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Pen pictures 2021-22

Players, managers and coaches who were with Sunderland RCA in the 2021-22 season.

Max Allen

Defender

Max starts his third season at the club. He was restricted by injury last season but hopes to remain injury free this season. He has developed into an outstanding defender who is comfortable in any defensive position. He is dependable and quickly adapts to situations as they occur. A solid defender who is comfortable on the ball and has the ability to pick out a decisive pass. Another plus for this defender, he is well liked by the supporters who have taken him to their hearts.

Michael Annan-Colquhaun

Forward

“Mickey” has signed for another season at RCA.  He is a very quick and tricky forward with an eye for goal scoring 13 goals last season his aim is to improve on that this season. His lightening quick pace scares defenders and he has added positional sense to his game which helps his teammates. Another player who is well liked by our supporters always plays with a smile on his face.

Jonathan Ball

Goalkeeper

Jonathan returns to the club after an absence of 8 years during which time he has gained massive Northern league experience most recently at West Auckland Town. Jonathan has developed into a very good keeper safe hand and good awareness he has good distribution skills and can quickly turn defence into attack.

Thomas Bell

Full back

Tom is a product of our youth set up. He is starting his second season with the club, a versatile right sided player capable of playing as a full back or right winger he is pacy, a good crosser of the ball and has good vision. He is also signed for our reserve team where he will gain invaluable experience playing in the Wearside League. One for the future.

Harrison Bond

Goalkeeper

Harrison has signed on a month's Work Experience from Sunderland AFC. He is part of the under 18's set up at Sunderland Academy. A confident goalkeeper who commands his area he joins RCA to add a physicality to his game in much the same way as Patterson and Talbot before him. No pressure there then? 

 

Joshua Bowmaker

Central defender

Joshua steps up from the Reserve team, a commanding presence in the heart of the defence. He is a strong central defender who is good in the air and confident in his distribution. His influence among the younger players is evident as he encourages them to perform to their best. 

 

Joshua Buckett

Midfielder

Signed from the Youth team Josh is a dynamic winger who is at home on either wing. He is expected to progress with experience in the first team squad while continuing to impress in the youth set-up

Dane Burlace

Midfielder

Dane has signed after being released by Leeds United. He was offered a professional deal at Leeds United after spell in the Newcastle United Academy. He impressed when playing for Leeds Under 19s team. Dane won the League Football Education's ‘Goal of the Season’ in the 2018-19 season. An attacking defender / midfielder he will be an asset to the club. Injury in pre – season has curtailed his training and it is unlikely he will be in the starting eleven soon. One for the future..

Jonathon Carr

Defender, Midfielder

Jonathan returned to RCA last season from a successful foray in the USA where he played for Hartwick College, Cleveland FC and Lake Erie College where he was voted player of the season and also captained the side. Upon his return to England he has chosen to re-sign for RCA after an absence of 4 years. 

Jonathan is a solid player who has good vision, loves to get stuck in and relishes a competitive game. He also possesses a wide range of passes. A quiet lad off the pitch, but a bit of a tiger once he crosses the white line. Welcome back.

Kieran Charlton

Defender

Signed from Workington last season, Kieran is a Ryhope lad who has committed to another season at his home town club. He has previously played for South Shields and Blyth Spartans before joining Workington. He is a left full back who can also play left wing back. A good tackler and distributor of the ball he also possesses a wicked cross and has an abundance of pace. He never accepts second best from either himself or his team mates, a completely committed player.

Michael Coghlan

Midfielder

Michael will need little introduction to supporters of, shall we say a certain age, rolling back the years he returns to the club after a ten year absence but seems to have lost none of his desire for the game. An excellent passer of the ball he has extraordinary vision and reads the game very well. 

Joshua Croft

Defender

Josh has signed for RCA after being released by South Shields Academy he played in the same Shields team as Michael Annang-Colquhoun. A left sided player he has been on the management team radar for some time. Definitely a one for the future.

Aaron Croft

Midfielder

Aaron has returned to the club after a short spell at Billingham Synthonia, he is currently working as a coach at Middlesbrough Foundation having previously held the same position at Sunderland AFC. He is a pacy midfielder with good awareness and passing abilityand is comfortable in all midfield positions which an asset to the team. Previous clubs include, Washington, Seaham Red Star and Easington. 

Mark Davison

Forward

 "Sparky" starts his 6th consecutive season for RCA. He is one of the most respected strikers in the Northern League. A strong and direct centre forward who can be relied upon to score with head and feet as well as setting up opportunities for others, "Sparky"  was RCA's leading goalscorer last season and is looking forward to bagging a few in the coming season. Previous clubs include: Ryton, Washington, Spennymoor and Morpeth. "Sparky", will be looking to strike up a partnership with "AJ" Andy Johnson, another prolific striker. 

Joshua Elcoate

Midfielder

Josh has recently signed from Seaham Red Star. He is a young dynamic box to box midfielder who is good on the ball and very creative.  

Ben Errington

Defender

Ben has signed for RCA after being released from South Shields in the summer. He is a tall central defender who is very good in the air and has deceptively quick feet. He Reads the game well and his no nonsense approach to defending may be old school but its effective. We are expecting Ben will mature as a player at RCA and are happy to help with his development. 

