Former Sunderland and England striker Kevin Phillips has shaken off any initial scepticism over his appointment of manager of Northern Premier League club South Shields.
The 48-year-old will kick off his managerial career when his new side face Premier Division promotion rivals Warrington Town this weekend before making his home bow against Witton Albion on Tuesday night.
Those fixtures will see Phillips thrust into a high-pressure environment as the Mariners look to continue their push for promotion into the National League North.
