Heaton Stannington FC can confirm that manager Dean Nicholson has departed the Club by mutual consent.

Dean took charge of The Stan in June 2021 and, over the past five years, has played a pivotal role in one of the most successful and memorable periods in the Club’s history.

Working alongside his coaching staff, Dean has overseen remarkable progress on the pitch, guiding the team from Northern League Division Two to the Northern Premier League East through two hard-earned promotions. Under his leadership, the Club has continued to break new ground, establishing itself at a higher level of the non-league pyramid and achieving its highest-ever league finish.

Perhaps the most memorable moment of Dean’s tenure came in May 2025, when The Stan lifted the Northumberland Senior Cup for the first time in the Club’s history, following a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Morpeth Town at St James’ Park. Reaching the final again the following season was further evidence of the standards and consistency that Dean helped establish.

However, Dean’s contribution goes far beyond promotions, results and silverware. Throughout his time at the Club, he has helped build a competitive, entertaining side, created countless memories for the Stan Army and played an important part in the continued development and ambition of Heaton Stannington FC.

The Directors would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Dean for his commitment, hard work and dedication over the past five years. His contribution to the Club will not be forgotten, and he leaves with our gratitude and respect for everything he has helped us achieve.

He will always be a part of this Club’s recent history, and we wish him every success and happiness in whatever the future holds.

On behalf of the Directors, our loyal supporters and everyone associated with Heaton Stannington FC, we thank Dean for his service and wish him all the very best for the future.

Thank you, Dean 🖤🤍

Andy McBride will take charge of the team for Saturdays fixture against Bradford (Park Avenue) and the Club will make a further statement in due course.

Newcastle City Council pledges £250,000, completing the funding package for a project designed to secure the club’s future and benefit the wider community.

Heaton Stannington AFC Limited is delighted to announce a major milestone in its ambition to convert its existing grass pitch into a modern 3G artificial playing surface, following confirmation that Newcastle City Council will pledge £250,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) towards the project.

This commitment means that all the funding required for the project has now been raised, bringing the club’s vision significantly closer to reality.

The proposed development aims to secure the long-term future of Heaton Stannington, supporting our senior and junior teams while improving the club’s financial sustainability through significant potential cost savings. It would also create greater opportunities to develop the club as a community hub, supporting football alongside other community sports and physical activities.

Reaching this milestone has involved close collaboration with the Football Association, Northumberland FA, the Football Foundation, Newcastle City Council, our Ward Councils and our local MPs. While Football Foundation funding is available to contribute towards the project, the club is also required to make a significant financial contribution. Despite committing as much as is viable for a club of our size, additional support was needed to complete the funding package.

Scott Lyndon and Neil Drummond, Joint Chairmen at Heaton Stannington AFC Limited, had this to say:

“This is a hugely significant moment for our club. The prospect of a 3G pitch represents an investment in our long-term future, giving our senior and junior teams greater security while creating opportunities to welcome more people and activities into our community.

“We are extremely grateful to Newcastle City Council for its £250,000 pledge and to all the organisations and individuals who have worked with us to reach this stage. Securing the funding needed is a tremendous achievement, and we look forward to progressing the next steps.”

Although the funding is now in place, several stages of development, assessment and approval remain before the project can be fully sanctioned. The club will now begin working through these requirements and will provide further updates as plans progress.

We are committed to engaging closely with local community groups, neighbouring residents and businesses throughout the next phase of the project.

Heaton Stannington AFC would like to thank everyone who has supported this ambition to date. This is an important step towards a stronger, more sustainable future for the club and the wider community.

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the loan signing of defender Mitchell Parkinson.

The 19-year-old defender joins the Stan on a temporary basis from Redcar Athletic where he’s been since the start of last season.

Manager Dean Nicholson says:

“I’m very happy with the signing of Mitch. It’s clear with injuries and suspensions that we had to bring in some quality and Mitch does that. He has a lot of qualities we need in this league and he’s a lad who will certainly improve us. Welcome to the club!”

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the signing of left-back Bayley Hester on loan from Sunderland.

The 18-year-old has made three substitute appearances for the Black Cats’ under-21 side this season and joins the Stan to make his first steps into senior football, having signed his first professional deal this summer.

Manager Dean Nicholson says:

“I’m delighted to get Bayley in. He has a big future in the game, so we are happy to get him in and he’ll add huge quality to the group.”

