Whitley’s new management team completed their first new signings over the weekend and both Tony Fawcett and Derek Forrest were clearly very pleased to have brought in Jordan Fry, Richard Coulson and Chris Bannon, all previously with Seaham Red Star. Of Fry, Fawcett and Forrest enthused “We are delighted with the signing of Jordan; he brings great experience having won the FA Vase and the League while at Morpeth. He is a winner and a great character and his enthusiasm is infectious.” The 30 year old centre midfielder spent ten very successful years at Morpeth before moving to Seaham last year where his season was ended prematurely after just one game with a ruptured ACL. Jordan explained that Tony Fawcett was a huge influence in his decision to come to Hillheads. “I played with him a good few years back, he’s a good lad who knows football well and I always told him I would come and play for him at some point and the opportunity presented itself at the right moment. Also this is a big club with a great history and a huge fanbase and a lot of my friends and family live locally. My personal ambition for the season ahead is to get back playing again after last year’s injury, then to hopefully help the team push towards the top end of the table. There is a young squad but with some very experienced players so with the few additions coming in I think it’s a really good mix.”
Richard Coulson is a 25 year old left winger who the management duo described as “an unbelievable talent and a great addition to our squad. As well as being exciting, Richie is the future of Whitley Bay and we’re excited to watch him play.” Coulson told us “Once I had spoken to the management team it was clear their style matched what I wanted. I’ve spent the majority of my time at a local club Hazlerigg VFC until last season when I stepped up and joined Seaham, which I thoroughly enjoyed. My ambitions are just to improve on last season and contribute as much as I can.”
The third signing, Chris Bannon, is a familiar face, having played eight games for Whitley during the 2018/19 season. The experienced goalkeeper, a FA Vase winner at North Shields, spent last season at Seaham and has also played for West Allotment Celtic. Highlighting his experience, Forrest and Fawcett said that the 32 year old, who will provide Dan Lister with competition for the keeper’s jersey, is another with a winners attitude. “He brings stability, is a brilliant people person and will help immensely in the dressing room.” Bannon said one reason for signing was because Whitley is his home town club. ” I live within walking distance of the ground. I’m excited by the challenge. Tony has built some very good teams including at Ryton so I look forward to working under him. I also played for Derek when I was 16/17 in the North Tyneside tournament. The main reason for signing is the fans. Whitley have an amazing support of 300 – 400 each week and hopefully we can look to get even more fans through the door with performances on the pitch.”
We would like to welcome all three players to Whitley Bay and hope they enjoy their time at Hillheads.
*News of another signing will follow tomorrow.
