Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce that Dean Smith has been appointed as our new First Team Goalkeeper Coach.

The 39-year-old has previous experience with Newcastle Benfield and Washington, and replaced outgoing goalkeeper coach Tom Flynn who announced his departure at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Upon his appointment, Dean Smith said:

“I’m over the moon. After speaking with Andy (McBride), I knew this would be a great place to be, and I feel like I fit in place with the lads already. They have a great ambition for the future of the Stan and I wanted to be part of it. I coached against the Stan last season with Benfield and really enjoyed the ground, and the fans were lovely to us. The atmosphere was incredible that day. For the Stan, as the Goalkeeper Coach, I will ensure that we will be protecting that back line like a brick wall. The project is to build on last season’s seventh-placed finish and continue the upwards trajectory. I think the fans would love to see the Stan in the Premier Division.”

Manager Dean Nicholson said:

“With every loss comes an addition. With Tom going, we knew a new goalkeeping coach was important. We spoke to a lot of people, but Dean was the standout. I look forward to working with him, and he’s someone I’m sure will improve us again with the high standards that he sets.”

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Ollie Basey.

The 22-year-old joins from Newcastle Benfield where he made 16 appearances in all competitions, after moving from Whickham. He previously played for Blyth Spartans and Gateshead, having started his career in the academies of Sunderland and Birmingham City, winning Premier League 2 with the latter.

In his own words, Basey is “a calm goalkeeper that puts confidence and reassurance into my defence with my presence and communication.”

Upon signing for the club, Ollie Basey said:

“⁠I’m very excited to be joining a club with so much potential and ambition to improve. ⁠I’m aware of the recent success this club has had, and when you combine that with some great signings this summer already, it is a very exciting opportunity. I believe with the staff and the team they are building, we should be aiming for playoffs and above.” 

Manager Dean Nicholson said:

“I’m happy to get Ollie in. We have lost Alfie Gordon, so we felt it was important to add quality into the goalkeeping department, which we have done. He’s a big lad, he does the basics really well, and he’s someone I’m sure will be another good addition.”

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce that former loanee JJ Chrisp has returned to the club on a permanent basis.

The 22-year-old initially joined the club on a 28 day loan from Dunston, making three starts where the club won two and drew one, with JJ scoring a late equaliser at home to Silsden in a 1-1 draw. The deal was consequently extended to the rest of the season, where he went on to make a further 17 starts.

Upon his return to the club, JJ Chrisp said:

“I’m absolutely over the moon to be joining the club permanently. I loved the spell I had here last season. The lads made me feel very welcome, and the fans especially were the reason I wanted to come back: win, lose or draw, they back you 100 per cent, which is something that is needed at a club like this. I think the lads and management all have the same goal, and that’s to finish in the play-offs, which is really the only next step after last year’s highest ever finish.”

When asked about some of his favourite moments from his loan spell, JJ said:

“That week where we beat Matlock, Bradford Park Avenue and Emley… 3 games in 7 days against top opposition. Another one would be Matlock away when Leighton Hopper scored a last minute winner!”

Manager Dean Nicholson said:

“I’m buzzing to get a deal done to sign JJ permanently. It was something we were keen to do the minute he arrived on loan. He fits in with this group and the club so well and we can’t wait to see him again next season.”

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce that young striker Michael Enwere has signed for the first team, after an impressive year with the Heaton Stan Academy.

The 17-year-old joined the Stan Academy last summer and immediately caught the eye with his abilities and potential. He was part of the side that finished as runners-up in the club’s debut season in the U19 National League. Alongside his junior football, he played senior football with Blyth Town in the Northern Premier League East Division, making four starts and 13 substitute appearances, scoring in a 4-0 win away at North Ferriby, and against the Stan in the Northumberland Senior Cup quarter final, which the Stan won on penalties.

Enwere describes himself as “quick, direct, hard-working and always looking to create chances.”

His step-up to the first team is another proud moment for the Heaton Stan Academy who are dedicated to producing young talent and giving them a platform to pursue a career in senior men’s football.

Upon signing for the club, Michael Enwere said:

“I’m buzzing to sign such an ambitious club with great fans behind it. The project and opportunity to develop really stood out to me. I want to keep improving, help the team succeed and contribute with goals and assists.”

Heaton Stannington assistant manager Andy McBride said:

“I’m really excited to get Michael in with the squad. I’ve worked with him for a few months now in the academy, he has a big ceiling

and he will excite the fans. He is hard working, and a big powerful lad who I can’t wait to see in our environment.”

Heaton Stannington Academy director Carl Chater said:

“Since arriving at the academy last summer, Michael Enwere has made a tremendous impact both on and off the pitch, developing massively in a very short space of time.

Michael played a huge role in what was a highly successful debut season for our U19s in the National League, helping the team secure an impressive runners-up finish. His performances throughout the campaign consistently demonstrated his quality, work ethic, and determination, earning recognition from coaches, teammates, and opponents alike.

His progress did not go unnoticed, and Michael was rewarded with opportunities at senior level, stepping up to play Step 4 football with Blyth Town. Competing in men’s football has been another important stage in his development, and he has continued to show maturity and confidence beyond his years.

Following his outstanding progress over the past season, Michael has now earned his place within our senior men’s team — a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the commitment and attitude he has shown since joining the academy.

Everyone at the club is incredibly proud of Michael and all that he has achieved so far, and we look forward to supporting him as he continues his journey and development in the game.”

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce that young forward Kane Morris is the club’s fifth summer signing.

The 22-year-old moves from Newcastle University, where he scored 10 goals in Northern League Division 2, and was part of the side that won the BUCS Northern Premier League. Prior to moving to the North East, he played for Hull United and Beverley Town.

