Heaton Stannington are delighted to announce that Dean Smith has been appointed as our new First Team Goalkeeper Coach.

The 39-year-old has previous experience with Newcastle Benfield and Washington, and replaced outgoing goalkeeper coach Tom Flynn who announced his departure at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Upon his appointment, Dean Smith said:

“I’m over the moon. After speaking with Andy (McBride), I knew this would be a great place to be, and I feel like I fit in place with the lads already. They have a great ambition for the future of the Stan and I wanted to be part of it. I coached against the Stan last season with Benfield and really enjoyed the ground, and the fans were lovely to us. The atmosphere was incredible that day. For the Stan, as the Goalkeeper Coach, I will ensure that we will be protecting that back line like a brick wall. The project is to build on last season’s seventh-placed finish and continue the upwards trajectory. I think the fans would love to see the Stan in the Premier Division.”

Manager Dean Nicholson said:

“With every loss comes an addition. With Tom going, we knew a new goalkeeping coach was important. We spoke to a lot of people, but Dean was the standout. I look forward to working with him, and he’s someone I’m sure will improve us again with the high standards that he sets.”