Category: Club News

Ryan Chater joins on loan

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the 28 day loan signing of midfielder Ryan Chater.

The 18-year-old signed his first professional deal with Morpeth Town in the summer after spending two years in their academy, and has gone on to make six starts and six substitute appearances this season.

Manager Dean Nicholson says:

“I’m excited to seeing Ryan in a Stan shirt. He’s already shown in training what quality he will bring. A young, energetic and tidy midfielder who will bring lots of quality.”

Dan Groves announces retirement

Heaton Stannington are sad to announce that defender Dan Groves has retired from professional football with immediate effect.

Dan joined the club from Hebburn Town, initially on loan in November 2024, making his debut in a 3-0 home win against Ossett United. He made a total of 17 starts and eight sub appearances in his first season, one of his those appearances from the bench coming in the Northumberland Senior Cup final at St. James’ Park, where he went on to score the winning penalty in the shoot-out against Morpeth Town.

He then joined the club permanently in the summer and made two starts and two substitute appearances this season, being forced off – in what would prove to be his final appearance for the club in the 2-0 FA Trophy win over Emley – with a broken collarbone.

Upon announcing his retirement, Dan had this to say:

“What a ride. It’s not the way I would have thought I would hang my boots up after all these years, but unfortunately I still haven’t recovered properly from my collarbone. Since coming to the Stan last season, I have loved every second. Everyone involved has been brilliant from minute one, and what we achieved last year was incredible, topping it off with a win at St. James’ Park. Thanks for everything, and I wish Heaton Stan nothing but success. Much love, Grovesy”

His manager Dean Nicholson has paid tribute to Dan as he hangs up his boots:

“I’m gutted for Dan. He’s been brilliant on and off the field for this club since he came in. He has driven standards so high in training and in games since his arrival, which turned a corner for us last season. I’m sure I join the whole of the Stan Army thanking Dan for his commitment, and that goal at St. James’ Park will never be forgotten. A great lad, a great player and he will be a huge miss.”

You can relive Dan’s Senior Cup winning penalty as part of our Heaton’s Heroes video:

 

Photo Gallery

Senior Cup Quarter Final Draw 2025-26

Our defence of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland FA Senior Cup trophy will begin with a home game against Blyth Town.

As holders, following our dramatic win on penalties against Morpeth Town last season, we enter the competition at the Quarter Final stage.

The match at The Willow Park will be played on Tuesday 6th January 2026, kick off 7:45pm.

It’ll be the second time we’ve hosted Blyth Town this season, following the 2-2 draw played out in the league in August.

JJ Chrisp joins on loan

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the 28 day loan signing of JJ Chrisp.

The 22-year-old versatile midfielder joins from Dunston where he has made 10 appearances in all competitions this season.

Manager Dean Nicholson says:

“I’m really happy to add JJ in. His quality is brilliant and his attitude is top notch. He will add a lot to our dressing room and I’m excited to see what he brings to us.”

Stan Fan Monthly Draw October 2025 Results

Stan Fan Monthly Draw

October

Drawn: 31st October 2025
Participants: 90
Prize Fund: £450

1st Prize £365: Number 80 Ben Milburn
2nd Prize £50: Number 13 Scott Lyndon
3rd Prize £25: Number 16 Glyn Clark
4th Prize £10: Number 88 Max Storey

Numbers were verified and drawn by Jacqui Harris.

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 28th November 2025 in the Clubhouse.

Stan Fan Draw Notice

We’d like to say a huge thank you to the Management and first team players who have now joined the Stan Fan Draw and swelled the prize fund. Good luck to you all.

The next draw will take place on Friday 31 st October 2025, with the prize breakdown as follows:

90 participants. Prize fund £450

1st Prize £365 Number
2nd Prize £50 Number
3rd Prize £25 Number
4th Prize £10 Number

If you’d like 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.

The draw will be made in the clubhouse and results published on the website as soon as possible after the draw.

Management duo sign contracts

We are delighted to confirm that the Club, Manager Dean Nicholson and Assistant Manager Andy McBride have put pen to paper on contracts initially until the end of the 2026/27 season.

Dean and Andy joined the Club in pre-season of 2021, when we played in Northern League Division Two. Since then the team has reached many new heights – including two promotions and culminating in silverware following the Senior Cup win last season. Many records have been beaten, and beaten again during that time.

Joint Chairman, Scott Lyndon, said:

“Dean and Andy have transformed football at Heaton Stan since their arrival. They have consistently put together a team that are entertaining to watch and have delivered memory after memory.

