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| Hereford at South Shields earlier this month. Picture: Andy Walkden |
After taking control during the summer of 2015, Geoff Thompson’s ownership has brought significant progress on and off the pitch, reports Chronicle Live.
That has taken the Mariners to the second tier of the non-league game but they were held to a goalless draw when Hereford visited earlier this month.
Over the past eight years, South Shields have won four league titles and three cup competitions, and last season were promoted to the National League North under former manager Kevin Phillips.
Now it's the former England star’s old team-mate Julio Arca at the helm.
Thompson’s decision to put the club up for sale has caught some by surprise - but he revealed his decision was instigated by a cancer diagnosis he received last year and his ongoing recovery.
Speaking in a statement released on Tuesday lunchtime, he said: "It has been an incredible journey and we have achieved so much in the last eight years. I’m proud of the impact our club and Foundation have had on our fantastic community and am truly humbled by the backing and support we have received from our tremendous fans, the business community and other stakeholders.
"I’d love to continue the journey with you but as many of you will know, I was diagnosed with cancer last year.
"Although my recovery is going well and, hopefully, the worst is over, I need to put my health ahead of my various business interests. For that reason, I have decided to sell my interest in the club.
"I have invested heavily in our facilities and infrastructure over the years, creating a successful club that owns its own ground, has access to incredible facilities and, with the launch of the International Academy, has an exciting and financially sustainable future.
"It’s not a decision I have taken lightly.
"I have always acted in the best interests of the club and while in ordinary circumstances I would choose to continue, it’s time for others to take the next stage of the journey with you.”