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.

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.

Jacqueline Stephenson
Physiotherapist

Jacqueline joined us in the summer of 2025 having previously spent three years at Hebburn Town. Also worked at South Shields Academy. Currently strength and conditioning coach at Hebburn Ladies

Gary Somerville
Coach

Gary joined the club in the summer of 2025. A highly respected Northern League coach who brings a wealth of experience and tactical insight. Previous clubs include Walker Central, Seaton Delaval, West Allotment and Ryton & Crawcrook.

Adam Cameron
GOALKEEPER

Adam joined us in the summer of 2026, previously at Alnwick Town

Mauro Asikaogu
GOALKEEPER

Mauro arrived at Hillheads in the summer of 2025 and enjoyed a very successful year, making numerous important saves. He won the Supporters Player of the Season award and made the crucial save in the penalty shoot out that won the Northumberland Senior Cup Final at St James' Park. He moved to Blyth Spartans during the summer but returned to the club in September 2026.

Brogan Colquhoun
GOALKEEPER

Brogan signed in the 2025/26 season but was sidelined for almost the entire campaign following a cruciate ligament injury

Preston Leech
GOALKEEPER

Preston, a very promising 19 year old keeper, signed a loan deal from parent club Gateshead in the summer of 2026

Jack Errington
DEFENDER

An experienced Northern League player, Jack signed from Ryton & Crawcrook in the summer of 2025. A strong centre half, Jack is an organiser and leader in defence.

Jamie Storey
DEFENDER

Jamie joined the club from Whickham in August 2026.

George Brady
DEFENDER

George returned to the club in the summer of 2026 after taking a year out. A strong defender who featured heavily in the 2024/25 season.

Jake Forster
DEFENDER

Joined in the summer of 2024. Strong player, never known to shirk a challenge. Versatile can play midfield and in attack and has an eye for goal. Previous clubs include Percy Main and West Allotment.

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.

Graham Williams
DEFENDER

A strong centre back, Graham rejoined the club in the spring of 2025 from West Allotment, having had a short spell at Hillheads as a youngster.

Hugo McNicol
DEFENDER

Hugo signed in the summer of 2026 after winning numerous accolades last season while playing for Percy Main. A tall young defender, he impressed in pre-season.

Josh Stewart
DEFENDER

A former Newcastle United Academy defender who joined from West Allotment Celtic in the summer of 2024. Versatile with the ability to play in defence or midfield.

Kieren Aplin
MIDFIELDER

Signing in the summer of 2025, Kieren is a former Newcastle Utd junior who has since played for Gateshead and Consett. A versatile left sided player with a keen eye for goal.

Liam Heywood
MIDFIELDER

Liam signed from Whickham in August 2026.

Alan Achuo
MIDFIELDER

A teenage defender with good pace and a bright future. Alan previously played for Newcastle Blue Star in 2024/25.

Lennox Magalhaes
MIDFIELDER

A young midfielder signed in the summer of 2026, formerly at Newcastle Benfield and joins from Gateshead Leam Rangers.

Jake Jensen
MIDFIELDER

Nathan Nkunku
FORWARD

Nathan is a strong attacking player signed in the autumn of 2025 and scored the crucial equaliser in the Northumberland Senior Cup Final victory in April last season

Luca Shilling
MIDFIELDER

Skilful young midfielder who joined in the summer of 2025. Was a junior with New Hartley and Blyth Spartans before having a spell at West Allotment.

Mikel Thompson
MIDFIELDER

Signed in the summer of 2024, Mikel is 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.

Mackenzie Sharpe
FORWARD

A centre forward who moved back to Hillheads in October 2024 from West Allotment Celtic. He initially played for Whitley Bay Reserves before making a name for himself at a number of Northern League clubs.

Scott McCarthy
FORWARD

A centre forward who started his career with Middlesbrough Under 18s and has since played for Bishop Auckland, Newcastle Benfield, North Shields and Whickham.

Alfie Livermore
FORWARD

An exciting young winger who signed in the summer of 2025 from Heaton Stannington. Alfie has brought energy and goals to the side. He has previously played at Blyth Spartans, Newcastle Blue Star and West Allotment Celtic. His father Dennis and uncle Robbie both previously played for the club.

Jamie Clark
FORWARD

Previously with Blyth Spartans and Alnwick Town