Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce that midfielder Mechack Kanda has signed for the club.

The 30-year-old joins from Whitley Bay, where he was part of the side that lifted the Northumberland Senior Cup earlier this month at St. James’ Park, starting alongside fellow summer signing Mackenzie Sharpe.

Kanda started his career as a trainee at Gateshead, before moving on to other North East clubs such as Newcastle Benfield, West Allotment Celtic, Dunston and Hebburn Town, where he achieved promotion in 2018.

He is a versatile midfielder who is capable of attacking and defending, and anyone who watched him in the cup final will know he is full of energy and determination, providing a lot of presence in the middle of the pitch.

Upon signing for the Stan, Mechack Kanda said:

“I’m really excited to join and I can’t wait to get playing and hopefully we can make some good memories. It’s an exciting project so to be a part of it felt like a good opportunity, and hopefully with the squad we have, we are able to achieve many things. Play-offs would be a great achievement, finishing above last season’s position would be positive as I know the club have ambitions to push as high as possible.”

Manager Dean Nicholson says:

“I think this signing just sums up our intentions for the summer. A player that is hugely popular and sought after in the North East, and a player we knew would be a huge addition for us. I’m sure the fans are buzzing to see him in action.”

 

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the signing of exciting forward Cyril Giraud.

The 25-year-old joins from Blyth Town, where he made 21 appearances last season, scoring three goals. He’s the second player to make the move from Newsham this summer, following the arrival of midfielder Cameron Gascoigne.

Giraud has a lot of experience in the North East non-league scene, having previously played for Morpeth Town, Bishop Auckland, Blyth Spartans, Ashington, Consett, Newcastle Benfield and Thornaby. Before moving to the UK, he played for Châteauroux in the French third division.

Upon signing for the Club, Cyril Giraud said:

“I’m very, very excited to be joining. I actually can’t believe how strong the squad’s looking, and I’m not expecting anything less than the play-offs! The Stan’s been on the right track for a good few seasons now, doing the right things on and off the pitch. They’re clearly up-and-coming and I would love to be part of that. I’m looking to enjoy my footy this season, and what better than to play with mates I’ve known for a while.”

Asked about his style of play, Giraud said:

“I always try to bring that excitement on the pitch. I’m a tricky and exciting player that will make things happen at any given moment. I love the big games. I’ll make sure the fans enjoy what they’re watching, but also make sure to contribute with goals and assists.”

Manager Dean Nicholson said:

“I’m absolutely delighted with this signing. Cyril is a player who has been a huge influence on the non-league scene in the North East for a long time and we know his quality. I’m sure the Stan Army will be buzzing with this one!”

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Cameron Gascoigne.

The 24-year-old joins from Blyth Town, where he was part of the side that gained promotion from the Northern League to the Northern Premier League East Division via the play-offs in 2025. This season he made 36 league appearances, scoring 6 goals. He was awarded Suprema Player of the Season, Committee Player of the Season, Supporters’ Player of the Season, and received the most Player of the Match awards.

Gascoigne is a versatile midfielder who can play in both attacking and defensive positions. He knows the North East game very well having previously played for Ashington and Newcastle Benfield.

Upon joining the club, Cameron Gascoigne said:

“I couldn’t be happier to be joining the Stan. The club is in a really good place right now. They’ve improved every year, and after speaking to Dean and Andy, it’s clear they want to keep pushing forward. I know I’m walking into a very good dressing room where I will enjoy my football. I’ve witnessed firsthand how good the fans are and I can’t wait to play in front of them. My ambition for the season is to get into the play-off spots. I think this squad is very capable to go and do it.”

Manager Dean Nicholson says:

“Cameron is one we have been looking at for ages and I’m delighted to get it done. We have fought off some tough competition to sign him and you can see why. He won the lot last season at Blyth as he’s a top player, as well as a top lad, so we’re buzzing to see him in a Stan shirt.”

Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce the signing of striker Mackenzie Sharpe.

The 26-year-old joins from Whitley Bay, where he was part of the starting 11 that beat the Stan in the Northumberland Senior Cup final on penalties earlier this month.

In his own words, he says he’s a handful and he can score goals, which is backed up by his numbers, having finished last season as the Northern League Division 1 top scorer with 23 goals.

Sharpe is no stranger to The Willow Park and to Dean and Andy, having played 15 games and scored 2 goals for the Stan in the 2021/22 side which earned promotion from Northern League Division 2. He’s also played for Newcastle Benfield and West Allotment Celtic.

Upon signing for the club, Mackenzie Sharpe said:

“I’m excited to get started with the boys. I’ve played with most of these lads before so I’m excited to be back. I think seeing how the club has progressed over the years, it feels like the club is on a massive rise, so hopefully I can help that continue.”

Manager Dean Nicholson said:

“Mackenzie is a great signing and another top lad for the group. To be top goalscorer in the Northern League tells me exactly what type of player we’ve signed. I already know what a top lad he is in the dressing room, so it was a no-brainer for me, and it’s another one for the Stan Army to be excited about.”

We are pleased to share details of our retained list as it currently stands ahead of the 2026-27 season:

The following players are retained:

Lewis Brass
Daniel Capewell
Jay Errington
Kane Evans
Alfie Gordon
Leighton Hopper
Jay Hornsby
Ben Milburn
Alex Payne
Dale Pearson
Joe Robson
Joe Shepherd
Max Storey
Connor Walker

We remain in conversation with:

Nicky Deverdics

The following players have departed the Club:

Andy Burn joined the Stan in 2021 and was one of Dean Nicholson’s first signings. Featuring for the Club 223 times and scoring 22 goals including a memorable FA Vase winner at Barnoldswick Town in his first season, Burnsy has been an incredible servant to the Club. Hugely popular on and off the field, we were privileged to have him at the Stan for 5 seasons and everyone wishes him all the best for whatever comes next.

Konner Lamb joined the Stan in August 2022, linking up with Dean Nicholson having played for him at Killingworth. Konner has had a huge impact at the Club and has been a key part of our progression through the leagues, featuring 146 times and scoring 50 goals. His wonder goal in the Northern League Division One play off final will forever be etched in the Stan history books. We are extremely thankful to Konner for his contributions and wish him the best for his next challenge.

Kailem Beattie will depart the Stan having declined a new deal, after two seasons at the Club. Kailem has made 44 appearances for the Club and also spent a spell on loan at Seaham Red Star. Kailem will go on to do very well at his next Club and we all wish him the very best of luck for the future.

Sam Johnson will also depart the Club having declined a new deal. Sam joined from Whickham during last season and made a strong impact including scoring the goal of the season, voted for by the fans. We wish Sam good luck for next season and beyond.

Manager Dean Nicholson has paid tribute to Heaton Stan centurions Andy Burn and Konner Lamb as they depart the club:

“I want to say a huge thank you to Burnsy. He was one of my first signings, and he’s shown people the Heaton Stan way over the last five years. He’s created amazing memories and I wish him all the very best. Konner Lamb is another player who I can’t thank enough. We will always remember his goals and performances for this club, and he played a huge part in our rise to step 4. Good luck, lads! 🖤🤍”