Mark Carruthers
@markcarruthers.bsky.social
⚽️ Writer for The Chronicle, Sunday Sun, Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette ✍🏻 Weekly columnist for Non-League Paper 🎙️Co-host of Everything is Black and White podcast 💚 Proud Ambassador of I U Care Share Foundation
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🧵I've written eight 'long reads' for the Sunderland Echo, Hartlepool Mail and Shields Gazette for over the coming days.
They give insight into some figures that are in or have been in the North East non-league scene, how they got to where they are and tells a number of untold tales.
They give insight into some figures that are in or have been in the North East non-league scene, how they got to where they are and tells a number of untold tales.
📹A few thoughts after Newcastle see off PSV with an accomplished performance and can now set their sights on the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Play-off place guaranteed - but can they secure a last 16 spot? #NUFC
Play-off place guaranteed - but can they secure a last 16 spot? #NUFC
January 21, 2026 at 10:35 PM
📹A few thoughts after Newcastle see off PSV with an accomplished performance and can now set their sights on the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Play-off place guaranteed - but can they secure a last 16 spot? #NUFC
Play-off place guaranteed - but can they secure a last 16 spot? #NUFC
🗣️"There is just one goal for us now"
⚓️Middlesbrough youngster Sonny Finch has set his sights on helping South Shields secure promotion after making an impressive start to his loan spell with the National League North leaders.
🗞️ Via the Shields Gazette
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
⚓️Middlesbrough youngster Sonny Finch has set his sights on helping South Shields secure promotion after making an impressive start to his loan spell with the National League North leaders.
🗞️ Via the Shields Gazette
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
Middlesbrough youngster Sonny Finch targets promotion with South Shields
Sonny Finch grabbed the only goal as South Shields claimed a home win against National League North rivals Southport.
www.shieldsgazette.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:58 PM
🗣️"There is just one goal for us now"
⚓️Middlesbrough youngster Sonny Finch has set his sights on helping South Shields secure promotion after making an impressive start to his loan spell with the National League North leaders.
🗞️ Via the Shields Gazette
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
⚓️Middlesbrough youngster Sonny Finch has set his sights on helping South Shields secure promotion after making an impressive start to his loan spell with the National League North leaders.
🗞️ Via the Shields Gazette
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
👊South Shields manager Ian Watson praised the persistence of his players after they claimed a late win against Southport to boost their hopes of claiming promotion.
🗞️Reaction from the 1st Cloud Arena via the Shields Gazette.
📸 Kevin Wilson
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
🗞️Reaction from the 1st Cloud Arena via the Shields Gazette.
📸 Kevin Wilson
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
South Shields persistence and attitude pleases Ian Watson after late Southport win
South Shields claimed a late 1-0 win against National League North rivals Southport.
www.shieldsgazette.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:35 PM
👊South Shields manager Ian Watson praised the persistence of his players after they claimed a late win against Southport to boost their hopes of claiming promotion.
🗞️Reaction from the 1st Cloud Arena via the Shields Gazette.
📸 Kevin Wilson
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
🗞️Reaction from the 1st Cloud Arena via the Shields Gazette.
📸 Kevin Wilson
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
📺Loved speaking with Michael Statham on the Football Oranje podcast to preview Newcastle's Champions League clash with PSV on Wednesday.
We discussed how the game could pan out on the episode and the tactical battle that we expect.
#NUFC #PSV
www.youtube.com/watch?v=m89s...
We discussed how the game could pan out on the episode and the tactical battle that we expect.
#NUFC #PSV
www.youtube.com/watch?v=m89s...
January 20, 2026 at 1:27 PM
📺Loved speaking with Michael Statham on the Football Oranje podcast to preview Newcastle's Champions League clash with PSV on Wednesday.
We discussed how the game could pan out on the episode and the tactical battle that we expect.
#NUFC #PSV
www.youtube.com/watch?v=m89s...
We discussed how the game could pan out on the episode and the tactical battle that we expect.
#NUFC #PSV
www.youtube.com/watch?v=m89s...
🚨 Football Oranje's Michael Statham joined us on the Everything is Black and White podcast to give us the lowdown on what Newcastle can expect to face when they take on PSV Eindhoven in a Champions League clash at St James Park on Wednesday night.