Morris is a direct forward who can play across the front line, and he says he likes to try to get beyond defences to score and create.

Upon signing for the club, Kane Morris said:

“I can’t wait to get started, it’s a great club that has had great success, and I’m really excited to be part of that. I’ve heard a lot about the club since moving up to Newcastle with the success they’ve had in recent years, so it felt like a great club to try and make a step up to. I want to help the team progress from last season and push up the table.”

Manager Dean Nicholson said:

“Kane is another exciting addition to a squad that’s growing with quality all the time. His pace and strength are going to cause a lot of problems, and we can’t wait to see him in a Stan shirt.”

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce that midfielder Mechack Kanda has signed for the club.

The 30-year-old joins from Whitley Bay, where he was part of the side that lifted the Northumberland Senior Cup earlier this month at St. James’ Park, starting alongside fellow summer signing Mackenzie Sharpe.

Kanda started his career as a trainee at Gateshead, before moving on to other North East clubs such as Newcastle Benfield, West Allotment Celtic, Dunston and Hebburn Town, where he achieved promotion in 2018.

He is a versatile midfielder who is capable of attacking and defending, and anyone who watched him in the cup final will know he is full of energy and determination, providing a lot of presence in the middle of the pitch.

Upon signing for the Stan, Mechack Kanda said:

“I’m really excited to join and I can’t wait to get playing and hopefully we can make some good memories. It’s an exciting project so to be a part of it felt like a good opportunity, and hopefully with the squad we have, we are able to achieve many things. Play-offs would be a great achievement, finishing above last season’s position would be positive as I know the club have ambitions to push as high as possible.”

Manager Dean Nicholson says:

“I think this signing just sums up our intentions for the summer. A player that is hugely popular and sought after in the North East, and a player we knew would be a huge addition for us. I’m sure the fans are buzzing to see him in action.”

 

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the signing of exciting forward Cyril Giraud.

The 25-year-old joins from Blyth Town, where he made 21 appearances last season, scoring three goals. He’s the second player to make the move from Newsham this summer, following the arrival of midfielder Cameron Gascoigne.

Giraud has a lot of experience in the North East non-league scene, having previously played for Morpeth Town, Bishop Auckland, Blyth Spartans, Ashington, Consett, Newcastle Benfield and Thornaby. Before moving to the UK, he played for Châteauroux in the French third division.

Upon signing for the Club, Cyril Giraud said:

“I’m very, very excited to be joining. I actually can’t believe how strong the squad’s looking, and I’m not expecting anything less than the play-offs! The Stan’s been on the right track for a good few seasons now, doing the right things on and off the pitch. They’re clearly up-and-coming and I would love to be part of that. I’m looking to enjoy my footy this season, and what better than to play with mates I’ve known for a while.”

Asked about his style of play, Giraud said:

“I always try to bring that excitement on the pitch. I’m a tricky and exciting player that will make things happen at any given moment. I love the big games. I’ll make sure the fans enjoy what they’re watching, but also make sure to contribute with goals and assists.”

Manager Dean Nicholson said:

“I’m absolutely delighted with this signing. Cyril is a player who has been a huge influence on the non-league scene in the North East for a long time and we know his quality. I’m sure the Stan Army will be buzzing with this one!”

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Cameron Gascoigne.

The 24-year-old joins from Blyth Town, where he was part of the side that gained promotion from the Northern League to the Northern Premier League East Division via the play-offs in 2025. This season he made 36 league appearances, scoring 6 goals. He was awarded Suprema Player of the Season, Committee Player of the Season, Supporters’ Player of the Season, and received the most Player of the Match awards.

Gascoigne is a versatile midfielder who can play in both attacking and defensive positions. He knows the North East game very well having previously played for Ashington and Newcastle Benfield.

Upon joining the club, Cameron Gascoigne said:

“I couldn’t be happier to be joining the Stan. The club is in a really good place right now. They’ve improved every year, and after speaking to Dean and Andy, it’s clear they want to keep pushing forward. I know I’m walking into a very good dressing room where I will enjoy my football. I’ve witnessed firsthand how good the fans are and I can’t wait to play in front of them. My ambition for the season is to get into the play-off spots. I think this squad is very capable to go and do it.”

Manager Dean Nicholson says:

“Cameron is one we have been looking at for ages and I’m delighted to get it done. We have fought off some tough competition to sign him and you can see why. He won the lot last season at Blyth as he’s a top player, as well as a top lad, so we’re buzzing to see him in a Stan shirt.”

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the signing of striker Mackenzie Sharpe.

The 26-year-old joins from Whitley Bay, where he was part of the starting 11 that beat the Stan in the Northumberland Senior Cup final on penalties earlier this month.

In his own words, he says he’s a handful and he can score goals, which is backed up by his numbers, having finished last season as the Northern League Division 1 top scorer with 23 goals.

Sharpe is no stranger to The Willow Park and to Dean and Andy, having played 15 games and scored 2 goals for the Stan in the 2021/22 side which earned promotion from Northern League Division 2. He’s also played for Newcastle Benfield and West Allotment Celtic.

Upon signing for the club, Mackenzie Sharpe said:

“I’m excited to get started with the boys. I’ve played with most of these lads before so I’m excited to be back. I think seeing how the club has progressed over the years, it feels like the club is on a massive rise, so hopefully I can help that continue.”

Manager Dean Nicholson said:

“Mackenzie is a great signing and another top lad for the group. To be top goalscorer in the Northern League tells me exactly what type of player we’ve signed. I already know what a top lad he is in the dressing room, so it was a no-brainer for me, and it’s another one for the Stan Army to be excited about.”