FORMER Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca has been sacked as South Shields manager after eight months in charge of the National League North club.

The 42-year-old, who replaced former Sunderland team-mate Kevin Phillips at the helm in April having earlier made 120 appearances and won six trophies and three promotions as a player, departs with the promoted club sitting in eighth place in the table.

Shields are two points adrift of the play-off places, but have only claimed one victory in their last seven league games and suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Blyth Spartans on Boxing Day.

A statement on the Mariners’ official website said: “South Shields FC can confirm the decision has been made to part company with first-team manager Julio Arca and his 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.

“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.”

Elliott Dickman has been placed in caretaker charge, with support from Lee Picton, with Shields back in action on Saturday when they make the reverse journey to Blyth.