Following the conclusion of 2025/26 campaign where the Club experienced highs and lows, successful in winning the Durham Challenge Cup for the second season in succession but hugely disappointed to lose in the play off final, we can now announce our retained/released list as below:
The following players have been released following the expiry of their contracts;
- Gary Brown
- Sam Hodgson
- Adam Lennox
Dan Smith has also been allowed to leave the Club.
All of the above have played their part last season. Gary and Sam brought experience and leadership. Adam, probably didn’t play as many minutes he would have liked, but was still a great finisher and Dan is a talented player who again needs to play more games
The following have decided to move on to challenge themselves at Step 3 within the NLS pyramid.
- Ciaran Banks
- Luke Spalding
- Andrei Ardelean
We would have loved to keep them but ultimately we respect their desire to play higher. We know they have all brought our supporters some special moments. We wish them all the very best. Thank you and who knows we may see you back at Dean Street one day!
We are however delighted to confirm the the following still believe in our project and have committed to the Club for the next 2 years;
- Jon Weirs
- Leighton Harris
- Max Allen
- Elliott Day
- Billy Greulich- Smith
- Ethan Scott
- David Vincent
The Club has exercised the options for
- Ben Reay
- Joe Posthill
- Alfie Marriott
We are delighted that both Tom Price and Andrew Jennison have also committed to the Club for the coming season.
Bradley Hughes and Benjamin Urwin, both talented young players also join the squad.
This is a fantastic core group to build from and we look forward to continuing our journey with them.
It goes without saying that we are looking to complement an already talented group of players and we hope to make announcements soon.
We are building something special at Shildon AFC. We go again!!