Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the 28 day loan signing of midfielder Ryan Chater.

The 18-year-old signed his first professional deal with Morpeth Town in the summer after spending two years in their academy, and has gone on to make six starts and six substitute appearances this season.

Manager Dean Nicholson says:

“I’m excited to seeing Ryan in a Stan shirt. He’s already shown in training what quality he will bring. A young, energetic and tidy midfielder who will bring lots of quality.”

Heaton Stannington are sad to announce that defender Dan Groves has retired from professional football with immediate effect.

Dan joined the club from Hebburn Town, initially on loan in November 2024, making his debut in a 3-0 home win against Ossett United. He made a total of 17 starts and eight sub appearances in his first season, one of his those appearances from the bench coming in the Northumberland Senior Cup final at St. James’ Park, where he went on to score the winning penalty in the shoot-out against Morpeth Town.

He then joined the club permanently in the summer and made two starts and two substitute appearances this season, being forced off – in what would prove to be his final appearance for the club in the 2-0 FA Trophy win over Emley – with a broken collarbone.

Upon announcing his retirement, Dan had this to say:

“What a ride. It’s not the way I would have thought I would hang my boots up after all these years, but unfortunately I still haven’t recovered properly from my collarbone. Since coming to the Stan last season, I have loved every second. Everyone involved has been brilliant from minute one, and what we achieved last year was incredible, topping it off with a win at St. James’ Park. Thanks for everything, and I wish Heaton Stan nothing but success. Much love, Grovesy”

His manager Dean Nicholson has paid tribute to Dan as he hangs up his boots:

“I’m gutted for Dan. He’s been brilliant on and off the field for this club since he came in. He has driven standards so high in training and in games since his arrival, which turned a corner for us last season. I’m sure I join the whole of the Stan Army thanking Dan for his commitment, and that goal at St. James’ Park will never be forgotten. A great lad, a great player and he will be a huge miss.”

You can relive Dan’s Senior Cup winning penalty as part of our Heaton’s Heroes video:

 

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Our defence of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland FA Senior Cup trophy will begin with a home game against Blyth Town.

As holders, following our dramatic win on penalties against Morpeth Town last season, we enter the competition at the Quarter Final stage.

The match at The Willow Park will be played on Tuesday 6th January 2026, kick off 7:45pm.

It’ll be the second time we’ve hosted Blyth Town this season, following the 2-2 draw played out in the league in August.

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the 28 day loan signing of JJ Chrisp.

The 22-year-old versatile midfielder joins from Dunston where he has made 10 appearances in all competitions this season.

Manager Dean Nicholson says:

“I’m really happy to add JJ in. His quality is brilliant and his attitude is top notch. He will add a lot to our dressing room and I’m excited to see what he brings to us.”