It's all systems go for North Shields who have ambitious plans for both the team and the ground.

Terry Paddison, formerly number two to Mick Tait at Hartlepool, has been re-engaged as manager after reviving the fortunes of the club when he was appointed last September.

"Terry came in when just about everything had gone wrong in the early weeks of the season and did a fantastic job for us," enthused secretary David Thompson.

"Everybody is delighted that he is back with us and he has had the close season to sort out the playing strength. Wilf Keilty stays on as player coach and Ian Thompson will be coach," added Thompson.

Last Saturday, the Robins played their first friendly against Queen of the South and more than 300 spectators, with a fair number from north of the border watched a goal-less draw.

North Shields were minus last season's player-of-the-year Martin Lamb and ex-Newcastle player Barry Gibson but still gave an encouraging performance.

"Terry Paddison has kept on most of last season's squad and will be bringing in one or two new faces before the campaign gets under way on August 12. Anthony Robson, who previously played at Marske United, will again be our captain and we are confident of a successful season," said Thompson.

Tomorrow, the Robins visit Chester le Street and have other friendlies lined up against Rutherford FC, Northallerton and Blyth Spartans.

It promises to be a demanding season since the League will operate with just one Division of 20 clubs which means that every side will play 38 games, eight more than last time.

Off the field, work on ground improvements at Ralph Gardner Park will start in the next few days. The playing area is to be fully enclosed and hard-standing provided and a seated stand is also to be built.

Before the end of the season, it is expected that floodlights will also be installed which will give the club the opportunity to apply for promotion to the Arnott Insurance Northern League if they end champions of the Wearside League.

"Everything is in place both on and off the field. We are much better organised than we were at this stage last year and if Terry Paddison can continue where he left off, then we will be in with a good chance for winning honours," declared Thompson.