Category: 2025/26

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

Marriott Heads Out On Loan

Defender Alfie Marriott has joined Northern League Division One side Shildon AFC on a 28 day loan.

Having joined The Stan in 2023 on an initial loan, before making the move permanent, Alfie signed a new contract with us ahead of the 2025-26 season.

We wish him well during his upcoming spell with Shildon.

2025-26 Pre-Season Roundup

With the conclusion of our pre-season friendlies, and attention quickly turning towards the 2025-26 season starting, we thought it was worth reflecting on a summer well spent.

On the non-playing side of things, we saw the departure of Tony Dunn, and the arrival of Jordan Dean to replace him as club physio.

Changes to the first team playing squad started with the retirement of Mark Turnbull, and departures for the likes of Louis Anderson, Liam Doyle, Oscar Taylor and Matthew Cassap, as well as former club captain Ryan Bailey and Jay Hornsby.

New deals were signed by a whole host of Stan regulars, with goalkeeper Lewis Brass kicking things off by committing to the club for a further 2 years. That was followed by announcements of contracts for defenders Kane Evans, Dan Capewell, Joe Shepherd, Dan Groves, Kailem Beattie and Alfie Marriot. Also committing their future to the club were midfielders Andy Burn and Alex Payne, and forward Leighton Hopper.

As well as securing current players, we’ve also made exciting additions to the first team, with new signings in key positions across the park. Bolstering the backline is defender Ben Milburn, while Luke Carr adds strength to our midfield. And up top we’ve added forwards Alfie Livermore, Max Storey and Dale Pearson, as well as welcoming back Bailey Adamson.

It’s been a busy close season for the commercial side of the club too, with sponsorships agreed to further strengthen community ties and provide vital revenues for the ongoing running and progression of Heaton Stan. The Willow continue as Home shirt sponsors and take on ground naming rights, seeing Grounsell Park renamed to The Willow Park. LDL Properties were confirmed as Away shirt sponsor, with The Back Page sponsoring shirt sleeves for both home and away tops. Jewson South Gosforth continue as sponsors of our matchday programme, and we welcomed Holbrook & Co Estate Agents as our new media sponsor. Further partnerships were struck with Ironhaven as teamwear sponsor, Coast Road Pharmacy as both stand sponsor and Stan A shirt sponsor, Spanish City as hospitality sponsor, and As Smart as Plastic as season ticket sponsor.

If you’re still looking to get involved we are looking for a raffle sponsor and have plenty of match day sponsorship opportunities available.

In terms of pre-season fixtures, we got proceedings off to a flyer, with a 2-1 win over Newcastle Benfield to retain the Jimmy Rowe Cup, with both goals scored by new forward Dale Pearson.

Next up was a Thursday night trip to Boldon CA, where we hit them for six, emerging on the right side of a 0-6 result thanks to goals from Dan Stephenson, two more for Dale Pearson and substitutes Max Storey joining in with one, and Jay Errington netting twice.

We made it three wins from three with our visit to Whickham barely a week later, with a 1-2 win for the Stan thanks to early goals from Dan Stephenson and Jay Errington.

Our final away trip of pre-season was a visit to the seaside to take on Seaham Red Star where we notched up four wins in a row with a 1-3 win. Dan Stephenson added to his tally with another goal, and there was two for Joe Robson, including a peach of a strike from the edge of the box.

The last friendly before competitive football returns was a home match against Northern Premier League Premier Division side Workington AFC. 255 people came along to The Willow Park to watch a tough test against higher-league opposition, where the Stan ran out on the wrong end of a 1-2 scoreline.

That made it 4 wins from 5, with 14 goals scored, and 5 conceded across the pre-season. Topping the goal-scoring charts was new forward Dale Pearson, with 4 goals, followed by 3 each for Dan Stephenson and Jay Errington. Joe Robson notched up 2 goals, with Max Storey and Leighton Hopper contributing 1 each.

In amongst all of that action, the fixtures were released and cup draws were made, with Heaton Stannington to host Emley in the FA Trophy on Fri 5th Sept, and the curtain-raiser for the season will see us make the journey along the coast road to Hillheads Park where we’ll take on Whitley Bay on Sat 2nd August in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.

Our league campaign begins with three newly-promoted teams in opposition, beginning with a home game against United Counties League Premier Division North champions Lincoln United on Saturday 9th August, followed by a midweek away trip to Northern League winners Redcar Athletic on Wednesday 13th August, then the visit of Northern League play-off winners Blyth Town on Wednesday 20th August.

And if that’s whetted your appetite for all things Heaton Stan, then you’ve still got time to buy a season ticket for the 2025-26 campaign!