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Pen pictures 2017-18

Players who were registered with Sunderland RCA in the 2017-18 season

James Armstrong

Full back, Midfielder

James returns to RCA after a season out through injury, this will be his sixth season at the club. James career so far includes spells at Spennymoor Town FC, Sunderland AFC and Hull City. He is a versatile player who can operate in both midfield and defence. He has good vision and awareness and his defence splitting passes and free kicks are a joy to watch. He has also committed to assisting in the coaching of the players.

Jak Ashton

Midfielder

Jak signed in the 2017-18 season from fellow Division One side Dunston UTS, having previously been at Queen of the South in Dumfries and Gateshead. An intelligent and skillful player, Jak’s position is left back, but he can also play left midfield.

Neal Bussey

Goalkeeper

Neal has signed from local football after being on Martin's wanted list for some time. He is a tall keeper who commands his area well, is a great shot stopper and has good distribution skills, he is always looking to turn defence into attack and will be a terrific asset to the team.

Stephen Callen

Winger

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 Cassidy

Winger

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.

Michael Charlton

Midfielder, Winger

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.

Clayton Davis

Midfielder, Winger

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.

Jonathan Davis

Midfielder

Jonathan begins his third season with RCA after signing from Shildon. A naturally gifted midfielder he possesses a vast repertoire of passes, is good in the tackle and is powerful in the air. He has played extensively in the Northern League and higher - his former clubs include Hebburn, RCW, Durham, Darlington and Shildon.

Mark Davison

Forward

 "Sparky" starts his 6th consecutive season for RCA. He is one of the most respected strikers in the Northern League. A strong and direct centre forward who can be relied upon to score with head and feet as well as setting up opportunities for others, "Sparky"  was RCA's leading goalscorer last season and is looking forward to bagging a few in the coming season. Previous clubs include: Ryton, Washington, Spennymoor and Morpeth. "Sparky", will be looking to strike up a partnership with "AJ" Andy Johnson, another prolific striker. 

Dylan Elliott

Midfielder

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.

Keith Finch

Goalkeeper

Keith signed from West Auckland in the 2017-18 season and brings a wealth of goalkeeping experience to RCA. Keith is a brave and vocal goalkeeper who is always looking to marshal the players in front of him.

Craig Hodgson

Central defender, Midfielder

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. 

Dimitri Limbo

Dimitri Limbo
Midfielder

Dimitri, who is from the Phillipines, is on a Sunderland College Sports Scholarship, which he begun in October 2017. A lively winger who can also play the number 10 position, Dimitri played for Koya FC and the national Under 23s in the Phillipines.

Reece McEwan

Forward

Reece joined us from the Foundation of Light, which he attended as a 16 and 17 year old. He can operate on the left or right wings or play as a striker. His key strengths are the ability to make things happen and his pace.

Adam McGuinness

Defender

Adam is beginning his third season since re-signing from Washington. 'Addzy' returned to SRCA after a couple of seasons at Washington. He has a wealth of experience at this level. A natural left footer with a tremendous strike, he is able to play anywhere in the back four. He is good in the air and is talented on the deck, he also has the ability to cross the ball either from open play or free kicks.

Ross McNab

Full back

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.

Reece Noble

Defender, Midfielder

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.

Nathan O'Neill

Forward

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.

Luke Page

Midfielder

Luke has re-signed after a spell at Dunston where he has been very impressive. 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.  

Kieron Parnaby

Midfielder

Kieron has signed from Tow Law and is a current Durham County youth player. Kieron can play in both midfield and as a striker.

Scott Pocklington

Goalkeeper

Scott has signed from fellow Northern League Division One side Bishop Auckland, whom he had rejoined following a successful spell at South Shields, where he won the Northern League Division Two title. Previous clubs include Darlington and Newton Aycliffe.

Ross Preston

Defender

Ross is another player who is starting his fifth consecutive season with the club. Injuries last season reduced his appearances but when he regains full fitness there a few better central defenders in the league. His partnership with "Swanna" is certainly in the top two or three in the league. 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. 

Luke Richardson

Defender

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 Swansbury

Central defender

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..

Brad Wilson

Midfielder

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Steven Stewart

Assistant Manager

Martin Swales has appointed Steven Stewart as his assistant for the coming season. Steven is no stranger to Meadow Park and has extensive Northern League experience as a player, having also played for Washington, Bedlington, Nissan, Durham, Chester-le-Street, Benfield and Blyth Spartans. He is now looking to move into the management side and sees SRCA as the ideal place to start, he is familiar with the set up off the pitch and his vast experience and knowledge of players at this level will be an invaluable asset to Martin.

Martin Swales

Martin Swales
Manager

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.

Gary Errington

Gary Errington
Assistant Manager

"Gee" returns for yet another spell at RCA, He can't keep away.Having played for the club in his Hey-day he knows how the club operates and brings with him a wealth of experience. He was also a member of the very successful Easington CW FC team which reached the first round proper of the FA Cup. "Gee" comes in alongside Martin Swales as his assistants. Never see him without a smile on his face.

Colin Larkin

Coach, Forward

"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.

Colin Larkin

Coach

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.

Mohsen Hussein

Coach

Mohsen is a local business man who has run local football teams in the Sunderland area and has been recruited by Sunderland RCA for his ideas on young local footballers to come through the junior systems. Mo is currently doing UEFA B badges and has lots of connections with his national football team, Egypt, who he follows whenever he can. Mo will be a great asset to RCA with his local and training knowledge.

Carl Morris

Coach, Goalkeeper

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.