Ord Returns to RACA

We are delighted to confirm the return of Daniel Ord to Ryton & Crawcrook Albion ahead of the 2025/26 season.

A versatile and natural leader, Dan rejoins the club following spells with Jarrow and newly-promoted Newbiggin.

Manager Nathan Beckham said: “Dan is a great character and a very good player — someone we identified toward the back end of last season.

“Already, you can see what Ordy brings to the group. It’s exactly what we felt was missing last year — personality, leadership, and a real hunger to succeed.

“He’s come back to the club with the right attitude and a clear desire to do well. He plays for the right reasons.

“Another excellent addition both on the pitch and in the dressing room.”

Welcome back, Dan!

Adam Henderson Joins as Goalkeeping Coach

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion are pleased to announce the addition of Adam Henderson to the backroom staff as Goalkeeping Coach ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Adam arrives with solid coaching experience and previously served as Assistant Manager at Heddon, bringing further expertise and structure to the club’s setup.

Manager Nathan Beckham commented: “We’ve been able to make a few key improvements off the pitch in recent weeks, and bringing in a dedicated goalkeeping coach was something both Mark and I felt strongly about.

“After sitting down with Adam, it was clear he was a great fit — plenty of coaching experience and a real hunger to keep learning and developing.

“Although I’ll be taking credit for any clean sheets, I’m delighted to welcome Adam to the club!”

Welcome to Ryton, Adam!

Callum Johnston Signs for RACA

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion are delighted to announce the signing of Callum Johnston, who joins the club from Jarrow ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Johnston is no stranger to the Oldhaulage Stadium, having scored a fabulous goal here on the final day of last season — and we’re hopeful there’s plenty more to come in Ryton colours this season.

Manager Nathan Beckham commented: “It’s been a really busy few weeks at the club. 

“After last season’s disappointing finish, there was a real need for change and fresh energy.

“Callum, like George [Hayton], was a top target last summer, and I’m buzzing to finally have him on board. 

“He’s a centre forward who never gives defenders a moment’s rest — a real handful and exactly the type of player we need to drive us forward this season.

“There are still a couple more coming through the door this week, and we’re looking forward to getting going on Saturday.”

Welcome to RACA, Callum!

RACA’s Pre-Season Friendly Fixtures

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion have confirmed their pre-season schedule ahead of the 2025/26 Ebac Northern League Division Two campaign, with six fixtures lined up.

Preparations officially get underway with the return to training on Saturday 7th June, giving manager Nathan Beckham and his coaching staff ample time to assess the squad and implement plans ahead of the new season, which is set to begin on Saturday 26th July.

The pre-season fixture list kicks off on Saturday 5th July with a trip to Easington Colliery. They finished 13th in their first season in the First Division last term and impressed with a League Cup triumph, making them strong opposition to start the schedule. 

Next up is a midweek fixture at Ponteland United on Wednesday 9th July. Ponteland compete in the Northern Football Alliance Premier Division and finished last season in 6th place.

On Saturday 12th July, Albion supporters will get their first chance to see the team at home as Newcastle Chemfica visit the Oldhaulage Stadium. Chemfica also play in the Alliance and enjoyed a strong campaign, finishing 7th and securing silverware with a Bill Gardner Cup win.

A quick turnaround sees Ryton make a short trip to face Birtley Town on Monday 14th July. Another First Division side, Birtley ended their season in 16th position and will provide another stern test against higher-tier opposition.

The schedule continues on Wednesday 16th July with an away match at Wallington, who were one of the top-performing teams in the Alliance, finishing 3rd.

Finally, pre-season concludes with a home clash on Saturday 19th July against Collegians, a side from the top tier of the Yorkshire Amateur League – the equivalent level to the Alliance. Kick-off at the Oldhaulage Stadium is set for 1pm.

With a strong mix of opposition lined up, the pre-season campaign will offer plenty of minutes and opportunities for players to impress before the real action kicks off. 

Ticketing information for all pre-season friendlies will follow in due course.

Please note that fixtures, venues, dates and kick-off times are subject to change.

Jack Salkeld Returns to Ryton

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion are pleased to confirm that Jack Salkeld has returned to the Club ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The commanding centre half rejoins the club after a spell with Tow Law Town last term, adding steel and experience to our defensive line.

Manager Nathan Beckham said: “I’m absolutely delighted to bring Jack back to the club. 

“He’s a powerful, no-nonsense centre half with a great attitude and a real presence at the back.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing him back on the pitch in Ryton colours.”

Welcome back, Jack!

The RACA Awards 2025 on Friday

Join us this Friday the 6th of June at the RACA Clubhouse from 7pm for the RACA Awards 2025 as we mark the end of the 2024/25 season and get ready for the next.

There’ll be food, entertainment, and a chance to show appreciation for the effort put in, both on and off the pitch.

Everyone welcome.

The event is kindly sponsored by Gary & Victoria Stewart, who we thank for their support!

George Hayton Signs for Albion

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion are delighted to confirm the signing of George Hayton ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The commanding defender arrives from fellow Northern League Division Two side Jarrow, bringing leadership, experience, and quality to our back line.

