Max starts his third season at the club. He was restricted by injury last season but hopes to remain injury free this season. He has developed into an outstanding defender who is comfortable in any defensive position. He is dependable and quickly adapts to situations as they occur. A solid defender who is comfortable on the ball and has the ability to pick out a decisive pass. Another plus for this defender, he is well liked by the supporters who have taken him to their hearts.
Pen pictures 2019-20
Players, managers and coaches who were with Sunderland RCA in the 2019-20 season.
Max Allen
Thomas Best
Tom returns for his second spell at the club after a season at Easington Colliery. A product of Hull City's Academy. He was released by Hull giving RCA the opportunity to sign him. He is a skillful midfielder who is very comfortable on the ball, is a good tackler with a great range of passes. He also chips in with his fair share of goals.
Stephen Callen
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 Charlton
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.
Aaron Croft
Aaron has returned to the club after a short spell at Billingham Synthonia, he is currently working as a coach at Middlesbrough Foundation having previously held the same position at Sunderland AFC. He is a pacy midfielder with good awareness and passing abilityand is comfortable in all midfield positions which an asset to the team. Previous clubs include, Washington, Seaham Red Star and Easington.
Aaron Croft
Aaron has re-joined RCA after a short spell at Billingham Synthonia, he is currently working as a coach at Middlesbrough Foundation having previously held the same position at Sunderland AFC. He is a pacy midfielder who can play on the either side or down the middle. Previous clubs include, Washington, Seaham Red Star and Easingt
Clayton Davis
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.
Kyle Davis
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.
Mark Davison
"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.
Robbie Dean
"Deano" signed last season from Marske United where he was part of the team that secured promotion from the Northern League in the 2017/18 season having also helped them win the title in 2014 / 15. He played over 200 games for the Seasiders. He was also part of Spennymoor Town's FA Vase winning team in 2013 when they beat Tunbridge Wells at Wembley. "Deano", is a great shot stopper and a keeper with great vision, able to turn defence into attack, his distribution is first class. He brings a wealth of experience to the team and we are plaesed to have him at the club.
Henry Dorward
Henry has signed for SRCA after being released by Morecambe FC. A defensive minded midfielder he still managed to score his fair share of goals in the Morecambe Academy team.
Henry Dorward
Henry returns for his second season at RCA having signed last season after being released by Morecambe FC. A defensive minded midfielder he still managed to score his fair share of goals in the Morecambe Academy team. We didn't see the best of Henry last season but are hopeful that he can make an impact this term. another player who always has a smile on his face a true character in the changing room.
Dylan Elliott
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.
Kieron Ezard
Kieron has returned to RCA for a second spell at the club. He started his career at Stockton and has proved in his time to be a capable goalkeeper. He has a safe pair of hands, is a good shot stopper with very good distribution skills. He commands his area when called upon and although he is still learning his trade he is confident enough to step into the No:1 shirt if required.
Joshua Gray
Josh has signed from Consett, an exciting left sided winger who is highly respected in the Northern League having played for Newton aycliffe, Durham City and Ashington before joining Consett. He was also part of the Darlington team from 2008 to 2011 playing 49 times before going on loan to Blyth Spartans. Josh is an intellegent player who possesses a turn of speed and is a good crosser of the ball. He will bring experience ans maturity to what is a fairly young team.
Lewis Green
Lewis has signed from Junior football as defensive cover. After impressing in the pre season friendlies the management were quick to get him signed.
Good in the air and with a good footballing brain he has shown that he is a one for the future.
Craig Hennis
Craig has put pen to paper on another season at RCA. Last season he proved that he can command the central midfield position but he has to keep his standards high in all games. He is a versatile central midfielder who works tirelessly for the team. A tenacious tackler with good distribution skills he also possesses a good engine which allows him to work box to box. His previous clubs include Washington and Bishop Auckland.
Craig Hodgson
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.
Carl Lawson
Carl joins us from Guisborough Town having previously spent some time at Whitby Town.
He is a skillful midfielder who prefers to play just behind the front man. Carl is good on the ball, a flair player with quick feet and excellant passing and crossing skills, he also possesses a wicked shot which has seen him net some goals at a higher level.
Ryan Leonard
Ryan has re-signed for RCA after a spell in America followed by a season at Easington. He has matured into an excellent winger who is lightening quick, can cross the ball with both feet and possesses a fearsome shot. He scores his fair share of goals as well as supplying ammunition for the forwards.
Jack Leonard
Jack has joined us on a "Dual Contract" from Hartlepool Academy where he is a regular in the Under 19's Alliance League team.
He is a tenacious midfielder who likes to tackle and is a good distributer of the ball.
Sam Lilley
Sam is a Ryhope lad who played for Middlesbrough up to the age of sixteen and then went to Scunthorpe from 16-18. A strong centre half who can read the game well, Sam's key strengths are his passing and pace. He will have learnt a lot from studying Ross and Greg and is willing to play anywhere in defence.
Thomas McAloon
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.
Ross McNab
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.
Dom Moan
Dom, has returned to RCA after spending the end of last season at Sunderland West End. Prior to that he had been in the USA where he played for Jacksonville Jaguars. His other clubs include: Sunderland AFC, Hartlepool United and Wolverhampton Wanderers where he spent 4 years before being released. Dom is a true utility player who can play as a striker, in the centre of midfield and at full back. His key strengths are his hard work and commitment coupled with his strength and determination. if staying injury free he will add a bit more steel to our midfield.
Nathan O'Neill
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.
Ross Preston
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.
Connor Slack
Connor is the second Work Experience player to sign from Sunderland AFC. An out and out old fashioned style Centre forward who likes to put himself about. Is good in the air and can play with either foot a defenders nightmare. Injury free he will be a great asset to RCA.
Alex Storey
Alex is a 21 year old central defender who was released in the summer by Sunderland having played regularly in the Under 23 team. He comes highly recommended. He is a good all round defender who is comfortable on the ball, good in the air and an intelligent passer of the ball.
Greg Swansbury
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..
Kyran Whitehead
Kyran has put pen to paper after impressing in a number of pre-season cameo appearances. A solid right sided defender he likes to get forward in support of his midfield and possesses a good cross.
Martin Swales
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.
Mark Cowan
Mark has been a big supporter of RCA off the field and has now jumped over the fence to join the football management. After a bad knee injury put pay to his footballing career as a youngster, Mark, from Birtley, ran teams in the Gateshead and District Sunday League. Mark brings commitment, energy, enthusiasm and management experience to the organisation of the team.
Steve Riley
Steve joins the club as Assistant Manager / Coach he is a well established Coach / Manager who spent a number of years at Bishop Auckland where he was made Manager in 2015 guiding them to 8th position in the 2016-17 season.
James - Lenny - French
Lenny, who has joined RCA as a goalkeeping coach, played Northern League football for most his career and worked with Martin Swales as a coach at Ryhope CW and Bishop Auckland. With considerable Northern League experience at Hartlepool Town, Chester-le-Street, Esh Winning, Washington and Ryton, he's a great addition to our team.
Scott Dickinson
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Mohsen Hussein
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.