Former Carlisle United striker Lewis Alessandra will be up against former Workington manager Chris Willcock when he makes his South Shields debut on Saturday.
The 33-year-old Alessandra, who made over 400 appearances in the Football League – the last 79 of which were for Carlisle – has linked-up with ex-Premier League star Kevin Phillips’ NPL Premier Division title favourites.
Last season Shields were pipped at the post for the NPL Premier Division title and went out in the play-offs on penalties but have recruited eight new players and are strong favourites to make amends this time.
Willcock suffered similar disappointment at Workington, where they also finished runners-up in he League below but he moved on to Stalybridge Celtic, who just avoided relegation from the NPL Premier Division.
Dropping down to non-league for the first time, Alessandra told the club’s website: “South Shields is definitely a club on the up and going places with big aspirations, so I’m delighted to be part of it.
“They made me feel very wanted, which was a big factor in my decision, and I can’t wait to get started.
“I knew a few of the lads here already and they said everything I wanted to hear in terms of the set-up and the way the club goes about things.
“I had a chat with the manager, who has great pedigree as a forward himself, and it will be great to get the chance to learn from him, even at my age.
“He explained what he was looking for in a forward, which suits the way I play, and everything I’ve heard and seen regarding the way the team likes to play has been positive.
“Now I have to prove my worth and try to get into the starting 11 and make the position my own.”
A versatile forward, Alessandra’s best work is usually through the middle, but he is also capable of playing in wide positions.
He said: “We must aim to be right at the top of the league. It doesn’t always just happen the way you expect and that’s why being professional and setting high standards every day is so important.
“As a full-time squad we have to be as fit as possible and our target has to be promotion.”
His new manager Phillips said: “Lewis is another fantastic signing for the club.
“He is someone who has only ever played league football, so to attract a player of his calibre is a massive coup.
“We’re naturally delighted to have him as he brings added competition to the squad and excellent quality, alongside the players we already have in that position.
“He brings brilliant pedigree, experience and leadership qualities, and fits well with the players we have signed this summer and those who were already here.
“I’m very pleased with the balance of the squad and this will be our last addition for the foreseeable future.”
Willcock has brought in a number of new additions to the Stalybridge squad including full-back Kyle Harrison whom he signed for the Reds last season.
He has also signed former Carlisle United defender Tom Miller, 32, who played 87 times for the Blues between 2015 and 201
