Pen pictures 2015-16

Stephen returns for his second spell at the club, a strong powerful centre forward who is good in the air but also likes to use his pace to run at defenders.

Signed from South Shields, Wayne is a no nonsense old fashioned centre half, loves to get stuck in. Good in the air, he also reads the game well and is a commanding voice in the heart of the defence. A very good organiser he will bring a lot of experience to our defence.

"Cliffy" has signed for RCA after being released from Gainsborough Trinity at the end of last season. He is a tall central defender who has played at a much higher level, 367 games in the football league over a 16 year period including spells at Sunderland, Scunthorpe and Oldham before returning to his native Ireland to play for Derry City. He has also played for Alfreton Town. "Cliffy" is a welcome addition to the squad.

Stephen has signed on a dual registration with Consett until the end of the season, then who knows this crowd favourite may return on a permanent basis. Stephen is a pacy and dynamic player who is equally at home on either wing or playing up front as a striker. Strong and powerful, he has great touch and control on the ball and possesses a terrific shot which will see him produce his fair share of goal scoring opportunities. 

Michael re-joins the club after a two year absence. 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.

James has signed from Ryhope C W and once again teams up with manager Martin Swales. He is a pacy midfielder who is good on the ball and possesses a killer pass. Definitely a one to look out for on the future.

Clayton has returned after a season and a half playing golf before signing for Whickham. We all know what Clayton can do 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 the dressing room.

Kevin has signed for the coming season having impressed in his appearances last term. He has speed to burn which defenders don't like and his direct approach to the game has endeared him to the fans. He is always looking to attack the opposition and has great awareness and an eye for goal.

Jordan returns for his second season at the club. The amount of injuries this lad suffered last season would put most players off but here he is back for more and he will be pushing for the No 1 jersey. He is a tall keeper who commands his area well, distributes the ball to good effect and can easily turn defence into attack. For a tall keeper he is very agile and is a great shot stopper.

We welcome Callum back after an absence of 4 seasons. He is a product of the Stadium of Light Academy where he spent several years before being released and joining Gateshead before signing for Durham City. Callum has worked hard recently on his fitness after losing his love for football he will be a great asset to the team if he regains his appetite for the game. He can play in midfield or up front. He is a great link up player who chips in with his fair share of goals.

Andrew Hunter

Position: Goalkeeper

We have re-signed Andrew after a short spell at Esh Winning. He is a confident keeper who is a great shot stopper, has a safe pair of hands and possesses a good kick which enables him to turn defence into attack very quickly.

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.

Cameron is another Goalkeeper signed from Sunderland AFC on a Work Experience contract to the end of the season.

He is a commanding keeper who has represented England at U16 level.

"Joey" has signed from South Shields, a talented forward who has the ability to hold the ball up. Good in the air he also has quick feet and scores his fair share of goals. Basically all the attributes of a quality centre forward.

Reece begins his fourth season with RCA after a brief spell at Washington in 2016-17. Strong and with a fierece shot, Reece is capable of turning defence into attack with his range of passing and rarely misplaces a ball. He also has the ability to take control of a game and always looks composed. He was at Sunderland Academy from 2011 to 2013 before joining Gateshead after his release.

Recently signed youngster, has spent most of this season on trisl at Queen of the South, having left South Shields in the close season. Logan has pace to burn, good control and is technically gifted. Will need to learn quickly in this league but is in a team full of players he can learn from.

Luke is now into his fifth season with the club. A Sunderland lad, he thrives on the challenges of the first division. He is a strong tackling defender who possesses good positional sense and is able to read the game well. He is always looking to support his midfield colleagues.

James has signed on a short term loan from Sunderland AFC. He is 18 years old and is on a two year scholarship at Sunderland AFC’s Academy. He comes from Dublin, has represented his country at under 16s level and has been called up to the Republic of Ireland under 21 squad four times recently. Even at 18 he is a confident individual who commands his area well, has a safe pair of hands and is always looking to put his team on the front foot with excellent distribution.
James has now returned to Sunderland AFC and has been immediately put into the under 21 team. We wish him every success in the future.

Jonathan has re-signed for the coming season. After several years plying his trade at a number of other Northern League clubs he has returned to his first club and we are delighted to have him back. Johnnie can play as an out and out striker or out wide, he is comfortable in both roles and has scored goals where ever he has played. He loves to attack defenders and has the abilty to cross into the box with terrific accuracy.

Martin has returned to take charge of the first team until the end of the season. Martin has a wealth of Northern League experience both as a player and as a manager. During his previous tenure at the club he was successful in not only maintaining our status in the Northern League Div I but also giving the spectators something to cheers about with very good runs in the cup compeyitions.

He is passionate about his football, especially in the local area, and instills a sense of belief in his players.

Coach, Forward

"Larks" returns after taking a year out through injury. We say it year after year but Colin is the epitome of a professional, and his influence is seen throughout the team.  His previous clubs include West Auckland, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Kidderminster Harriers (loan), Alfreton Town, Chesterfield, Northampton, Hartlepool, Lincoln City, Harrogate Town and Gateshead. He keeps coming back to RCA for the love of the game and the club. He will always lead by example on and off the pitch and his enthusiasm for the game is infectious, the younger players in the squad will continue to learn from him and if they are half as good then they will have a great career in football.

Sunderland born Ian has been with the club for three years and helped to coach the team through some sticky patches in the last couple of years. His attitude and enthusiasm is infectious and he demands a high level of performance from all the players he coaches. There is no slacking on the training ground.