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.

Preston Leech
GOALKEEPER

Young keeper signed in summer 2026 on a season long loan from Gateshead

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. S

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

George Brady
DEFENDER

A strong defender, George returns to the club after taking a year out

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.

Henry Harvey
DEFENDER

A dynamic, hard working full back, he was at Newcastle Benfield last season and arrived at Hillheads in the summer of 2025 .

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

Signed in the summer of 2025, a former Newcastle Utd junior who has since played for Gateshead and Consett. A versatile left sided player

Owen Lees
MIDFIELDER

A promising young talent, Owen has come through the youth ranks at Whitley Bay featuring for the U17s and also Blue Star U18s and has now made the step up to mens football where he has caught the eye of the management team.

Alan Achuo
MIDFIELDER

Teenage defender with good pace and a bright future. Played for Newcastle Blue Star last season.

Lennox Magalhaes
MIDFIELDER

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

TBC
FORWARD

TBC
FORWARD

TBC

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

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.

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.

Alfie Livermore
FORWARD

Exciting young winger signed in the summer of 2025 from Heaton Stannington. Alfie will bring energy and goals to the side. Previously with Blyth Spartans, Newcastle Blue Star and West Allotment Celtic. His father Dennis and uncle Robbie both played for the club

Jamie Clark
STRIKER

Previously with Blyth Spartans and Alnwick Town