#NUFC #PSV
youtu.be/AMJ53JhaOMo?...
#NUFC #PSV
youtu.be/AMJ53JhaOMo?...
Newcastle United WARNED not to make the same MISTAKE Liverpool did and UNDERESTIMATE PSV
YouTube video by Everything Is Black & White - Newcastle United
youtu.be
January 20, 2026 at 11:11 AM
🚨 Football Oranje's Michael Statham joined us on the Everything is Black and White podcast to give us the lowdown on what Newcastle can expect to face when they take on PSV Eindhoven in a Champions League clash at St James Park on Wednesday night.
#NUFC #PSV
youtu.be/AMJ53JhaOMo?...
#NUFC #PSV
youtu.be/AMJ53JhaOMo?...
Gateshead manager Rob Elliot has expressed his determination to get the National League strugglers ‘moving in the right direction’ as they prepare to visit Hartlepool United on Tuesday night.
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Gateshead boss Rob Elliot calls for brave display as Hartlepool United lie in wait
Gateshead make the short trip to National League rivals Hartlepool United on Tuesday night.
www.sunderlandecho.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:26 AM
Gateshead manager Rob Elliot has expressed his determination to get the National League strugglers ‘moving in the right direction’ as they prepare to visit Hartlepool United on Tuesday night.
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Mike Williamson has been backed to make a big impact as South Shields after taking up a role as first-team coach of the National League North leaders.
The Mariners can boost their promotion bid in a home game with Southport tonight.
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
The Mariners can boost their promotion bid in a home game with Southport tonight.
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
Ex Newcastle United defender Williamson backed to make big impact at South Shields
Former Newcastle United and Wolves defender Mike Williamson has been named as first-team coach at National League North leaders South Shields.
www.shieldsgazette.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:25 AM
Mike Williamson has been backed to make a big impact as South Shields after taking up a role as first-team coach of the National League North leaders.
The Mariners can boost their promotion bid in a home game with Southport tonight.
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
The Mariners can boost their promotion bid in a home game with Southport tonight.
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
⚫️⚪️ The underwhelming 0-0 draw with Wolves was another missed opportunity in a slog of a season for Newcastle United - any more could cost them more than just European qualification #NUFC
A few thoughts on the Everything is Black and White with Andrew Musgrove.
pod.fo/e/37be43
A few thoughts on the Everything is Black and White with Andrew Musgrove.
pod.fo/e/37be43
January 19, 2026 at 9:19 PM
⚫️⚪️ The underwhelming 0-0 draw with Wolves was another missed opportunity in a slog of a season for Newcastle United - any more could cost them more than just European qualification #NUFC
A few thoughts on the Everything is Black and White with Andrew Musgrove.
pod.fo/e/37be43
A few thoughts on the Everything is Black and White with Andrew Musgrove.
pod.fo/e/37be43
A real pleasure to join the Football Oranje podcast to preview Newcastle’s Champions League clash with PSV.
What will happen is anyone’s guess - but we had a good go at trying to predict how the game could pan out!
🔗 youtu.be/m89sRZN5BkU
#NUFC #PSV
What will happen is anyone’s guess - but we had a good go at trying to predict how the game could pan out!
🔗 youtu.be/m89sRZN5BkU
#NUFC #PSV
MATCH PREVIEW: Newcastle United v PSV
YouTube video by Football-Oranje
youtu.be
January 19, 2026 at 9:16 PM
A real pleasure to join the Football Oranje podcast to preview Newcastle’s Champions League clash with PSV.
What will happen is anyone’s guess - but we had a good go at trying to predict how the game could pan out!
🔗 youtu.be/m89sRZN5BkU
#NUFC #PSV
What will happen is anyone’s guess - but we had a good go at trying to predict how the game could pan out!
🔗 youtu.be/m89sRZN5BkU
#NUFC #PSV
One Newcastle United academy star has been told he has a unique advantage over a number of his rivals as he looks to impress during his loan spell with Morpeth Town.
