Pen pictures 2016-17

Tommy has pledged his body for another season. He is a former professional with Sunderland AFC, Swansea City, Hartlepool, Dunfermline and Alwick Town before he joined the growing band of Irish players at the SRCA. He is an excellent ball player with an eye for a pass and scores goals from midfield. He is another like "Larks" who is passing on his vast experience to the younger players and has started help on the training ground.

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. 

James begins his second season with the club after signing from Washington. He is a pacy winger who is equally comfortable on either wing. He is another who likes to attack defenders and creates goalscoring chances for his team mates.

Jordan is another who has signed to assist us in the centre of midfield, looks assured on the ball and able to read what is happening around him. He also distributes the ball well under pressure. Could be a one for 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.

Dylan, is now beginning his fifth season with RCA having joined us from Easington Colliery. He was at Sunderland AFC from the age of 8 to 15, before joining Hartlepool United on a scholarship from the age of 16 to 19. Dylan has also had Northern League experience, spending two months at Bishop Auckland. He is a competitive central midfielder with a phenomenal range of passes and is always fully committed in the tackle.

Jake is a midfielder/forward who has represented England at u16, u17 and u18 level. He has also had spells with Middlebrough, Stockport County and Gateshead.

Kieran joined us last season on load from Sunderland AFC, where he was part of the Modern Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence Scheme at the Academy. After his release from the Academy he signed for the coming season. Kieran is predominantly a right winger but is equally comfortable playing off the front man. Towards the end of last season he showed that his pace, close control and energy constantly caused problems for Northern League defences.

Sam has signed from Northallerton Town. A young goalkeeper who is still learning his trade, he has spent the last two seasons at Huddesfield Town where he was loaned out to Clitheroe and Salford for short periods. He is a tall goalkeeper who commands his area well, he has good reflexes and his distribution of the ball is excellent. 

Callum has signed from Washington after playing last season for West Auckland. He is a powerful centre forward who has played football at a higher level and once fully fit he will be a threat to most defences in the Northern League. During his career he has played for Hartlepool United, Kidderminster Town, Harrogate Town and AFC Telford.

Craig returns to the club after a two year absence. His previous clubs include 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 options quickly. Welcome back Craig. 

Danni joins us after spending the pre-season with Morpeth Town. He is a strong no nonsense central defender who loves a tackle. He also has the ability to read the game and make defending look easy at times.

Liam returns for his second spell at the club having spent time at Hebburn Town, Jarrow Roofing and Seaham Red Star. He is a prolific goalscorer in the Northern League and has scored goals at all levels of the game. Liam is able to hold the ball up well, bringing other players into the game and is good in the air. A great asset to the team. Previous clubs include: Sunderland AFC, Washington, Ryton, Sunderland RCA, Chester-le-Street, South Shields, Hebburn Town, Jarrow Roofing BCA and Whitley Bay.

Ross starts his sixth season with the club after returning from Billingham Synthonia. A left sided player, Ross has developed into a very good full back who is equally at home playing in the centre of defence. Defensively he is very competent, loves to get forward in support of his midfield and has a great range of passing. Injury free he is a great asset to the squad and a pleasure to have around the club.

This is Nathan's fifth season at RCA, having signed from neighbours Ryhope Colliery Welfare. Tall and dominating in the air, Nathan is capable of scoring all kinds of goals, from two yard tap-ins, and headers to 25 yard screamers. He proved last season that he is effective in a central midfield role. There are not many better strikers in the Northern League when he is firing on all cylinders.

Jack has joined RCA after being with Tow Law last season. Jack has previously played for Willington and was at Spennymoor Town as a junior. Will be pushing Neal for the number one shirt.

Jack signed last season from neighbours RCW. He is a tall centre forward who is able to use his height to great advantage, equally good with the ball at his feet or in the air, Jack has scored goals at every level he has played and now wants to test himself in the first division. Suffered cruciate ligament damage towards end of the season, but is looking to make a return as soon as possible.

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.

Greg has re-signed to help the club fulfil the rest of its fixtures this season. He joins Swaz and Gee in the rebuilding process and is a massive influence in the team. At 6'4", Greg is a powerful, imposing, no nonsense, old school central defender. As expected, he is good in the air, but he is also deceptively good on the ground with great awareness of situations as they develop. His leadership on the pitch is inspirational and he always leads by example and is 100% committed to the football club both on and off the pitch..

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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.

"Larks" has signed from Consett and is reunited with Manager Martin Swales in a bid to help change the fortunes of the club. 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, the younger players in the squad will continue to learn from Colin.