Pen pictures

Michael is another player who is starting his fifth season at the club. He is well liked by the fans because he makes things happen on the pitch. He is a fast, tricky winger who likes to run at defenders. Very direct in his play, he also possesses the ability to cross the ball at pace into the danger area. 100% energy and commitment enables him to help out in defence as well.

Clayton in now into his fifth season at the club. He is a dynamic, speedy winger / defender who loves to take on defenders. Clayton is also a great crosser of the ball and chips in with the odd goal. He is one of those rare breed of players who always has a smile on his face and is great to have around. Previous clubs include Washington, Hebburn and Ryhope CW.

Kyle is a very quick, strong, tough competitor who wears his heart on his sleeve. He loves a challenge, as we know from when he has played against us, and can play in midfield or forward. His previous clubs include Bishop Auckland and Ryhope CW.

Craig is now into his third season at RCA having previously played for Dunston UTS and Bishop Auckland. He can play as a central defender or in the centre of midfield and he is equally effective in either role. He reads the game well, is good in the air, loves a tackle and has the vision to pick out attacking passes quickly. Craig was joint winner of the Management Player of the Season award for the 2017-18 season.

John had three seasons at Meadow Park after transferring from Team Northumbria, leaving us for two years at Bishop Auckland - and now he returns for his second spell at Maedow Park. JJ is Mr Reliable, a tenacious tackler who has a great engine and loves to overlap. He is well respected throughout the Northern League and has proved time and time again that he has the ability and the quality to play at this level and above. A likeable lad off the pitch, he is not to be trifled with on it.

Sam is a Ryhope lad who turns 19 in November 2018. He played for Middlesbrough up to the age of sixteen and then at Scunthorpe from 16-18. A strong centre half who can read the game well, Sam's key strengths are his passing and pace.

Tom is a winger / striker who has played for Middlesbrough, Consett, Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe. Has also played for Northern Ireland U17s. Strong, quick and direct with a keen eye for goal, he is a good addition to the squad and adds depth in a number of positions.

Dom, who has just returned to Sunderland from four years at Wolverhampton Wanderers has a strong footballing upbringing. He played for SAFC 7-9s, the Sunderland Sunday League for Nissan and from 13 to 14 was at Hartlepool, fitting in a trial at Manchester United. Dom can play striker, midfield and full back. His key strengths are his hard work and commitment to the team. Long term RCA fans will remember Dom attending RCA matches as a youngster, when his father Glenn played for us.

Luke signed for RCA from Easington Colliery and is now in his third season at RCA. Luke is a strong tackling, powerful central midfielder who can quickly turn defence into attack. Luke was joint winner of the Committee Player of the Season award and the Fans' Player of the Season in 2017-18.

Ross begins his a third season with the club after returning from Washington. He returns to Meadow Park to reunite his partnership with "Swanna". Ross is a powerful centre back who is good in the air, is a good distributer of the ball and has the ability to read the game and make it look easy. He is cool under pressure and is rated very highly at SRCA. Ross was joint winner of the Sponsors' Player of the Season Award for the 2017-18 season.

Sam, from East Herrington, played for Middlesbrough, joining them as a 7 year old, before joining Sheffield Wednesday where he played for the Under16s and Under 17s. Sam, who is strong and pacy and who likes a tackle, is principally a centre half, but can play across the park.

25 year old Dimitrios joined us from Morpeth Town, making his debut in the 4-0 home win over Hebburn Town in September 2018. He has six years experience with Greek clubs Panetolikos, Panegialios and Doxa Manoladas.

Now in his fourth season with RCA “Gee" returned to the club that he played at for a number of seasons. He was also a member of the very successful Easington CW FC team which reached the first round proper of the FA Cup. Gee has been assistant to Swaz for a number of years now and complements the manager's style with his own flair. Rarely see him without a smile on his face.

Now into his fiftth season with RCA, Colin is the epitome of a professional, and his influence is seen throughout the team. Colin's previous clubs include West Auckland, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Kidderminster Harriers (loan), Alfreton Town, Chesterfield, Northampton, Hartlepool, Lincoln City, Harrogate Town and Gateshead. He leads by example on and off the pitch and his enthusiasm for the game is infectious and the younger players in the squad will continue to learn from Colin.

After a couple of seasons playing in goal for us, Carl returned to RCA as goalkeeping coach for the 2017-18 season. With a heart as big as his build and considerable Northern League experience, Carl is a tremendous asset to the club who is always ready with an encouraging word.