🗞️Via @chroniclelive.co.uk | #NUFC
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
🗞️Via @chroniclelive.co.uk | #NUFC
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
Newcastle striker has unique advantage over rivals as he bids to make mark
Newcastle United prospect Joe Brayson can learn from his father's experiences
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
January 19, 2026 at 9:35 AM
One Newcastle United academy star has been told he has a unique advantage over a number of his rivals as he looks to impress during his loan spell with Morpeth Town.
🗞️Via @chroniclelive.co.uk | #NUFC
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
🗞️Via @chroniclelive.co.uk | #NUFC
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
Super Sunday? More like Sluggish Sunday from Newcastle.
Too predictable, too slow and painfully lacking in creativity.
Another opportunity wasted and another below par away performance.
#NUFC
Too predictable, too slow and painfully lacking in creativity.
Another opportunity wasted and another below par away performance.
#NUFC
January 18, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Super Sunday? More like Sluggish Sunday from Newcastle.
Too predictable, too slow and painfully lacking in creativity.
Another opportunity wasted and another below par away performance.
#NUFC
Too predictable, too slow and painfully lacking in creativity.
Another opportunity wasted and another below par away performance.
#NUFC
South Shields manager Ian Watson praised his players after they produced a professional performance to claim a comfortable home win against Leamington.
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
Intensity and intent pleases manager Ian Watson as South Shields see off Leamington
South Shields claimed a 3-0 home win against National League North rivals Leamington on Saturday.
www.shieldsgazette.com
January 18, 2026 at 9:16 AM
South Shields manager Ian Watson praised his players after they produced a professional performance to claim a comfortable home win against Leamington.
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
Hebburn Town match-winner Gary Martin wants his side to ‘get back up to speed’ after they claimed a last-gasp victory against ten-man Ashton United.
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
Gary Martin challenges Hebburn Town to improve after last-gasp Ashton United win
Hebburn Town maintained their push for the Northern Premier League Premier Division title with a home win against Ashton United.
www.shieldsgazette.com
January 18, 2026 at 9:15 AM
Hebburn Town match-winner Gary Martin wants his side to ‘get back up to speed’ after they claimed a last-gasp victory against ten-man Ashton United.
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
Good to be back at my old first school earlier this week to hand out two #NUFC related prizes to two Year Six pupils as part of a writing competition.
Such an honour to go back to Lemington Riverside Primary School and the staff and pupils are a credit to a place that will always be special to me.
Such an honour to go back to Lemington Riverside Primary School and the staff and pupils are a credit to a place that will always be special to me.
January 17, 2026 at 10:50 PM
Good to be back at my old first school earlier this week to hand out two #NUFC related prizes to two Year Six pupils as part of a writing competition.
Such an honour to go back to Lemington Riverside Primary School and the staff and pupils are a credit to a place that will always be special to me.
Such an honour to go back to Lemington Riverside Primary School and the staff and pupils are a credit to a place that will always be special to me.
⚪️⚫️Rob Elliot delivers a 'proud' response after Gateshead's home defeat against Rochdale.
👏 Praise for a new look Heed side
👀 Eyeing further new signings
❌ Missing out on two deals
👊 Wanting a united front
🫡 Saluting Heed fans
Via Sunderland Echo
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
👏 Praise for a new look Heed side
👀 Eyeing further new signings
❌ Missing out on two deals
👊 Wanting a united front
🫡 Saluting Heed fans
Via Sunderland Echo
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Rob Elliot wants more new signings after his Gateshead side were beaten by Rochdale
Gateshead suffered a 2-0 home defeat against Rochdale in the first home game of Rob Elliot’s second managerial stint at the National League club.
www.sunderlandecho.com
January 17, 2026 at 9:33 PM
⚪️⚫️Rob Elliot delivers a 'proud' response after Gateshead's home defeat against Rochdale.
👏 Praise for a new look Heed side
👀 Eyeing further new signings
❌ Missing out on two deals
👊 Wanting a united front
🫡 Saluting Heed fans
Via Sunderland Echo
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
👏 Praise for a new look Heed side
👀 Eyeing further new signings
❌ Missing out on two deals
👊 Wanting a united front
🫡 Saluting Heed fans
Via Sunderland Echo
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
⚫️⚪️ Interim manager Robbie Stockdale has been heartened by Newcastle United Under-21s' response to a difficult week - but stopped short of confirming his interest in taking the role on a permanent basis.