It was an easy decision to offer them both a long term contract and I’m delighted they have accepted. I look forward to working with them as we put into action the next stages of our growth plans.”

Manager Nicholson has to say:

“

I’m genuinely over the moon that the club have reached out and wanted me and Andy to commit our futures to the club.

It’s been an unbelievable journey for 5 years. Records galore and the position of the club right now puts into perspective the job that’s been done by everyone involved.

We are excited to see what the next 18 months brings, and I can’t wait for the Stan Army to enjoy the journey with us.”

Assistant Manager McBride added:

“I’m pleased to commit and be rewarded for the hard work and efforts, and to continue the journey here. It was a no brainer once Dean and I had been approached about doing so. It’s been a special journey so far, and we have achieved amazing thing. I’m ready to try to progress this club even further with the backing and support of the fans and club. Up the Stan!”

The duo will lead the Stan at Croft Park on Tuesday night as we take on neighbours Blyth Spartans in the league.

Stan Fan Monthly Draw September 2025 Results

Stan Fan Monthly Draw

SEPTEMBER

Drawn: 28th September 2025
Participants: 65
Prize Fund: £325

1st Prize £240: Number 33 Rebecca Critchley
2nd Prize £50: Number 10 David Bartley
3rd Prize £25: Number 21 Paul Borseberry
4th Prize £10: Number 53 Bill Colwill

Numbers were verified and drawn by Gordon Hart.

Thanks to all participants, 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.

October draw will take place on Friday 31st October in the Clubhouse.

Heaton Stan Comedy Night – 23 Oct 2025

We are delighted to confirm our next instalment of the popular Heaton Stan Comedy Night will take place on Thursday 23 October 2025 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.

Kelly Rickard
Kelly can do a lot. She’s a singer, an actor and an award-winning comedian, widely regarded as having huge stardom within her grasp.

‘Brutally honest and hilarious!’ (Rosie Ramsey). ‘Excellent delivery! Very funny! Four stars’ (Scotsman).
‘Next year’s big star!’ (Creative Tourist). ‘The whole audience was with her’ (The Stand Newcastle).

Tony Cowards
Tony is a rapidfire gag merchant with an arsenal full of one-liners, for laughs-per-minute he’s a tough act to beat! His quick wit has made him a sought after act and compere by comedy clubs and promoters across the UK and even for gigs worldwide. Tony’s likable ‘everyman’ character and wide ranging humour (mostly clean) means he is comfortable in front of any audience.

Duncan Oakley
Comedian, Songwriter, Musician, Actor, One man band! With musical skills that would easily fit into many rock bands Duncan Oakley performs an infectious mix of musical comedy and stand up with one of his trusty guitars. With an eye and ear for the silly, rude, playful and downright irritating occurrences of life Duncan musters up songs that not only make you laugh, they bury into the recesses of your mind and find you a humming tune with a smile on your face three days later, confused and wondering where it’s come from.

Mickey Hutton
Mickey is one of the finest Stand Up comics to emerge from the North East in the past twenty years. His talents, however, stretch far beyond his Stand Up routine. Mickey is also a talented musician (he often wows audiences with his dextrous guitar-playing during his act) and writer. A regular compere at The Comedy Store, a regular guest on both TV and radio comedy shows, Mickey has done it all.

<< BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW >>

*NOTE: Acts are subject to change – this sometimes happens for reasons outside of our control. We however promise to replace them with someone else who is canny.*

Board Update

At an EGM on Thursday 25 September 2025 the Club members present ratified the following changes in the Board of Directors:

  • Bill Colwill – resignation as Chair and Director
  • James Colwill – resignation as Director
  • Reg Harris – resignation as Director
  • Scott Lyndon & Neil Drummond – appointment as Joint Chairmen

The Club and its members wishes to place on record recognition and thanks to Bill, James and Reg for their contributions and efforts over the many years of their involvement. We are delighted that they have all indicated a desire to continue supporting the Club in a volunteer capacity.

Following their appointment as Joint Chairmen, Scott Lyndon and Neil Drummond have said:

Scott:

“I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the Stan into the next era for the Club with Neil. Since I joined the Club 7 years ago, we have seen a great transformation on and off the field. It has been an honour to have played a part in that journey and I am excited about what is to come next.”

Neil:

“It is an honour to be given the opportunity to take up this joint role with Scott. I am looking forward to continuing the progression that we have made with the Juniors and further strengthen the integration, and grow the club at all levels from u7 to Seniors.”