A HEXHAM man has accepted the role of director of business development and partnerships at a football club.

Jamie Williams is one of the longest-serving members of staff at South Shields Football Club, having been an integral part of the junior and academy coaching set-up since September 2016.

His new remit will be centred around developing new and existing relationships, partnerships and initiatives, with the key aim of helping the club move closer to overall financial sustainability.

Jamie will also manage matters relating to supporter engagement and the matchday experience, as well as working closely with fellow staff members to ensure they have the best possible opportunities to develop and grow.

He said: "It has been a real privilege to be part of this club for the last five years, during which time I have worked alongside many fantastic people who have been a key reason for the progress we have all seen on and off the pitch.

“I would like to think that during my time at the club so far I have played my own small part in that, and I hope to serve the club well in my new role focusing my attention on growth through partnership working.

“The football club very much sits at the heart of the South Shields community and I hope in this role I am able to champion the excellent work of others across the town and invite them to be a positive contributor towards our exciting future.

“I look forward to the opportunity to connect with club staff, supporters, sponsors and external partners to create and deliver large-scale projects that will positively impact the town, the club and the wider game.”

South Shields FC chief executive Lee Picton added: “I’ve worked with Jamie in various settings for well over 10 years and he absolutely possesses all of the skills and qualities required to be a huge success in the role he has now taken at the club.

“Our commercial success as an organisation is massively dependent on managing the relationships and partnerships we have within the local business community and beyond.

“Jamie’s ability to connect with people is second to none and he will also provide substantial added value in helping us further develop the staff that already work here.

“I hugely look forward to working even more closely with Jamie and I’m excited to see how he can help us continue to grow.”

The club is in the process of identifying and appointing a replacement for Jamie within the academy coaching set-up.