🗞️ Via @chroniclelive.co.uk | #NUFC
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
🗞️ Via @chroniclelive.co.uk | #NUFC
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
Robbie Stockdale on Newcastle U21s manager job as more players set to leave
Newcastle are looking for someone to lead the U21s after Adam Lawrence quit
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 6:44 PM
⚫️⚪️ Interim manager Robbie Stockdale has been heartened by Newcastle United Under-21s' response to a difficult week - but stopped short of confirming his interest in taking the role on a permanent basis.
🗞️ Via @chroniclelive.co.uk | #NUFC
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
🗞️ Via @chroniclelive.co.uk | #NUFC
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
Mike Williamson will be part of the South Shields coaching team for the first time today as the National League North leaders face Leamington at the 1st Cloud Arena.
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
Ex-Newcastle United defender appointed South Shields coach in North East return
Mike Williamson has been named as South Shields' new first-team coach
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Mike Williamson will be part of the South Shields coaching team for the first time today as the National League North leaders face Leamington at the 1st Cloud Arena.
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
Rob Elliot faces the first home game of his second reign as Gateshead manager as his side host Rochdale this afternoon.
The Heed boss admitted a ‘huge challenge’ lies ahead - but is also taking a wider view of the difficult situation at the club.
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
The Heed boss admitted a ‘huge challenge’ lies ahead - but is also taking a wider view of the difficult situation at the club.
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Rob Elliot up for the challenge as Gateshead prepare for Rochdale
Relegation threatened Gateshead host National League title contenders Rochdale at the International Stadium on Saturday.
www.sunderlandecho.com
January 17, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Rob Elliot faces the first home game of his second reign as Gateshead manager as his side host Rochdale this afternoon.
The Heed boss admitted a ‘huge challenge’ lies ahead - but is also taking a wider view of the difficult situation at the club.
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
The Heed boss admitted a ‘huge challenge’ lies ahead - but is also taking a wider view of the difficult situation at the club.
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
⚓️South Shields manager Ian Watson has challenged his side to ‘be perfect’ in their preparations for Saturday’s home game with National League North rivals Leamington.
🗞️Mariners preview via the Shields Gazette.
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
🗞️Mariners preview via the Shields Gazette.
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
Watson wants perfection from South Shields as National League North title bid resumes
South Shields return to their National League North title battle with a home game against Leamington on Saturday.
www.shieldsgazette.com
January 16, 2026 at 7:05 PM
⚓️South Shields manager Ian Watson has challenged his side to ‘be perfect’ in their preparations for Saturday’s home game with National League North rivals Leamington.
🗞️Mariners preview via the Shields Gazette.
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
🗞️Mariners preview via the Shields Gazette.
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
🔴A tough-looking visit to Chadderton lies in wait on Saturday as North Shields look to take a step closer to experiencing another FA Vase final after their 2015 Wembley triumph.
🗞️ A piece for the Non-League Paper.
www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/...
🗞️ A piece for the Non-League Paper.
www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/...
North Shields challenged to keep FA Vase dreams alive - The Non-League Football Paper
North Shields have been urged to make the most of their return to competitive action by progressing into the last 16 of the Isuzu FA Vase with a win at Chadderton on Saturday.
www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:54 PM
🔴A tough-looking visit to Chadderton lies in wait on Saturday as North Shields look to take a step closer to experiencing another FA Vase final after their 2015 Wembley triumph.
🗞️ A piece for the Non-League Paper.
www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/...
🗞️ A piece for the Non-League Paper.
www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/...
🗣️"I was really pleased with them"
⚫️⚪️Robbie Stockdale praised Newcastle United Under-21s for rounding off a challenging week with a battling draw against their Sunderland counterparts.
🗞️Via @chroniclelive.co.uk | #NUFC
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
⚫️⚪️Robbie Stockdale praised Newcastle United Under-21s for rounding off a challenging week with a battling draw against their Sunderland counterparts.
🗞️Via @chroniclelive.co.uk | #NUFC
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
Newcastle United U21s answer critics with battling derby draw with Sunderland
The young Magpies earned a draw at Sunderland thanks to Anthony Munda's goal
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 6:48 PM
🗣️"I was really pleased with them"
⚫️⚪️Robbie Stockdale praised Newcastle United Under-21s for rounding off a challenging week with a battling draw against their Sunderland counterparts.