Stan Fan Monthly Draw

SEPTEMBER
Drawn: Wednesday 30th September 2026
Participants: 91
Prize Fund: £455

1st Prize £370 Number 28 Joanne Forster
2nd Prize £50 Number 79 Jay Hornsby
3rd Prize £25 Number 75 Dan Lister
4th Prize £10 Number 82 Joe Shepherd

Numbers were verified and drawn by Trustees Terry Reid and John Ryan.

Huge thank you to all participants as you are providing valuable funds to the club.

If you to want to join in future draws contact George Clark on george.clark@heatonstan.co.uk

Entry is £10 per month, the more participants the higher the prize fund and the higher the prizes. Next Draw will be Friday 30th October 2026.

🎃👻 HALLOWEEN IS COMING TO THE STAN! 👻🎃

Get ready for a spooktacular night at Heaton Stannington FC! 🕷️🧙‍♀️

📅 Friday 30th October 2026
⏰ 7pm – 9pm
📍 The Stan
🎟️ Tickets £7.50

FOR AGES UP TO 12 ONLY

Expect games, costume competitions, spooky fun and more! 🧛‍♂️🎃

👻 Fancy dress encouraged! 👻
Bring your best costume and get ready for a Halloween night to remember!

🎟️ Tickets are now on sale – grab yours before they disappear! 💀

<< BUy tickets now >>

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce that young winger Dan Kemp has joined us on dual registration.

The 18-year-old joins from Stotfold in the Southern League Division One Central, where he was named Players’ Player of the Year last season. Dan joins the Stan having moved up to the North East to begin studying at Newcastle University.

Dan is a high-energy winger who aims to provide attacking threat and desire to get forward and score goals.

Upon moving to the club, Dan Kemp said:

“I’m very excited to join the Stan and get going. I know they’re a promising side with a positive future. I want to come here and make an impact on the team to support them in reaching their targets for this season, but also to continue improving myself under Dean and Andy. I want to help the team win as many games a possible and reach double figures for goals this season.”

Manager Dean Nicholson said:

“Dan comes with a good reputation. Andy has been monitoring him for a while and he’s looking very sharp with us already. He has real quality and he will add a lot to this group. He’s a player I’m sure the Stan Army will be watching on the edge of their seats. Welcome aboard Dan!”

Thank you to Stotfold FC for their assistance with the deal.

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the loan signing of winger Dan Savage from South Shields.

The 20-year-old has made two substitute appearances for his parent in National League North already this season, and has previously had temporary spells at Hebburn Town and Blyth Spartans.

In his own words, he’s a “front-footed attacking player with loads of energy” known for his high workrate.

Upon signing for the club, Dan Savage said:

“I’m really excited to get going. There’s a real buzz around the club and the lads, and I’m thrilled to now be involved with that. The project is a very exciting one and I couldn’t let that slip by me. The club has huge ambitions and has a real strong chance of promotion. My role will be to contribute to that target every time I step onto the pitch.”

Manager Dean Nicholson said:

“I’m delighted to get Sav into the club. He’s a player Andy and I have been watching for a long time and we’ve tried a few times to bring him in. His quality, pace and style of play suits us, and his energy is something we are looking forward to seeing. Welcome to the club, Dan!”

🎃🧡 FAMILY PUMPKIN CARVING – WHO’S UP FOR IT?! 🧡🎃

We’re putting on a fun-filled family Pumpkin Carving afternoon this Halloween! 👻✨

A chance to get the kids together, get creative, make a little mess (somewhere that isn’t your kitchen! 😂) and carve your very own pumpkin ready for Halloween! 🎃

📅 Friday 30th October
⏰ 2pm–4pm
📍 Heaton Stannington Football Club

Tickets are now on sale!

🎃 Family-friendly Halloween fun
🎨 Get creative together
🧡 Make some lovely half-term memories
🧹 And best of all… leave the pumpkin mess with us! 😂

<< BUy tickets now >>

Please spread the word — the more little pumpkin carvers, the merrier! 🎃👻🧡

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce that experienced midfielder Adam Gell has signed for the Stan on loan.

The 35-year-old moves from Northern Premier League Premier Division side Whitby Town, having made seven appearances this season. Gell moved to the Blues from Bishop Auckland back in 2024, beginning his fourth spell at the club.

He’s described by his parent club as “a hardworking and tenacious central midfielder… renowned for his commitment and grit.”

Upon Adam’s arrival at the Stan, manager Dean Nicholson said:

“I’m happy to get Adam in. He is an experienced player with a lot of qualities we need, and he’s another the fans will love I’m sure.”