Category: Club News

Retained list for 2026-27 season confirmed

We are pleased to share details of our retained list as it currently stands ahead of the 2026-27 season:

The following players are retained:

Lewis Brass
Daniel Capewell
Jay Errington
Kane Evans
Alfie Gordon
Leighton Hopper
Jay Hornsby
Ben Milburn
Alex Payne
Dale Pearson
Joe Robson
Joe Shepherd
Max Storey
Connor Walker

We remain in conversation with:

Nicky Deverdics

The following players have departed the Club:

Andy Burn joined the Stan in 2021 and was one of Dean Nicholson’s first signings. Featuring for the Club 223 times and scoring 22 goals including a memorable FA Vase winner at Barnoldswick Town in his first season, Burnsy has been an incredible servant to the Club. Hugely popular on and off the field, we were privileged to have him at the Stan for 5 seasons and everyone wishes him all the best for whatever comes next.

Konner Lamb joined the Stan in August 2022, linking up with Dean Nicholson having played for him at Killingworth. Konner has had a huge impact at the Club and has been a key part of our progression through the leagues, featuring 146 times and scoring 50 goals. His wonder goal in the Northern League Division One play off final will forever be etched in the Stan history books. We are extremely thankful to Konner for his contributions and wish him the best for his next challenge.

Kailem Beattie will depart the Stan having declined a new deal, after two seasons at the Club. Kailem has made 44 appearances for the Club and also spent a spell on loan at Seaham Red Star. Kailem will go on to do very well at his next Club and we all wish him the very best of luck for the future.

Sam Johnson will also depart the Club having declined a new deal. Sam joined from Whickham during last season and made a strong impact including scoring the goal of the season, voted for by the fans. We wish Sam good luck for next season and beyond.

Manager Dean Nicholson has paid tribute to Heaton Stan centurions Andy Burn and Konner Lamb as they depart the club:

“I want to say a huge thank you to Burnsy. He was one of my first signings, and he’s shown people the Heaton Stan way over the last five years. He’s created amazing memories and I wish him all the very best. Konner Lamb is another player who I can’t thank enough. We will always remember his goals and performances for this club, and he played a huge part in our rise to step 4. Good luck, lads! 🖤🤍”

Heaton Stan Comedy Night – 18 June 2026

We are delighted to confirm our next instalment of the popular Heaton Stan Comedy Night will take place on Thursday 18 June 2026 and tickets are now on sale!

<< CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS >>

Roger Monkhouse

Roger Monkhouse is one of the most original and distinctive acts on the comedy scene. A consummate stand-up who employs a deadly combination of charm and menace to exert a masterful control over any audience.

A highly original and quirky performer, Roger’s trademark stage-prowling style and curious, inimitable manner have established him as one of the hottest names on the comedy circuit.

Roger is widely regarded as a master of observational comedy with routines that are unfailingly hysterical and his forte is delivering intelligent, thought-provoking material that pulls no punches and is always relevant and up-to-date.

Nat Young

Nat Young is an award winning comedian from the north east. Her distinctively dry flights of fancy are known to flit bizarrely between word-heavy topical satire and hilariously absurd stories of fiction without warning.

“A sensational writer and absolutely one to watch”
Queers and Beers

Dan Evans

DAN EVANS has been traversing the UK Comedy Circuit for the past 2 decades. He’s also relayed his daft tales of babysitting, hair-loss and decrepitude in front of sweating ex Pats in Dubai and Oman, and had his grammar corrected by audiences in The Netherlands and Germany.

Dan has also written lots for others too, among them Milton Jones, Mickey Flanaghan, Zoe Lyons and Frankie Boyle.

“Originally ridiculous, silliness taken to the nth degree”
Milton Jones 

MC David Hadingham

David Hadingham is a seasoned comedian known for his sharp wit and hilarious insights into everyday life. With a career spanning several decades, Hadingham has established himself as a stalwart in the world of stand-up comedy. His unique style combines clever wordplay, observational humour, and a touch of self-deprecation, creating a comedic experience that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. Whether he’s poking fun at the quirks of human behaviour or sharing personal anecdotes, David Hadingham’s performances are a rollercoaster of laughter that leave audiences in stitches. His charismatic stage presence and impeccable timing have earned him a great reputation in the UK.

