SSFC ROBERT BRIGGS INTERVIEW

Ahead of part two of Sunderland's pre-season double header against Gateshead FC and South Shields FC, we spoke with current South Shields captain, who has represented The Mariners over 400 times, Robert Briggs, for a preview of our friendly at the 1st Cloud Arena.

As mentioned above, Briggs has been a stalwart for Shields, featuring over 400 times in claret and blue and he now captains the club. Shields play in the National League North where they've been for the past two seasons, prior to this they've had quite the decade, from gaining multiple promotions to winning at Wembley with Hooooooolio Arca playing for them before he stepped into the dugout more recently following his retirement from the game.

Here's their skipper's thoughts on the match...

You’ve played Sunderland a few times since joining South Shields, is it a fixture you look forward to?

Yeah, the Sunderland fixture is always an exciting one because it is usually our first one back so it adds excitement to playing against a top side. The whole event is brilliant for the fans and the club and they are always tough games but it provides a great challenge.

How beneficial is it playing a team a few divisions higher when preparing for the season?

It’s great for us to see the difference in the levels and test ourselves. There will be some good parts and some areas to work on which always helps us prepare for the season ahead.

What’s South Shields aiming for next season in the National League North?

Our goal this season is to reach the play offs and push for promotion. The league is very tough with some big clubs in but. we all believe in the squad and club so we go into the season with confidence.

How’ve you found captaining the club?

It’s an honour and privilege to be able to captain South Shields Football Club. It’s a club that is a part of me now forever and has been my home for a long time.

You’ve been at South Shields for 12 seasons, and this is your tenth, what’s been your favourite moment?

This is the start of my 12 season with the club and I have had many ups and downs but the stand out moments have to be all the league titles won after long seasons but the season we won the quadruple has to stand out as my favourite moment.

Which Sunderland player did you find the most difficult to play against?

When we played last year there were a few stand out players. Dan Neil was cool, calm and collected in the centre of the park. Chris Rigg really stood out and his confidence was clear to see and everything he does is really smooth and he has great vision.

Having been in the North East all your career does this match mean more to you?

Yeah, this is a great match for me to be involved with because I have a lot of friends who are Sunderland fans and season ticket holders. It’s great to see local clubs doing well and allowing younger talent come through from the north east so it’s great the 2 clubs can work together to promote North East football and the passionate fans both clubs have.

Shields have a mix of former SAFC and NUFC academy lads, do any of them give a bit extra compared to other friendlies?

I believe that the Newcastle fans in the team will always raise their levels and the Sunderland fans want to showcase their talents. It adds another motivation to try to prove clubs wrong they have a career in football. All the lads are extremely professional but this fixture does give you that extra 10%.