Squad Update: Contract Renewals and Returning Players Confirmed

Shildon AFC is delighted to share the latest update on our playing squad as preparations continue for the new season.

Contract Renewals: Key Players Commit Their Future

We begin with the players who were under contract last season and have once again committed their future to the Club on new terms:

Max Allen
Elliott Day
Leighton Harris
Billy Greulich‑Smith
Jon Weirs

The Club have also exercised the options on the following players:

Joe Posthill
Ben Reay
Alfie Marriott

Manager Chris Hughes on the Retained Core

It was clear this would be a challenging summer in terms of keeping the squad together, and that a mini‑rebuild would be needed. We wish all players who have left the club the very best and thank them for their service. Whether they’ve moved on through our decision, their decision, or mutual agreement, I’ve no doubt they’ll look back on their time here with pleasure — and perhaps a hint of regret that they weren’t part of a promoted squad. But life goes on.

We are delighted that Max, Elliott, Leighton, Billy and Jon have all signed new contracts. We know they were approached by other teams over the summer — which we expected, given they were out of contract and clearly capable of playing at a higher level.

It was a given we would exercise options on Joe, Ben & Alfie. Joe & Ben are two of the best attacking players in the league. Joe battled through part of last season with injury so we look forward to a 100% fit Joe Posthill this season. Ben was in fantastic form before injury also disrupted his season. We have seen what he is capable of and even more so on our 3G surface. Alfie, is a commanding centre half who can only get better.

The fact that so many have chosen to stay says a lot about Shildon AFC as a whole club, about where the players believe we can go, and about them as individuals. We’re pleased to have them with us and hope they can look back on this being the right decision come May 2027.”

Returning Players Signing New Contracts

We now turn to those who were registered with us last season and are rejoining on contract terms — beginning with:

Ethan Scott

Chris Hughes on Ethan

We are delighted Ethan has committed to the club by signing a contract. It’s never easy coming out of the pro game, and Ethan had it even harder with a long‑term injury to contend with. It’s also not easy joining a team like ours when you’re not fully fit.

Ethan got up to speed quickly and took his chance when Ciaran was injured last season. His performance against Kev Hayes in the DCC final showed the levels he can reach, and we look forward to seeing him continue his development with us this season.”

David Vincent

Chris Hughes on Davy

We know Davy isn’t a new signing, but he is a significant one for us. Now that he’s back in the UK full‑time, we wanted him signed on a contract — and his enthusiasm to do so was clear.

Everyone at Shildon knows how good Davy has been over the past few years, even if he hasn’t always had the external recognition others have. Some standout performances last season, especially in the DCC final against Stockton, attracted interest from elsewhere.

We are delighted Davy has turned down offers from other clubs to remain with us this season.”

Non‑Contract Retentions

A number of players have also recommitted to the Club on non‑contract terms:

Bradley Hughes
Andrew Jennison
Tom Price

Chris Hughes on Bradley, Tom and Andy

Bradley showed what he was capable of in the game against Guisborough last season. It was a challenging match, and he was mature in his performance. He brings energy across the pitch and has already bought into what we’re about as a squad. We look forward to a positive pre‑season with him and supporting his development.

We are delighted Tom and Andy are remaining with the club. Tom has made himself a key member of the first eleven over the past two seasons. His aggression and ability on the ball coming out from the back is now a key feature of our game. He also brings a big personality to the changing room and keeps everyone grounded.

Andy has had over a year out of the game due to the injury he suffered in the League Cup final of 2025. He has dedicated himself to his rehab and now feels ready to return. Andy was a major boost for us when he first signed, and we hope for a similar boost now he’s back fit.”