2026/27 pre-season fixtures

The 2025/26 season may have just finished, but preparations are already underway for 2026/27, and we can now reveal who we’ll be facing and where we’ll be going as part of our forthcoming pre-season ahead of a third year in the Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division!

Our first game is a trip to neighbours Newcastle Benfield on Saturday 4th July, kick-off 3pm, as we contest the Jimmy Rowe Cup for the sixth time.

Next, we travel to Hebburn Town, who will be playing in the National League North for the first time this season after finishing top of the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division. That takes place on Tuesday 7th July, kick-off 7:30pm.

We return to The Willow Park on Saturday 11th July to face Blyth Town, who we faced three times in the 2025/26 season. That one kicks off at 3pm.

On Saturday 18th July, we’re taking a trip across the Scottish border to face Dunbar United, who finished 8th in last season’s East of Scotland League Premier Division. Kick-off at New Countess Road is at 3pm.

A shorter away trip follows on Tuesday 21st July, kick-off 7:30pm, as we visit Seaham Red Star, who finished 5th in Northern League Division 2 this year, but missed out on promotion through the play-offs.

And finally, we end pre-season with a tough test at home to Basford United on Saturday 1st August, kick-off 3pm. The Nottingham-based side play in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Midlands Division and were unlucky to miss out on promotion after finishing 3rd.

We’ll announce ticketing information for the home games and away travel to the Dunbar United game shortly, so make sure you’re following @heatonstan across Facebook, X, Instagram and BlueSky for all of the latest updates.

End of Season Awards 2025/26

Heaton Stannington FC held their End of Season Awards for 2025/26 on Saturday 16th May at The Willow Park, an occasion that gives us a chance to take stock, reflect, and recognise the outstanding contributions of players, staff and volunteers across the club.

The First Team secured the club’s highest ever league position, finishing 7th in their second season in the Northern Premier League East (Step 4 of the National League System), and were Northumberland Senior Cup finalists for the second year running.

Assistant Manager Andy McBride and Coach Nick Cassidy were on hand to present the Heaton Stan awards for the 2025/6 season:

    • Top Goalscorer: Dale Pearson
    • Goal of the Season: Sam Johnson (vs Newton Aycliffe)
    • Players Player of the Season: Dale Pearson
    • Managers Player of the Season: Joe Shepherd
    • Simon Roberts Supporters’ Player of the Season: Dan Capewell

View the Goal of the Season, below:

Heaton Stannington A had a fantastic year, recording a 4th place finish in their first season in the Northern Football Alliance Premier Division. Manager, Russell Ward, and his coaching team started their presentation by recognising milestones for two key players.

Reached just before the close of the campaign, Dan Morton was celebrated for making his 100th appearance for the team, while James Harper was congratulated for notching his 100th goal for Stan A.

The Heaton Stan A award winners for the 2025/6 season:

  • Top Goalscorer: James Harper
  • Goal of the Season: Harry Poole (free kick vs West Jesmond)
  • Most Assists: James Harper
  • Young Player of the Season: Harry Jones
  • Players Player of the Season: George Riley
  • Managers Player of the Season: Dean Cochrane

Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in the club, both on and off the pitch. See you in 2026/7!

Photo Gallery

Stan Fan Monthly Draw April 2026 Results

Stan Fan Monthly Draw

APRIL
Drawn: 1st May 2026
Participants: 88
Prize Fund: £440

1st Prize £355 Number 46 Thomas Beniston
2nd Prize £50 Number 68 Andy Burn
3rd Prize £25 Number 58 Gill Colwill
4th Prize £10 Number 76 Kane Evans

Huge thank you to all participants as you are providing valuable funds to the club. If you want to join for future draws contact George Clark on Treasurerheatonstan@gmail.com

Entry is £10 per month, the more participants the higher the prize fund and the higher the prizes.