James Fairley

Midfielder

James has signed for RCA  during the close season after spells at Whitley Bay and Bishop Auckland last season. Prior to that he was at Marske United. During the pre-season he has shown his willingness and effectiveness both in midfield and as a forward. He is very skillful and has an eye for goal. Injury free he will be a great asset to the team.

Callum Guy

Midfielder

Callum has been re-signed after a spell at Easington CW. Callum has also played for Consett and Blyth Spartans where he made 13 appearances in the National League North. Callum is a graduate of  the South Shields Academy and made 15 appearances for the first team scoring three goals. Other than Consett his only other Northern League experience was gained at West Auckland. Callum is a dynamic midfielder who likes to get in the thick of the action but also possesses a good array of passing skills.

Darryl Hall

Central defender

Darryl returns to the club after a 10 year absence, an experienced Northern League central defender. Daryll is an old fashioned style centre half, strong and powerful, loves a tackle is good in the air and reads the game well and is always up for a challenge.. Previous clubs include South Shields, West Auckland, Bishop Auckland and Willington.  

Daniel Hawkins

Midfielder

Dan is a very experienced Northern League player and has committed to a second season at RCA. He is a versatile midfielder who loves a tackle, a good distributor of the ball and inspires others around him. Dan is captain of the team and last season played in a variety of different positions and showed his competitiveness in all of them. 

Craig Hennis

Midfielder

Craig has put pen to paper on another season at RCA. Last season he proved that he can command the central midfield position but he has to keep his standards high in all games. He is a versatile central midfielder who works tirelessly for the team. A tenacious tackler with good distribution skills he also possesses a good engine which allows him to work box to box. His previous clubs include Washington and Bishop Auckland.

Josef Herdman

Goalkeeper

Josef has re-signed  after a brief spell at Chaester-Le-Street Town, a product of Spennymoor United's Academy. He continues to develop in training under the supervision of our goalkeeping coach. A young prospect for the future. Good hands, commands his box and a good distributor of the ball he also reads the game well.

Michael Hoganson

Defender, Midfielder

Michael joins us after leaving Whickham. He is an experienced defender and was part of the Newcastle United’s youth setup before joining Championship side Derby County. He then went out on loan to Conference side Alfreton Town. Michael moved back to the North East to play for Newcastle Benfield and gained more experience when he joined Spennymoor Town before signing for Steve at Bishop Auckland where he played for four years before joining West Auckland in the 2019-20 season. He can play anywhere on the left side of the pitch, has pace to burn and can deliver a telling cross his experience at a higher level will stand him in good staed at RCA.

 

James Hopkinson

Goalkeeper

James has signed after some impressive performances for the Under'23s. James is a tall keeper who commands his area and has good communication and distribution skills. All of the above can be improved with regular training and development with the first team coaching staff.

Thomas Hunter

Midfielder

Tom has re-signed for RCA after a spell at Sunderland West End, a dynamic, hard working player who possesses a good pass and is level headed. Tall and very pacey he also possesses the ability to cross the ball accurately. Time to excel at this level.

 

Simon Jakab

Central defender

Simon has extended his contract at RCA for another year.  Simon was part of the Consett team which contested the FA Vase final. Last season he was outstanding playing in 44 of the 45 games played and maintaining the highest level of performance. He is tall central defender who is equally as comfortable in the centre of midfield, good in the air he reads the game and reacts accordingly, he does the simple things well. Simon always looks in command.

Andrew Johnson

Forward

“AJ” has has committed to another season at RCA after spending most of last season recovering from an operation on his knee. What can we say about “AJ” that hasn’t already been said a thousand times. He is a prolific goal scorer, holding the record for goals scored at Bishop Auckland where he found the net 240 times in 281 appearances.  Not only does he score goals but he holds the ball up well and creates goal scoring opportunities for others. A well respected Northern League striker and hoping to strike up a formidable partnership with "Sparky".

Nathan Lawrence

Midfielder

Nathan has put pen to paper on another season at RCA, Nathan is a good ball winner and very good in the air. A product of the Gateshead College Academy, he’s a high-energy player who is equally effective as a right sided midfielder or as a defender. Struggled with injuries last season but is determined to return to full fitness this season. His previous clubs include Consett and Bishop Auckland.

Adam Lennox

Midfielder

Adam has signed after being recommended by the coaches at both Durham under 18’s and Sunderland College. Adam seems to make the midfield tick with his awareness and ability to spot a situation and break up attacks whilst also possessing defence splitting passes. His time will undoubtably come.

 

Keaton Marrs

Goalkeeper

Keaton has committed to another season at RCA . Keaton is a good shot stopper, has great awareness and is calm under pressure, he has teh ability to turn defence into attack quickly. His previous clubs include  IFK Mora in Sweden, Mansfield Town, Middlesbrough FC and Newcastle United. 

Dale Milburn

Forward

Dale signed last season from Brandon United for a second spell at RCA, A product of Martin Gray's Academy he signed professional forms for Darlington before being sent out on loan to Ryhope Colliery Welfare. He is a quick forward who has a direct approach which unsettles defenders and has a knack of scoring spectacular goals.  

