2018/19 #14 - 22nd December 2018 - Ashington v. Sunderland RCA

defender who possesses good positional sense and is able to read the game well. He is
always looking to support his midfield colleagues.
Sam Robinson - Defender - Sam, from East Herrington, played for Middlesbrough,
joining them as a 7 year old, before joining Sheffield Wednesday where he played for the
Under16s and Under 17s. Sam, who is strong and pacy and who likes a tackle, is
principally a centre half, but can play across the park.
Greg Swansbury - Central defender - Greg starts his third season with RCA since
signing from Washington and now captains the side. 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.
Greg was joint winner of the Management Player of the Season and winner of
the Players' Player of the Season awards in the 2017-18 season, a testimony to his
leadership on the pitch.
Dimitrios Tsapalos - Goalkeeper - 25 year old Dimitrios joined us from Morpeth Town,
making his debut in the 4-0 home win over Hebburn Town in September 2018. He has six
years experience with Greek clubs Panetolikos, Panegialios and Doxa Manoladas.
Martin Swales - Manager - Sunderland RCA's manager Martin has a wealth of
Northern League experience both as a player and as a manager. He managed the very
successful Ryhope Colliery Welfare team who in Season 2010-11 won all four
competitions in the Wearside League. Repeating the feat the following year and also
clinching promotion for RCW to the Northern League Division 2. He has also managed
Bishop Auckland for a short time. He is passionate about his football, especially in the
local area, and instills a sense of belief in his players.
Gary Errington - Assistant Manager - Now in his fourth season with RCA “Gee"
returned to the club that he played at for a number of seasons. He was also a member of
the very successful Easington CW FC team which reached the first round proper of the
FA Cup. Gee has been assistant to Swaz for a number of years now and complements
the manager's style with his own flair. Rarely see him without a smile on his face.
Mark Cowan - Assistant Manager - 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.
Colin Larkin - Coach, Forward - Now into his fiftth season with RCA, 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 and the younger players in the squad will continue to learn from Colin.
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.
James - Lenny - French - Coach - 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.
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