Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the signing of defender Ben Milburn.

In his own words, the 22-year-old is “an old school defender, quite big, good in the air, good in the tackle with a bit of pace.”

Ben joins after leaving Blyth Spartans, having rejoined them last summer from Consett where he was named Player of the Season in his first year, and then appointed vice-captain for the following season. At the beginning of his career, Ben spent time on loan at North Shields where he was part of the side that gained promotion from the Northern League in 2022.

This is Ben’s second spell at Heaton Stan, having joined on loan in January 2025, starting one game in a 2-1 home defeat to Cleethorpes Town, before an injury drew his spell to a premature end.

Upon signing for the club, Ben said: “I’m buzzing. I was here a little bit last year, I know what the lads are like and what the gaffers bring, so I’m buzzing to be back.”

Manager Dean Nicholson said: I’m delighted to get Ben in. He came in last year and we saw huge qualities before injury cut his time here short, but he will be a massive asset for us on and off the field.”