Squad pen pictures

Gavin Barton

Gavin returns for his third spell at Meadow Park, he is a recognised striker with a very good scoring record at this level. Had spells at Spennymoor, Celtic Nation and Bishop Auckland in the last couple of seasons. If fully fit, and there are signs that he is getting there, he will be a handful for any defence.

Steven Baynes

Steven joins us from Billingham Synthonia FC. He is a left sided player who is equally proficient as a full back or as a winger. Enjoys getting forward at every opportunity and causes defenders problems with his pace.

Aaron Brown

Signed from West Auckland FC, Aaron is a right sided player, equally happy at right back or on the wing. He has great energy and can whip in a very effect cross. Another younster who will improve if given the opportunity.

Andrew Brown

Central midfielder, signed from Jarrow Roofing. Andy has youth on his side and has the makings of a superb player. Good tackler, excellent vision and loads of pace. Back after injury Andy is out to take over the midfield role permanently.

Anthony Callaghan

Anthony, a local lad, was released by Sunderland AFC in the close season and after several trials with pro-clubs was signed by West Auckland FC. We have recently aquired his services from West Auckland and he is a great aquisition to the team. A speedy left winger / full back he has the ability to take on defenders and send in telling crosses.

Jonathan Carmichael

Jonathan (Josh) has been recently signed from Whitley Bay FC after the departure of Peter Jameson to Darlington 1883, Josh is a great shot stopper, has goos awareness in the box and his distribution skills are excellent. He is well capable of turning defence into attack.

Kyle Fryatt

Kyle, a local lad, has joined us from Esh Winning. A quick winger he is still young and will develop into a good Northern League player given time and patience.

Callum Hassan

Callum was released by Hartlepool AFC in 2012, he has played for a number of Northern League clubs including West Auckland, Billingham Synthonia and Bishop Auckland. He is a big strong centre forward who combines ths with a lot of pace and he has a decent goalscoring record. Once fully fit he will be a force to be reckoned with.

Wayne Henderson

What can we say about Wayne that has not already been said? In his 15th season with the club he is still has the enthusiasm that he had when he first signed, if not the legs. Injuries and recovery time have limited his appearances in recent years but when he plays, he always gives 110%. Still not the oldest player on the books but by far the longest serving. 

Philip Horsman

Philip joins us from Thornaby FC. He is a strong Central defender who is also good on the ground. His awareness and vision set him apart from the average defender. He has been around the Northern League for some time having previously played for Billingham Synthonia FC.

Joseph Hughes

Joseph has recently signed from Durham City FC. His direct approach to the game and his pace make him a handful for defenders. He has scored a plenty of goals at all levels that he has played. An exciting prospect for the future and one we are sure the fans will like. Scored on his debut for the club.   

John Jury

Full back/ midfielder signed in the close season from Team Northumbria. John is a tenacious tackler who has a great engine and loves to overlap. He has proved he has the ability and the quality to play at this level and above and is an outstanding addition to the team.

Shaun McAvoy

Kyle Morris

Striker who has beenin the USA for the last two years, he has a good strike record and has produced a number of goals during the pre season. Kyle is able to play in a number of forward positions, possesses great vision is always looking for goals.

Callum Patton

Recently signed from West Auckland Callum is an exciting young striker who was with Gateshead FC last season. He is quick and loves to attack defenders. He has excellent feet and is good in the air. Tends to wear his heart on his sleeve 

Ross Preston

Ross returns for his second season with the club, after spending an extended close season holidaying in the Far East. This ex Leed United player is a commanding central defender who has plied his trade at a higher level and it shows in his composure and presence on the ball.

Gary Shields

Gary has a wealth of Northern League experience, scores his fair share of goals and is a great, committed team player. A bit of a joker off the field, he has been known to upset a few opponents with his banter. The ever youthful Shieldsy still has the pace to beat most players at this level and still produces quality performances week in week out.

Alex Smith

Alex is a young defender who has a lot to learn at this level, recently had County trials and will be a one to look out for in the future.

Jack Stanger

Midfielder signed from Hebburn Town. He is a strong central midfielder who has great vision. He provides the link between defence and attack, isn’t scared to put a foot in and can open up defences with one pass.

Ross Wilkinson

Signed on a two month loan from Shildon AFC, Ross is a powerful central defender who reads the game well, is light on his feet and likes to tackle. His height serves him well in aerial battles where he wins his fair share of headers.

Nathan Wilson

Another signing from Billingham Synthonia, Nathan is a hard working midfielder who has a wonderful range of passes. He is not afraid to tackle and has a great engine. We will see the best of Nathan as the season progresses.

Jim Wilson

Younger brother of Nathan, signed from Billingham Synthonia as a utility midfielder. Jim is a versatile player who has good passing ability likes to tackle. 

Daniel Wray

Daniel is a central defender who reads the game brilliantly, very rarely misses a tackle and is strong in the air. Due to his ability to read the game he can look casual but this belies his pace a commitment to the defensive cause. He also has an uncanny knack of chipping in with a few goals.

Management Team:

Neil Hixon - Director of football

Neil has been around the Northern League for more years than he cares to remember and has brought all of that experience to Sunderland RCA. He sets high standards and is ably assisted by his backroom staff, which now also includes David Lee as Assistant Manager.

David Lee - Joint Manager

Dava has been brought in to assist Neil with the team. Vastly experienced at Northern League level he will lead by example and will when required don the team kit and play. As player/coach he will be a great asset to the team both on and off the pitch.

Steve Halliday - Coach

Stephen joins the coaching staff after a long and distinguished career in football. His career included spells at Hartlepool United, making 167 appearances and scoring 27 goals, Motherwell, Carlisle and Doncaster before joining Northern league side Durham. Since then he has played for a number of Clubs including, Nissan, Sunderland RCA and Esh Winning.

George Herd – Head Coach

Nothing can be written about George that has not already been said. As a coach he is second to none at this level, possibly at any level. He has the respect of everyone at the club and his enthusiasm is infectious. He is at an age when most people would be looking to put their feet up, but not George. He continues to coach at a high tempo and will not accept second best from anyone. A legend in his playing days at Sunderland, he is now a Super Legend as a coach at Sunderland RCA FC.

Ian Smith - Coach

Sunderland born Ian has joined us from Redby CA, where he was head coach. He's looking to advance his coaching career with RCA completing his UEFA B coaching qualification last season.