South Shields net six-figure fee as Sonny Finch joins Grimsby Town

South Shields have received a club record fee from the sale of forward Sonny Finch after he completed a move to League Two club Grimsby Town on Monday.

The former Middlesbrough academy product joined the National League North club on loan in January before making a permanent switch to Mariners Park two months later.

After scoring seven goals and providing eight assists in 23 appearances during the second half of last season, Finch kicked off the current campaign in style by scoring the only goal of his side’s win at Scarborough Athletic.

He also started wins against Chorley and Morecambe over the following week – but the latter of those appearances will go down as the last of his time with South Shields after Grimsby triggered a six-figure release clause in Finch’s contract over the weekend.

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Delighted

The 21-year-old agreed personal terms and underwent a medical with the League Two club on Monday before putting pen-to-paper on a three-year deal at Blundell Park and he could now come into contention to make his debut for his new club in Saturday’s home game with Fleetwood Town.

After making the move, Finch set his sights on providing Grimsby with ‘goals, hard work and performances on the pitch’ as he returns to the EFL for the first time since he spent time on loan at MK Dons during the first half of the 2024/25 season.

He told The Mariners website: “I’m absolutely delighted to get the deal done and I’m really looking forward to getting started.

“Grimsby is a massive football club and I’m excited by the opportunity to come here, work hard and show the supporters what I can do.

“I’ve had a taste of senior football over the last couple of years and I feel ready to take the next step in my career.

“The ambition of the club really attracted me and I’m looking forward to being part of what we’re building here.

“I can’t wait to get started and hopefully I can contribute with goals, hard work and performances on the pitch.”

‘It’s really exciting for him’

South Shields will now hope to use the funds they have received from the Finch deal to further strengthen Williamson’s squad as he looks to guide the club to promotion into the National League this season.

The Mariners boss praised Finch’s attitude and the impact he has made on and off the pitch during his time with the club and expressed his hope that the young forward will ‘tear it up’ during his time in the EFL.

He said: “Grimsby triggered his clause and it’s a brilliant move for him.

“We are very disappointed to lose him because he’s an excellent human being to start with and a really talented footballer as well.

“You can see the impact he has had on the pitch, in games and in the changing room.

“It’s really exciting for him, he’s got all of our blessings and best wishes and I hope he goes down there, tears it up, and goes to the next level.”

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