27 December 2023 , 20:07
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South Shields have announced the sacking of "club legend" manager Julio Arca just eight months after the former Sunderland midfielder replaced ex-team-mate Kevin Phillips.
Arca, 42, finished his playing career with South Shields in 2018 and was chosen to replace Phillips following the club's promotion to the National League North. It was a decision that raised eyebrows, especially since former Sunderland striker Phillips had also led the Mariners to an impressive FA Cup run which culminated in a first-round proper exit at the hands of Forest Green Rovers.
Arca, a Premier League cult hero of the 2000s, was named as his successor and given his first managerial role by South Shields as they began life in the sixth tier. But after a poor run of results in recent weeks, culminating in their 3-1 defeat at home to local rivals Blyth Spartans on Boxing Day which leaves the Mariners eighth, the Argentine was relieved of his duties alongside assistant Tommy Miller.
"The club expresses its sincere gratitude to Julio and Tommy for their efforts during their time at 1st Cloud Arena and wishes them both well for their future endeavours," a statement from South Shields read. "Julio has been one of the main catalysts of the club's growth over the last eight-and-a-half years and will always be regarded as a club legend.
"We regret that his time as first-team manager has come to an end, but this decision has been made as a result of on-pitch performances and results over the last six weeks. Julio, Tommy and their families will always be welcome at 1st Cloud Arena."
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Arca loved the north east so much that after ending his seven-year stay with Middlesbrough in 2013, the former Argentina youth international chose to move his family back there and wound up winning the FA Vase at Wembley with South Shields in 2017. "I went home for four months with my family but got sad post-retirement," Arca told Sky Sports that same year.
"I told my wife: 'We are going back to the North East!' The people here have always treated me so well. My wife and family love it here too so we came back."
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Julio Arca is regarded as a "club legend" at South Shields (Steve Welsh/The FA via Getty Images)Arca then laced up his boots once again to play Sunday League. "A friend of mine asked me to play for his Sunday League team - Willow Pond FC - so I agreed," he explained. "It cost me £3.50 subs per game and the man of the match got two free pints!
"It was a big change. I played in some random places. It was like going back in time to my childhood. But football is an addiction to me. I was so sad to retire. I just didn't think it was the right time. Injury had intervened so I wanted to keep on playing at any level."