Next Draw will be Friday 29th May 2026.

Northumberland Senior Cup Final 2026

Heaton Stan look ahead to the Newcastle Flooring Company Northumberland Senior Cup 25/26 final, as we look to defend the trophy we won at St James’ Park last season.

Details for the day

⚽ Heaton Stannington vs Whitley Bay
🏆 Northumberland Senior Cup Final
📅 Tuesday 5th May, 2026
🕘  7.30pm kick-off
📍 St James’ Park, Newcastle
🎫  £8 Adults, £4 Concessions (0ver 60s), £2 U18s
💵 Cash payments only – pay on the gate
🚪 Entry through East Stand turnstiles 39-47

 

Thanks to our Match Sponsor

 

The road to St James’ Park

The path to the final has been a shorter one this year, entering the competition at the Quarter Final stage thanks to our win over Morpeth Town last year to win the cup.

We started this year’s campaign as we ended the last, with a penalty shoot-out win, this time after a 1-1 draw at home to Blyth Town on Tue 3 February 2026. Dale Pearson scored our goal in normal time, with goals from the penalty spot by Leighton Hopper, Pearson, and Max Storey and a save from Alfie Gordon securing our passage to the next round.

In the Semi Finals we met Newcastle University back at The Willow Park on Wed 15 April 2026. Despite an early scare from the Uni, scoring in the 11th minute, The Stan ran out 5-1 winners, with goals from Joe Robson, Max Storey, Leighton Hopper, and a brace from Dale Pearson completing the scoring.

 

The opposition lowdown

We face Whitley Bay in the final, after a strong season in Northern League Division 1 earned a 3rd place finish, losing their play-off Semi Final against West Auckland Town 1-3 on Sat 25th April 2026.

Their Senior Cup run started back in October, with a 2-0 win over West Allotment Celtic seeing them through to the Quarter Final stage.

That Quarter Final match seemed like it would never happen at one point, after the fixture against North Shields was postponed three times, first in January, then February and again in March, before finally being played in April where Whitley Bay ran out 2-1 winners against their El Coastico derby rivals.

Just 17 days later, Newcastle Benfield hosted Whitley Bay for the Semi-Finals, where a 0-1 win resulted in them being confirmed as our opponents for the St James’ Park clash.

 

Words from the gaffer

Heaton Stan manager, Dean Nicholson, speaking after the Semi-Final win said:

“The Senior Cup was always going to be a tough one to go and re-enact, so to be in the final again is a massive achievement, it’ll be a huge night…”

 

Remembering last May

While we wait for Tuesday night, you can whet your appetite for Final action by reading the match report from the win over Morpeth last year or watch the video capturing the events and reactions of the day below:

Tom Flynn leaving the club

Heaton Stannington are sad to announce that player-goalkeeping coach Tom Flynn is leaving the club at the end of the season.

Flynn joined the club in 2021 and although he only made two appearances in his first season, he made a big impact behind the scenes as the club secured promotion to Northern League Division One.

In our first game of this season, Flynn started in goal and kept a clean sheet, making several important saves to secure a 1-0 win in the FA Cup at Whitley Bay.

Flynn has been part of two promotions and our Northumberland Senior Cup final win, and will be in the dugout one final time when we return to St. James’ Park on May 5th.

Tom Flynn says:

“It’s been a brilliant five years, and I’m just proud of what the club has achieved, and proud to be part of it, be it as coach or as a player. I’ve always tried to help where I can. It’s a shame to leave it, but life, things happen and you have to prioritise elsewhere.”

 

 

Manager Dean Nicholson says:

“I want to say a huge thank you to Tom. He came to this club on day one of me taking over and has been amazing. His positivity is something which I will miss. He’s a top guy and someone I am happy to say is a friend. We wish him and the family all the best and he will always be a member of the Stan Army.”

