Professional player and Middlesbrough full back George Friend visited Dean Street to interview Shildon’s manager Gary Forrest, watch a training session and to talk about local non-league football. George himself is conversant with the non-league game, having played for the then non-league side Exeter City before signing professionally in 2006. When asked about his players, Gary Forrest commented that the standard of local football is far better than in previous years, saying that the players train harder and are much fitter. He went on to state that all Shildon players are now on contract, with many of them leaving the professional game and joining the non-league club, as players can find themselves better off by playing local football while holding down a regular job, rather than playing professionally in the lower leagues. Many of Gary’s squad have played in the football league. In fact, four of his players have 900 professional games between them, and at the highest level. The camera crew were at Shildon’s 4 -0 home win against local rivals Bishop Auckland, talking to directors and supporters.
The documentary will be shown on Monday 13th January.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
