Stephen Harrison targets senior step as South Shields assistant | OneFootball

Stephen Harrison, newly appointed assistant head coach at South Shields, hopes to draw on a rich blend of academy experience as he begins life in National League North.

The former North East non-league player moved into coaching at Sunderland’s Academy of Light in 2004, spending over 11 years and working with Dan Neil and Bali Mumba. According to Sunderland Echo, he also coached Sam Greenwood and Ethan Robson.

He later joined Newcastle United, where he watched prospects including Elliot Anderson, Dan Barlaser, Sean Longstaff and Sean Neave emerge, before moving to Middlesbrough in August 2023.

Harrison is now stepping into senior coaching as assistant to former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson at South Shields. He believes time with top local talent could aid his work with the Mariners.

He credits Sunderland colleagues Wayne Walls and academy manager Ged McNamee for a strong grounding in player development. At Middlesbrough, he highlights academy manager Craig Liddle and head of coaching Chris Pennock for their support.

Harrison feels those stints have given him a rounded education. He says he is still learning, aims to keep improving, and is excited to get started.

Source: Sunderland Echo