Heaton Stannington joint chairman Scott Lyndon says:

“On behalf of everyone at the Club, I would like to thank Tom for his service over the last five years. Tom has been an ever present in the management team since Dean and Andy’s arrival and has played many pivotal roles – player, goalkeeper coach and a good mate to many. You won’t find a nicer bloke in non-league football. I’d like to wish Tom, Charlotte and their family all the very best for the future. Tom is always welcome at The Willow Park!”

Stan Fan Monthly Draw March 2026 Results

Stan Fan Monthly Draw

MARCH

Drawn: 27th March 2026
Participants: 90
Prize Fund: £450

1st Prize £365 Number 34 Gary Davison
2nd Prize £50 Number 1 Helyn Bulman
3rd Prize £25 Number 45 William Miller
4th Prize £10 Number 81 Nicky Cassidy

Numbers were verified and drawn by Martha.

Huge thank you to all participants as you are providing valuable funds to the club. If you want to join for future draws contact George Clark on Treasurerheatonstan@gmail.com

Entry is £10 per month, the more participants the higher the prize fund and the higher the prizes.

Next Draw will be Friday 1st May 2026.

Heaton Stan Comedy Night – 23 April 2026

We are delighted to confirm our next instalment of the popular Heaton Stan Comedy Night will take place on Thursday 23 April 2026 and tickets are now on sale!

<< CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS >>

The line up features:

MC David Hadingham

David Hadingham is a seasoned comedian known for his sharp wit and hilarious insights into everyday life. With a career spanning several decades, Hadingham has established himself as a stalwart in the world of stand-up comedy. His unique style combines clever wordplay, observational humour, and a touch of self-deprecation, creating a comedic experience that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. Whether he’s poking fun at the quirks of human behaviour or sharing personal anecdotes, David Hadingham’s performances are a rollercoaster of laughter that leave audiences in stitches. His charismatic stage presence and impeccable timing have earned him a great reputation in the UK.

Chris Cairns

The smiling assassin, Chris is a fearless, rock solid headliner. A friend to audiences but deadly foe to anyone thinking of chipping in with a heckle, Chris is adored for his charm, joyfully near-the-knuckle jokes, and nanosecond response time. Chris has grown into a comedian hugely admired by audiences and peers both in his native Liverpool and around the country.

Anthony J Brown

Clad in a sartorially edifying manner, like a dapper and dandy funeral director, Anthony cuts a unique on-stage presence with humour blacker than a raven that’s slammed its claw in a coffin lid. And not the merest hint of profanity. The overall effect is both perversely hypnotic and wholly original, leaving the audience zealously hanging on to every syllable like turncoat lemmings on a rockface.

Victoria Kirk

Victoria dreamed of being a dancer until she realised she had no natural ability and below average flexibility, when she turned to comedy instead. Known for her dry wit and easy conversational style, Victoria has the ability to tell everyday stories in ways that you’ve never heard before. Whether it’s motherhood, adulting or just why you shouldn’t hide dead bodies in wheelie bins, Victoria finds shards of humour through the lens of her own life. She’s confused, she’s pale, and she really needs to stretch more.

James Smith

‘One of the best gigs of the night, both the writing and performance were spot on. There was absolutely nothing to dislike. It was splendid’ – Notts Comedy Review.

‘A refreshingly dry delivery with nicely honed material’ – Stagefright Comedy.

Lewis Brass returns

We’re delighted to welcome goalkeeper Lewis Brass back to Heaton Stannington for a second spell at the Club.

The 29-year-old first joined the club in July 2023, going on to make 77 appearances, including the 2025 Northumberland Senior Cup Final victory over Morpeth Town at St. James’ Park where he saved two penalties to help the Stan win the shoot-out.

On his return to the club, manager Dean Nicholson said:

“We have had chats with Lewis and we feel now is the right time to bring him back. We have a strong goalkeeping department which Lewis was the spearhead of for many years. I’m happy to bring him back in as he’s another one who knows what it means to play for this football club.”