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 Friday 3rd July, kick-off 7.30pm, 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 National League side Gateshead. That one kicks off at 3pm.

We’ve got an inter-club match on Tuesday 14th July at 7:30pm as the Heaton Stan first team take on Heaton Stannington A, who come off the back of a very successful debut season at the top level of the Northern Alliance.

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. Seats for our bus to Dunbar cost £20 per person and can be booked here.

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.

For pre-season friendlies at home, tickets are priced at £5 for adults, £3 for concessions (over 65 and students with ID) and just £1 for under 16s (accompanied by an adult). Tickets will only be available to purchase on the day at the gate with cash or card – there won’t be any advance online sales.

Make sure you’re following @heatonstan across Facebook, X, Instagram and BlueSky for all of the latest updates.

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the signing of experienced striker Sado Djalo.

The 34-year-old joins after two spells at Dunston where he firmly established himself as a fan favourite, making 181 appearances and scoring 47 goals.

Djalo describes himself as a team player who likes to give everything, help his team mates, and of course, as a striker, score goals.

Upon signing for the club, Sado Djalo said:

“I’m so excited. I can’t wait to meet the boys and start my new chapter with this amazing club. I think it was time to try a new project, meet new people and give myself a chance to learn more about football. My ambition for the season ahead is to get promoted, win trophies and score goals.”

Manager Dean Nicholson said:

“This is a big signing for us. Andy and I tried to bring Sado to the club six years ago and we’ve watched his rise ever since. He’s a player who can score, assist, and has so many other positive attributes. He will be a brilliant addition to the squad, and we look forward to seeing him in action.”’

We are recruiting for a new Club Physio for Heaton Stannington FC.

This is a great opportunity to join a progressive Step 4 Club. You will ideally have Level 3 Emergency Medical First aid in Football (EMFAiF) or above, but if you don’t we will support your training to this level.

This is a paid position. To discuss further please contact scott.lyndon@heatonstan.co.uk

Heaton Stannington FC 2026/27 season tickets are now on sale.

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Both Adult and Child season ticket prices have been frozen, with Concessions seeing a modest £5 increase on last year’s prices.

Last season our home fixtures in the league ended in 9 wins and 5 draws, with 48 goals witnessed by the Stan Army. Be part of our Northern Premier League East division play-off push by backing the lads at The Willow Park and supporting your club.

Season Ticket Prices:
Adult: £155
Concession: £90 (over 65 and student with ID)
Under 16: £30

Match Day Admission:
Adult: £10
Concession: £7
Under 16: £2

Every season ticket order will receive a physical card (to be issued in due course) but the platform will also let you select a digital card on Apple and Android devices if you wish to download them to your digital wallet. Those who do opt to receive the digital season ticket will still receive a physical card.

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We’d like to thank our season ticket sponsor, KT Flooring.

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.”