🗞️Via @chroniclelive.co.uk | #NUFC
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
⚫️⚪️Robbie Stockdale praised Newcastle United Under-21s for rounding off a challenging week with a battling draw against their Sunderland counterparts.
🗞️Via @chroniclelive.co.uk | #NUFC
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/footba...
🤝Former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has been named as first-team coach at South Shields following the departure of Matty Pattison.
🗞️Via Shields Gazette | #NUFC | #UTM
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
🗞️Via Shields Gazette | #NUFC | #UTM
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
Former Newcastle United defender lands South Shields coaching role
Ian Watson has been reunited with Mike Williamson after the former Newcastle and Wolves defender was named as South Shields first-team coach.
www.shieldsgazette.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:05 PM
🤝Former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has been named as first-team coach at South Shields following the departure of Matty Pattison.
🗞️Via Shields Gazette | #NUFC | #UTM
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
🗞️Via Shields Gazette | #NUFC | #UTM
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
🤝Another January departure from Newcastle United's Under-21 ranks as defender Cathal Heffernan joins Harrogate Town on a permanent deal.
🇮🇪An 18-month deal for the centre-back as his senior career gets underway.
🗞️Via the Shields Gazette.
#NUFC
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
🇮🇪An 18-month deal for the centre-back as his senior career gets underway.
🗞️Via the Shields Gazette.
#NUFC
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
Newcastle United confirm defender departure as 18-month deal agreed with EFL club
Newcastle United have confirmed the permanent departure of a key member of their Under-21s squad.
www.shieldsgazette.com
January 15, 2026 at 6:37 PM
🤝Another January departure from Newcastle United's Under-21 ranks as defender Cathal Heffernan joins Harrogate Town on a permanent deal.
🇮🇪An 18-month deal for the centre-back as his senior career gets underway.
🗞️Via the Shields Gazette.
#NUFC
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
🇮🇪An 18-month deal for the centre-back as his senior career gets underway.
🗞️Via the Shields Gazette.
#NUFC
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/footba...
✒️Set up a SubStack page where I'll be producing opinion pieces on the latest across North East football and there'll be an occasional podcast on there too.
🌟First piece is live and it's on Lewis Miley and seizing an opportunity at Newcastle.
#NUFC
open.substack.com/pub/markcarr...
🌟First piece is live and it's on Lewis Miley and seizing an opportunity at Newcastle.
#NUFC
open.substack.com/pub/markcarr...
The art of seizing the opportunity
How one Newcastle United youngster has earned Eddie Howe's trust in recent months.
open.substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:38 PM
✒️Set up a SubStack page where I'll be producing opinion pieces on the latest across North East football and there'll be an occasional podcast on there too.
🌟First piece is live and it's on Lewis Miley and seizing an opportunity at Newcastle.
#NUFC
open.substack.com/pub/markcarr...
🌟First piece is live and it's on Lewis Miley and seizing an opportunity at Newcastle.
#NUFC
open.substack.com/pub/markcarr...
🖋️ So much focus has gone on what Crystal Palace didn't do in their FA Cup loss at Macclesfield - but the focus should be on what the Silkmen did during a historic win.
🗞️My latest Non-League Paper column on one of the great FA Cup giant killings.
www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/columnists/6...
🗞️My latest Non-League Paper column on one of the great FA Cup giant killings.
www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/columnists/6...
Mark Carruthers: Why Macclesfield’s FA Cup shock was about more than Crystal Palace’s failure - The Non-League Football Paper
There is always a fasciation in witnessing the reaction to an FA Cup upset – but Macclesfield’s stunning win against Crystal Palace was not just any other giant-killing.
www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:32 PM
🖋️ So much focus has gone on what Crystal Palace didn't do in their FA Cup loss at Macclesfield - but the focus should be on what the Silkmen did during a historic win.
🗞️My latest Non-League Paper column on one of the great FA Cup giant killings.
www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/columnists/6...
🗞️My latest Non-League Paper column on one of the great FA Cup giant killings.
www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/columnists/6...