Bradley Moncur

Full back

Bradley is a product of Darlington FC’s youth team where he was captain of  “Martin Gray’s Football Acedemy” under 19’s. He has since played for Bishop Auckland. He is a left sided defender who loves to get forward to support his attackers. Bradley loves a tackle and is a good passer of the ball. 

Noel Partridge

Defender, Midfielder

Noel has impressed the new Management team when playing for the youth team. He is a solid midfielder who possesses a good range of passing and could, if he applies himself, become a regular in the first team. A definite one to keep your eye on.

Callum Patton

Midfielder

Callum signed towards the back end of last season from North Shields, returning to the club after an eight year absence. He is a central midfield play-maker who possesses an incredible range of passing. Another who, if remaining injury free, can cause problems for the opposition.

George Pinder

Forward

George returns to RCA after spells at Bishop Auckland and Chester Le Street Town. He is an exciting young prospect. A tall centre forward with an eye for goal. He is good in the air and deceptively quick. Holds the ball up well and is deadly in front of goal. 

Taylor Richardson

Forward, Midfielder

Taylor starts his second season at RCA after an impressing last season, A crowd favourite Taylor is a dynamic player who is purely and simply an entertainer. He is quick, agile and fiercely competitive. A quiet, unassuming, lad off the pitch; watch for the fireworks once he crosses the white line. Opposition defences be warned. We may not see the best of Taylor this season as rumour has it he is destined for the USA.

Greg Swansbury

Central defender

Greg has re-signed to help the club fulfil the rest of its fixtures this season. He joins Swaz and Gee in the rebuilding process and is a massive influence in the team. At 6'4", Greg is a powerful, imposing, no nonsense, old school central defender. As expected, he is good in the air, but he is also deceptively good on the ground with great awareness of situations as they develop. His leadership on the pitch is inspirational and he always leads by example and is 100% committed to the football club both on and off the pitch..

Joshua Thompson

Defender

Josh is a left full back who loves going forward to help out his attackers. Has loads of ability and once he realizes it his confidence will grow. His defensive awareness is good, reads situations quickly and responds appropriately. A massive asst to the team on the left.

 

Layton Watts

Midfielder

Layton has been signed from Guisborough Town, He returns for his second spell at the club having previously playing 7 times under Martin Swales in the 2020-21 season. A fiercely competative midfielder he is tenacous in the tackle and delivers balls into the box. 

Matthew Weirs

Midfielder

“Matty” joins us from Whitley Bay but fans will remember him from his time at neighbours Ryhope CW. He is a tricky, pacey attacking midfielder who scores his fair share of goals from midfield.

 

Matthew Weirs

Forward

Matty joins us from Whitley Bay FC. A quick tricky forward who scores goals. He has a lot of experience of playing at this level having previously been at Ryhope CW, Bishop Auckland and Crook Town.

 

Jack Wilson

Goalkeeper

Jack has signed this season having played for Chester-Le-Street last season. a good shot stopper and excellent communicator he has a safe pair of hand and commands his box.  Will improve as his fitness develops.

Christopher Winn

Forward

We have retained the services of “Chris” for another season, signed from Bishop Auckland last season he is a player with a vast wealth of knowledge playing at this level. He can play as an out and out striker or on the wing, he has a deceptive change of pace, is physically strong and holds the ball up well. supporters will remember him from his RCW days. 

 

 

Steve Riley

Manager

Sunderland RCA's manager Steve has a wealth of Northern League experience 20years as a player and more recently over the last 10 years in team management roles. He assisted our previous manager Martin Swales during Ryhope CW successful rise from the Wearside league to the Northern League before becoming manager at Bishop Auckland where he was manager for 5 years. During his time at Bishop’s they never finished outside the top half of the table and enjoyed cup success reaching the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round in 2017. He briefly helped at RCA under “Swaz” as coach.

Dan Madden

Assistant Manager

Dan joins Steve on the Management team. Dan is a well respected Northern League defender who, after being released from Sunderland signed for Durham City in 2011. Since then Dan has had a great run in the Northern league and played in a number of teams including Marske United, Bishop Auckland. He bring a wealth of coaching experience to the club and this can only benefit the players and the Club.

Leon Carling

Assistant Manager

.Leon Joins Dan and Steve on the management team. Leon is an ex-RCA player and is aware of the clubs history and ambitions. Leon is also a well respected Northern League player having played for Norton and Stockton, RCA , Guisborough and Bishop Auckland to name but a few. He has a great understanding of the Northern league and players in this league. He was vocal on the pitch and is the same on the touchline. Leon is well able to lead by example having only recently “retired” from playing, (He Thinks)!!

Rhys Jobling

Coach

In addition to his duties as Goalkeeping Coach. Rhys has signed on a goalkeeper cover. He has a wealth of Northern League experience having played for Durham City and Bishop Auckland in the past. He is a bit of a joker in the dressing room but when it comes to the playing / coaching side he becomes very serious and committed. 

 

Eleanor Hampton

Physiotherapist

Experienced Physiotherapist.