Collected Biogs

ANDREW GRAINGER (Goalkeeper) Joined the club in August 2003 after playing professionally for Darlington and Barry Town. Recognised as one of the Northern League’s top ‘keepers and has been in outstanding form the club in recent years. His ability is there for all to see each week and his performances prove that he is one of if not the best keeper in the League. Winner of the Northern League Safe Hands Trophy last season.

PHIL LUMSDEN (Defender) Joined the club from West Ham United, in October 2005 and we can’t believe our luck in signing such a magnificent player. Recently had trials with Darlington and York City are known to be big admirers of the strapping defender.

DEAN FULLER (Defender) Joined the club for a second time in July 2003 after spells at Newcastle Blue Star and Tow Law Town. A very experienced player who has a great left-foot. Has scored the odd vital goal for Benfield in the Northern League and FA Vase competitions. Another local lad who is popular at the club.

KEVIN LEIGHTON (Defender) Captain and a Very experienced, reliable central defender, strong tackler and no nonsense player who is developing rapidly putting in some outstanding performances this season. Won the BBC Radio Newcastle Northern League Player of the Year award last season.

SCOTT DONALDSON (Defender) Signed from Chester le Street, former Newcastle United junior Scott proved a valuable member of the squad in his first year at Benfield. No nonsense defender who impressed at both full back and centre half when required.

LEWIS TAIT (Defender) In his second spell with the club, Lewis is a no nonsense defender who excelled at the end of the season when called upon. Son of former Hartlepool and Darlington boss Mick Tait.

JEFF FORSYTH (Defender) Formerly on the books of West Bromwich Albion, Jeff is outstanding young talent who will have a big future. Had last season curtailed through illness, but his whole hearted defending has won over the Benfield faithful.

MICHAEL LATIMER (Defender) Recently joined the club from Bedlington Terriers, Michael is another youngster with an impressive pedigree. Already been at a few different clubs, his versatility will prove crucial to the squad this season.

MARK ATKINSON (Defender/Midfielder) Signed at the start of the 2006/07 season. Quick and talented wide midfield or fullback, Mark has superb close ball control and tremendous ability to get beyond opponents and deliver quality into the box. Ex Sunderland pro. His attitude and commitment to the club is a credit to him which rubs off on others.

PAUL BUZZEO (Defender/Midfielder) Another signing from Gateshead, Buzz has been a great signing for the club, having made most of his appearances as a substitute last season and scoring some vital goals in the process. Establishing his place in the starting line up each week. Versatile performer who can play at right back or wide on the right.

ALU BANGURA (Midfielder) Has been at the club since promotion was secured to the Northern League. A real popular figure around the club, Alu has vast Northern League experience and has the full respect of team mates and opponents alike.

PAUL ANTONY (Midfielder) Paul was brought in from Team Northumbria where he has been playing over the past few seasons, Paul has caught the eye of many a Northern League managers eye over the years. Strong box to box player full of energy with a keen eye for goal.

STEPHEN BUZZEO (Midfielder) Stephen joined in 2007 from Dunston Federation, he is a talented central or wide midfield player who has the ability to hold his own in any team when he is on his game. Proved his worth by playing a crucial role in the title run in last season.

ADAM SCOPE (Midfielder) Adam has rejoined the club from Morpeth Town in 2007 after leaving back end of season 2006/07. An established strong wide player who can also operate in the centre of midfield as well as up front, excellent dead ball specialist who scores terrific goals from all areas of the field.

ANDY DUGDALE (Midfielder) Experienced player who joined the club in 2008 from Whitley Bay, where he had previously helped them to a League title and an FA Vase semi final. Strong in the tackle, Duggy is also one of the dressing room characters.

IAN HERRON (Midfielder) New signing in the summer of 2009 from Morpeth Town, “Fishy” is a reliable midfielder who previously excelled at Ashington and Shankhouse. Possesses a good engine and another expert from dead balls.

ANDREW MCINTOSH (Midfielder) Youngster added to the squad this season, formerly with Darlington and Dunston Fed. Scored on his Benfield debut against Consett in the JR Cleator Cup Final.

DAMEN MULLEN (Midfielder) Another of the new additions, 20 year old Damen came to the club after a successful spell at Morpeth Town. Previously with Hartlepool and Blyth Spartans, Damen is a talented midfielder who likes to take people on and has a great passing range.

DEAN NICHOLSON (Midfielder) Signed for the club from North Shields midway through last season and proved his quality with some outstanding displays. Formerly with West Browmich Albion, Dean is another versatile player.

PAUL WILARY (Midfielder) Paul is an attacking midfielder who has outstanding vision, and whose creativity is thrived on by the forwards. Formerly of West Allotment Celtic and Morpeth, Paul will prove to be an excellent capture for the club after trailing him for the past few seasons.

ALEX HENDERSON (Midfielder) Teenager who joined the club in August 2009 following his release from Doncaster Rovers. Impressed everyone with his skills, made his debut in the win over Ashington on the opening day of the season, when he unfortunately suffered a broken foot.

MICHAEL CHILTON (Striker) Returned back to the club from Durham City and is now starting to show the form which will undoubtedly will have him back amongst the goals. Established striker with a keen eye for goal in the Northern League. Former winner of the Northern League Player of the Year and Northern League Golden Boot.

STEPHEN YOUNG (Striker) In his second spell at the club, and the man whose goal won the Championship last season. Former Northern League Golden Boot Division One and Two winner, Stephen rejoined last season after two successful seasons at Morpeth. Lightening pace.

TONY STEPHENSON (Striker) Formerly with Hartlepool and Gillingham, Tony is a new signing from Morpeth. Had a prolific loan spell with Newcastle Blue Star last season, he is a natural finisher, and at only 20 years old has a big future ahead of him.

ADAM ROWNTREE (Striker) Youngster who came to the club halfway through the last campaign, and although most of his appearances were as a substitute, Adam proved a major threat with his lightening pace.