....Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division side South Shields.

The Mariners confirmed Pattison had been placed on the transfer list at his request on Wednesday after a change in family circumstances meant he was unable to fully commit to travelling to away games.

He has now linked up with Whickham after a transfer was agreed between the two clubs.

Pattison has paid tribute to Shields after his time at the club came to an end.

He told the Shields Gazette: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at South Shields and it was a tough decision to leave, but with all the travel needed playing for Shields, it was conflicting with my family life and becoming tougher and tougher.

“Out of all the non-League clubs up here, you couldn’t ask for a better club and better facilities than Shields.

“It’s a fantastic club and I’m gutted I have to leave it.

“It’s on another level and they will only go from strength to strength.

“The two managers are very thorough, and they bring an energy and level of coaching to the club which is superb. I wish them all the best in the future.”

Pattison made 43 appearances for the Mariners after joining from Blyth Spartans in May 2017.

He scored 5 goals, including one on his final appearance for the club in last Saturday’s 5-1 Emirates FA Cup win over Garforth Town.

Joint-manager Lee Picton said: “While it is really disappointing to hear that Matty can no longer continue with us on our journey, we fully respect the reasons why, and give thanks to him for all his tremendous efforts whilst playing for the club.

“He established himself as a really important part of our side last season and scored some really crucial goals.

“I’m sure many of the fans will go on to have fond long-lasting memories of Matty’s skill levels and undeniable flair on the pitch, but he was also a fantastic character to have in the dressing room and around the club in general.

“We obviously wish him and his family all the success moving forward, and they will always be welcome back at Mariners Park”.