Manager Nathan Beckham shared his thoughts: “George is a player I’ve been keen to bring in for a couple of seasons now.

“He’s a top centre half, a real leader, and someone I’ve always believed would be a great fit for us.

“We were close to securing him this time last year, so I’m absolutely delighted to finally get the deal over the line.

“He had several options on the table, so to land him is a real coup for the club.”

Welcome to Ryton, George!

Weekly Division 2 Round Up w/c 26/05/25

A quick look at what our rivals have been up to this week.

NEWS

Darlington Town- Keeper Phil Pentony has decided against retirement and will stay with Town another season.

Grangetown BC- Former Durham City manager Wayne Gredziak and Paul Carr have joined Grangetown Boys Club to support first team manager Curtis Collantine 

Redcar Town- Announce the signing of 5 time Northern League Division One winner Craig Gott. having won the last two Northern League Division One titles with Redcar Athletic and Bishop Auckland. A former Northern League player of the year, Gott’s other former clubs include Darlington, Spennymoor Town and Marske United. Two ex Marske players, forward Kyren Clarke and midfielder Josh Duffman have also signed for Town.

Seaham Red Star- Have announced that defender Mason Burton has signed an extended contract with the Wearside club. There can’t be many Division 2 players on a contract for the coming season. Ryan Appleby has also joined Star from Billingham Synthonia

Tow Law Town- Announce that Danny Mellanby has joined The Lawyers as Assistant Manager & Jordan Tomlinson as Team Coach

Yarm & Eaglescliffe– Have put Josh Marshall on a contract for the upcoming season

PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES BY CLUB

AFC Newbiggin- 01/07 H Whitley Bay, 05/07 H Rothbury, 08/07 North Shields, 14/07 H Ashington, 18/07 A Stobswood Welfare, 23/07 A Cramlington United.

Alnwick Town– 05/07 H Whickham

Billingham Synthonia- 05/07 A Wynyard Village, 08/07 Marske United A, 11/07 Wolviston A, 15/07 A Stockton Town, 18/07 A Norton & Stockton Ancients

Billingham Town- 11/07 H Stockton Town

Boldon CA- 04/07 H Newcastle Blue Star, 08/07 H Whickham

Chester-le-Street Town- 02/07 A Thornaby, 05/07 A South Moor, 08/07 A Washington, 12/07 A Whitley Bay, 18/07 H Birtley Town, 22/07 A Newcastle Blue Star

Darlington Town- 05/07 H Bishop Auckland

Durham United- tbc

Esh Winning- 05/07 A Brandon United

FC Hartlepool- tbc

Grangetown BC- tbc

Jarrow- 11/07 A Birtley Town

Newcastle University– tbc

Park View Academy- tbc

Prudhoe YC Seniors- 19/07 H Whickham, 26/07 H Birtley Town

Redcar Town- 11/07 H Bishop Auckland, 15/07 H Guisborough

Seaham Red Star- 02/07 tbc Whickham, 05/07 A Washington, 08/07 A Willington, 12/07 A Burradon & New Fordley, 15/07 tbc Leam Rangers, 18/07 H Heaton Stannington, 19/07 H Ollerton Town.

Sunderland RCA- tbc

Sunderland West End- tbc

Tow Law Town- 05/07 H West Auckland, 08/07 H Blyth Spartans, 12/07 H Whickham, 16/07 A Willington, 19/07 A Barnard Castle

Yarm & Eaglescliffe– 04/07 A Crook Town CA, 09/07 H Yarm & Eaglescliffe Reserves, 12/07 A Brandon United, 15/07 A Northallerton Town, 22/07 A Seaton Carew

Louis Anderson Returns to Albion

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion are thrilled to confirm that Louis Anderson has agreed to join the club for the upcoming season.

A powerful centre forward who needs no introduction, Louis returns to Ryton following a successful spell with Heaton Stannington.

Manager Nathan Beckham shared his thoughts on the signing: “I’m absolutely delighted to bring Louis back to the club.

“He’s a centre forward with real pedigree and securing his signature is a major coup for us.

“This is shaping up to be an exciting season, and Louis is the first of several new additions we’re looking forward to announcing.”

Welcome back, Louis!

Mark Pae Appointed Assistant Manager

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion are delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Pae as the club’s new Assistant Manager.

Mark will work closely alongside Manager Nathan Beckham and will also take on the role of Lead Coach, playing a pivotal part in the club’s football operations and player development.

Currently working towards his UEFA A Licence, Mark arrives with a wealth of experience, most recently enjoying great success at Heaton Stannington. His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to coaching will be a huge asset to the Club as we look to move forward.

Speaking on the appointment, Beckham said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to have Mark on board as we begin to rebuild after a disappointing season.

“The depth and detail he brings to his coaching is already evident, and his experience will be invaluable in the months ahead.

“We’ve got some exciting signings lined up this summer, but I’d say this one will take some topping. Mark’s arrival has given me a new lease of life, and that energy and enthusiasm will only drive us forward.”

Welcome to RACA, Mark!