Player Profiles
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Sandy Supporters Group
Jay Bates
MANAGER
Jay was appointed in May 2024 having previously been in charge at West Allotment Celtic. A dedicated and experienced coach with over 24 years of playing at various levels including serving as an army player and captain. With a Level 2 coaching qualification and 8 years of coaching experience at Signals Football Club, has a deep understanding of the game, excellent eldership skills and a proven track record in player development and team management.
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TBC
Barry Rizza
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Barry joined the club from West Allotment Celtic in May 2024. A former academy player at Inverness Caledonian Thistle he served 22 years in the Army and represented them on numerous occasions. received the Meritorious Service award in the 2021 New Years honours list. Currently a tutor at Newcastle College.
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TBC
Kevin Chapman
Physiotherapist
Kevin returned to the club in June 2024 after a short break due to studying commitments.
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TBC
Paul Pescod
Coach
Paul joined the club in the summer of 2024. Previously assistant manager at Seaton Delaval and manager at Wallsend Boys Club before joining West Allotment. Has shown strong work ethic and leadership skills in his previous roles.
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TBC
Dan Gladstone
GOALKEEPER
Good shot stopper who reads the game well, Dan returns to Hillheads after several seasons away, previously at the club in the 2015/16 season. He has since played for several Northern league clubs, including Blyth Town and West Allotment Celtic.
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Ian Kirkup - Good To Be Alive
Richie Crawford
GOALKEEPER
Richie joined the club in September 2024 having previously played for Seaton Delaval. A confident keeper who has great shot stopping ability and will provide good competition for Dan Gladstone.
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Mike & Jenn Robinson
George Brady
DEFENDER
A dynamic and versatile young footballer known for his adaptability for multiple positions. Solid technically excellent game sense and a strong work ethic. Consistently stands out as a key player in both offensive and defensive roles.
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Tony Flannery
Robbie Christie
DEFENDER
Energetic full back who likes to run with the ball and join in attacking play. Recently completed a football scholarship in the US. Previously with North Shields and Newcastle University. Played for England Universities team while studying as an undergraduate
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Alan Morton - Good To Be Alive
Ryan Higgins
DEFENDER
Joined from West Allotment Celtic in the summer of 2024. He had previously been on a year's scholarship in the USA. Ryan is technically very adept and keen to get down the flanks to support his forwards.
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Ken Thomas & Mark Burnett
Jake Forster
DEFENDER
Strong player, never known to shirk a challenge. Operates box-to-box and has an eye for goal. Previous clubs include Percy Main and West Allotment.
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Ian Ryan - Good To Be Alive
Michael Scott
DEFENDER
Unflappable defender. Signed in the summer of 2024, previously at West Allotment Celtic and Seaton Delaval. He is a constant performer whether at full back or, mainly, in the centre of defence.
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Keith Taylor
Luke Parkinson
MIDFIELDER
Left sided defender also capable of playing midfield. Has high intensity levels. Good at set pieces with the left foot whip. Signed from West Allotment Celtic after over 360 appearances. Former clubs include Ashington, Tow Law and Newcastle Blue Star
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TBC
TBC
MIDFIELDER
TBC.
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Mick Dryden & Element 3
Josh Stewart
DEFENDER
A former Newcastle United Academy defender who joins from West Allotment Celtic. Versatile with the ability to play in defence or midfield.
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Derek Millicon - Good To Be Alive
Kyle Cockburn
MIDFIELDER
Goalscorer with a sweet left foot. Previously played for Prudhoe Youth Club, Newcastle Blue Star and West Allotment Celtic.
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TBC
Shane Donaghey
MIDFIELDER
A naturally gifted footballer with ability to link up play with short and long range passes. Former Newcastle United Academy player, he then played in Norway and Sweden as well as a host of Northern League clubs.
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Dave Cowan - Good To Be Alive
Thomas Wilson
MIDFIELDER
A young winger who is eager to learn the physical aspects of playing in the Northern League. He has bags of potential with skilful play and a hard working attitude. Played at Sunderland Academy until the age of 15.
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Wes Blakey
Mechack Kanda
MIDFIELDER
Centre midfielder with exceptional ball control. Can pick up a pass and set up a goal chance with precision. Former Gateshead, Dunston and Hebburn player with experience of other Northern League clubs.
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Mike & Jenn Robinson
Regan Paterson
FORWARD
Regan had a short spell at Hillheads in 2018. He is a quick, dynamic forward who likes to dribble and beat his man and has a great work ethic. He has scored goals at Northern League and Northern Premier League level and previous clubs include Newcastle Blue Star and North Shields
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Stuart Fitzgerald
Callum Larmouth
FORWARD
Signed in the summer of 2024, Callum is a versatile striker, can play in multiple attacking positions. He is a prolific goalscorer and has experience at Sunderland, Newcastle, Darlington and several Northern League clubs .
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John Cleary - Good To Be Alive
Alfa Djalo
FORWARD
Alfa signed in October 2024 on a dual registration with Hebburn Town
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Julian Tyley
Mikel Thompson
MIDFIELDER
Versatile, can play in various positions, thrives in an attacking role. A sharp finisher with creative playmaking abilities, he is instrumental in driving the team's offensive efforts. Played with the manager from their Northern Alliance days.
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Paul McIlduff - Good To Be Alive
Mackenzie Sharpe
FORWARD
Centre forward who moved back to Hillheads in October 2024,from West Allotment. He initially played for Whitley Bay Reserves before making a name for himself at a number of Northern League clubs.
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TBC
Scott McCarthy
FORWARD
Centre forward started his career with Middlesbrough Under 18s and has since played for Bishop Auckland, Newcastle Benfield, North Shields and Whickham.
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TBC
Lucas Lowery
FORWARD
Signed from Whickham in December 2024. Speedy winger previously at West Allotment and Gateshead
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TBC
Finlay Parker
MIDFIELDER
Energetic midfield player who joined from Washington in the summer of 2024. A student at Northumbria University, he has previously played for NPL side North Ferriby.
Reserves