker Harry Gardiner has returned to Sunderland following the completion of his short loan spell.

Further announcements relating to Academy graduates who may be awarded first-team contracts will be made in the coming weeks.

Players under contract for 2023-24:

Myles Boney

Tom Broadbent

Mackenzie Heaney

Sam Hodgson

Will Jenkins

Gary Liddle

Alfie Marriott

Jordy Mongoy

Dillon Morse

Dylan Mottley-Henry

Martin Smith

Michael Woods

Players retained after club option exercised:

Will McGowan

Players out of contract and in negotiations with the club:

Blair Adams

Robert Briggs

Josh Doherty

Jordan Hunter

Joao Gomes

Conor Newton

Players released at the end of their contracts:

Lewis Alessandra

Jack Bodenham

Darius Osei

Ade Shokunbi

Loan players returning to parent club:

Harry Gardiner