Robert Dean - playing here for Marske United - saves a shot from RCA's Dylan Elliott during a match at Mount Pleasant on Tuesday, 15 August 2017.
Sunderland RCA are pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Robert Dean from Marske United. After winning three Northern League titles and the FA Vase, the ex-Spennymoor Town and Marske United keeper is a huge signing for the club. Rob will be joined at the club by young keeper Kieron Ezard, who is keen to prove himself in the Northern League working with Robert as well as goalkeeping coach James ‘Lenny’ French.
RCA's delighted assistant manager Mark Cowan said: "Signing Deano is a massive coup for the club and really shows how ambitious we are for next season. Deano is one of the most highly rated keepers in the North East and his record speaks for itself and he’s proved how good he is time and time again. It was all a bit of a whirlwind to be honest, but once we knew he was available, we decided to test the water and see what his plans were. We both went down to talk to him and try and sell the club to Robbie and he really bought into what we are trying to build at RCA. Obviously, we had to lay our cards on the table and Robbie was more than happy to listen and we were delighted when he decided the club was the right fit for him. Three titles and an FA Vase winner, Robbie has a great pedigree and we can’t wait to start working with him, in what is an exciting season for us."
Robert added: “I almost signed last year but decided to stay at Marske but decided to make the move this year because RCA has a manager I can trust, which is huge for me. The dressing room seems like a lot of down to earth lads who just want to get their heads down and play football and feel like my personality will fit right in with the club. Swaz and Mark have created a buzz ahead of the new season and I’m really looking forward to getting started and playing my part in the season ahead.”
Welcome to RCA, Robert and Kieron.