Julio Arca & Tommy Miller: Ex-Black Cats duo exit South Shields

Julio Arca played for South Shields in the FA Vase final of 2017

Former Sunderland players Julio Arca and Tommy Miller have left their roles as manager and assistant with South Shields after a six-game winless run in all competitions.

The Sanddancers have slipped down the National League North table to eighth place as well as being thrashed 4-0 by Southport to exit the FA Trophy.

Arca played for South Shields before moving into coaching.

He and Miller will be replaced by Elliott Dickman on an interim basis.

"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," South Shields said in a statement.

"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."

During their playing careers Arca and Miller made a combined 981 appearances, both having stints with the Black Cats.

Miller was also with Hartlepool, Ipswich, Preston, Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield, Swindon, Bury, Halifax and Spennymoor.

Arca also played for Middlesbrough in the Football League.

Darlington, South Shields' divisional rivals, parted company with their manager Josh Gowling after a 2-0 loss to Scarborough Athletic on Boxing Day.