Heaton Stan and Whickham have agreed a deal which will see versatile attacking player Sam Johnson join the Stan, with striker Bailey Adamson moving the other way to join the Lang Jacks.

Sam has registered 7 league goals for Whickham so far this season, making him their joint-top scorer in their Northern League Division One campaign. Welcome to the Club, Sam!

Bailey first joined The Stan on loan from Hebburn Town back in the January of the 2024-25 campaign, before returning on a permanent basis in the summer ahead of the 2025-26 season. He leaves for Whickham with our best wishes for his next challenge, having made 18 starts over his Stan career, and a further 18 appearances from the bench, contributing 4 goals.

Heaton Stan assistant manager, Andy McBride, had this to say on the signing of Sam Johnson:

“We’re delighted to be able to bring Sam into the club. He’s someone we’ve watched for three years and every time we have, we’ve said he’s a Heaton Stan type player. We are really excited to get working with Sam, helping him progress and make the step up which he thoroughly deserves the opportunity to do.”

Adding the following on the departure of Bailey Adamson:

“We want to thank Bailey for all his efforts with us. A great lad and a great player who we hope getting the games he needs to progress will benefit him hugely and we hope to see him around in the future!”

We’d like to thank Whickham for their collaborative approach to agreeing this deal.

Tonight’s Northern Premier League East division match at home to Dunston has been postponed due to the weather.

A new date will be announced in due course – tickets will be valid for the rearranged fixture, or you can contact us for a refund.

Our next scheduled match is away at Hallam on Sat 22 November 2025.

**Update**
Stan vs Dunston has been rescheduled to Tuesday 16 December, with a kick-off at 19:45.

View all fixtures.

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.”

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

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

Heaton Stannington are pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Alfie Gordon.

The 23-year-old joins from Bishop Auckland where he started in all 11 of their games so far this season and picked up their August Player of the Month award, having moved from Birtley Town in the summer.

Alfie started his career in senior football at Newcastle Benfield, before moving to Birtley in the summer of 2023. At the end of his first season, he was part of the side that faced the Stan in the Northern League play-off semi-final in 2024, where he was on the wrong side of the result but caught the eye with some spectacular saves to keep his side in it. In his second year at the club, he was named Birtley’s Player’s Player of the Season, as well as the Supporters’ Player of the Season.

Upon signing for the Stan, Alfie Gordon said:

“I’m really happy to be signing for the Stan. I’ve always thought it’s a well-ran club with a lot of potential and good people in and around the place. I’ve spoken to Dean about the club and their goals for the club and how I will fit in and I can’t wait to try and reach them with this fantastic and well-respected club. The fans can expect a loyal and passionate goalkeeper who will give 100% for the staff, fans, teammates and obviously the club.”

Manager Dean Nicholson said about the arrival of Alfie:

“I’m really pleased with the signing of Alfie. He’s a brilliant goalkeeper with top attributes and he will fit straight into the group with the lads.”

Alfie goes straight into the squad for tonight’s Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division away game against Ossett United.

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— Heaton Stannington FC (@Heatonstan) September 23, 2025