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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