Category: 2025/26

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.

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.”

Lewis Brass announces retirement

We can announce that goalkeeper Lewis Brass has announced his retirement from football with immediate effect.

Lewis joined the Stan in 2023, going on to make 77 appearances. He has been a huge part of the progress on the field in recent years, making some pivotal contributions in matches as part of our Northern League promotion winning side in 2023/24, and helping to secure the 2025 Northumberland Senior Cup with two penalty shoot-out saves at St. James’ Park. Off the field he has also been a big supporter of the Club, for example his company kindly sponsoring our away strip this season.

We are immensely grateful for his contributions and support and everyone at the Club sends our best wishes for the future!

Lewis has shared the following message:

“With a heavy heart, I’m announcing my retirement from football. My responsibility now lies solely with my business and my family, but I’ll always carry the game close to me.

I want to give a special mention to Dean, Andy, Tom, Scott, and James — the ones who brought me out of retirement three years ago and taught me how to love the game again. To the amazing fans, the Stan Army, thank you for your incredible support every step of the way.

During my time here, we created nothing but history, and I’m proud of everything we achieved together. I wish the club, the players, and everyone connected with Heaton Stannington nothing but the very best for the season ahead and for the future.”

Manager Dean Nicholson has also reflected on the news:

“I want to thank Lewis for every ounce of his effort over the last 3 years. Since he came to this club, he has been unbelievable.

We have created history together and I will be forever grateful for his performances and commitment to doing that.

I’m sure the two penalty saves at St. James’ Park will live forever in the hearts of the Stan Army and we will always thank Lewis for that.

Good luck for the future.”

Brassy’s Best Bits

Goalkeeper Alfie Gordon joins the Stan

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.

FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round Draw

We’ve been drawn away from home against Bradford Park Avenue in the Isuzu FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round.

The game will take place on Friday 3rd October, 2025 – kick off 8pm.

We’re running a bus to the game, you can purchase your seats here.

Our participation at this stage of the competition marks another piece of history for the club, following our 1st QR round victory against Emley and our 2nd QR 4-0 win over Newton Aycliffe at the weekend.


As a result of this cup run, our Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division home game against Dunston has been rearranged and will now take place on Wednesday 19th November 2025, kick off 7:45pm.

Ben Milburn signs contract

We are delighted to announce that the club and defender Ben Milburn have committed by putting pen to paper on a contract.

Ben signed for the club permanently in June, after featuring once on loan from Blyth Spartans last season before injury cut the spell short.

Since joining permanently, Ben has made nine appearances, all from the start, scoring a goal in each of our previous two games against Brighouse Town and Newton Aycliffe, and receiving the fan-voted Man of the Match award on two occasions. Supporters have been impressed with Ben’s determination, calmness on the ball, strong defensive awareness and reading of the game.

Manager Dean Nicholson had this to say about Ben committing his future to the Stan:

“I’m delighted to get Ben tied down. He’s been brilliant on and off the field since signing for the club. His professionalism, his standards and his attitude have been 10 out of 10. Another exciting one for the Stan Army!”

Marriott joins Shildon on permanent deal

Following the completion of a month loan at the Railwaymen, defender Alfie Marriott has joined Shildon on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.

Marriott joined the Stan on loan from South Shields in February 2023, making 7 starts and 2 sub appearances, scoring his first goal for the club in a 2-1 home win over Seaham Red Star in March 2023. He signed another loan deal at the start of the 23/24 season, starting 17 times, coming off the bench 6 times and scoring twice, helping the club to promotion from the Northern League.

Alfie joined the club permanently ahead of the 24/25 season, making 14 starts and 19 sub appearances, with two goals including one in the Northumberland Senior Cup semi-final against Newcastle United.

In total, Marriott turned out for the Stan 67 times, with 38 of those being from the start, scoring 5 goals.

Manager Dean Nicholson had this to say about Alfie:

“I want to take the opportunity to thank Alfie for everything. He has been a model professional on and off the pitch. His standards in training and games is something that shines out and he will be a huge miss in the dressing room. Shildon have got themselves a great guy, with top potential. We wish him and his family all of the best.”

The Club joins Dean in thanking Alfie for his service to the Club and gives our best wishes for the next chapter in his footballing career.

Cassidy Returns to The Stan

We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Nick Cassidy as First Team Coach.

The popular former Stan player has more recently been coaching at Northern League side North Shields following his retirement from playing.

On his appointment, Nick said,

“I couldn’t think of a better opportunity to start my next chapter in football”

Heaton Stan manager, Dean Nicholson shared his thoughts on Cassidy’s return:

“I’m over the moon to bring Nick back to the club. He’s a huge, popular figure at the club and his knowledge and professionalism will be a huge addition to the staff here”

Welcome back to the Stan, Cass!

FA Trophy 2nd Qualifying Round Draw

We’ve been drawn at home to Newton Aycliffe in the Isuzu FA Trophy 2nd Qualifying Round.

This follows our 2-0 win over Emley in the 1st Qualifying Round in front of a crowd of 372 on Friday 5th September.

The draw took place this afternoon and saw us paired with our Northern Premier League East division rivals who we shared plenty of goals with last season! In our first meeting in 2024-25 we came out on top with a 4-2 win at home, but the reverse fixture marked our first away defeat of 2025; losing 4-0 at Newton Aycliffe.

The game will take place at The Willow Park on Saturday 20th September, at 3pm.

Due to our participation in the 2nd Qualifying Round, our league game at home to Bridlington Town has been rearranged to take place on Wednesday 22nd October, with a 19:45 kick-off.

View the full FA Trophy draw here.

Vacancy: First Team Coach

We have an exciting opportunity to join our First Team as a coach.

We play at Step 4 of the non-league pyramid in the Northern Premier League East Division.

We are looking for an experienced coach who is the perfect fit for our Club and to be part of the next era of progression on the pitch.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Planning and leading training sessions
  • Planning and leading match day warm ups
  • Fitness coaching
  • Player development
  • General support to the Manager and Assistant Manager

We are looking for someone who is confident to lead sessions, is committed and is adaptable.

We train on Wednesday evenings and occasional Mondays. You must be prepared to travel to away games – either on a coach when we are operating one or by car share when we are not.

If you are interested please email manager@heatonstan.co.uk