18/08/2026
True club legend, well done Deano 👏👏👏
NORTH SHIELDS FC CELEBRATE 400TH APPEARANCE FOR CLUB LEGEND DEAN ‘DEANO’ HOLMES
North Shields Football Club is immensely proud to mark an extraordinary milestone today as fan favourite Dean ‘Deano’ Holmes makes his 400th appearance in red (Navy) as a substitute against Horden CW.
Since first joining the club in 2011, Deano has cemented his status as a true Robins icon, playing a central role in some of the most unforgettable moments in North Shields FC’s modern history.
Holmes was originally signed by former manager Anthony Woodhouse in 2011 after ending the 2010–11 season as the Northern Alliance top scorer with Heaton Stannington. He made an immediate impact, scoring off the bench on his debut in September 2011 against Esh Winning after latching onto a through ball from Keith Douglas. He went on to bag 16 goals in just 25 appearances during his debut campaign.
Over the course of his 400 matches, Deano’s goals and match-winning moments have been woven into the fabric of the club:
* Promotion & FA Vase Glory: Played a major role in the 2013–14 promotion to the Northern League Division One with 18 goals, before helping guide the club to legendary FA Vase glory at Wembley in 2015. His critical strikes in both semi-final legs against Highworth Town proved pivotal in sending the Robins to the national stadium.

* Silverware at St James' Park: Lifted the Northumberland Senior Cup in a dramatic 4–3 victory over Blyth Spartans.
* The 6–5 Miracle: Etched his name into club lore in February 2018 against Jarrow Roofing, coming back from 5–2 down at half-time to score a second-half hat-trick—capped with a stunning last-gasp volley to seal an unbelievable 6–5 win.
Having surpassed the century mark for goals during his 300-game campaign, Deano’s longevity, loyalty, and relentless work rate continue to inspire supporters and teammates alike.
North Shields FC Manager Bri Smith commented:
"To reach 400 appearances for one football club is a monumental achievement in the modern game. Deano isn't just a brilliant footballer; he represents everything this club stands for—loyalty, passion, and sheer effort every time he steps onto the pitch. Reaching 400 games is a testament to his character, determination, and love for North Shields FC."
Everyone at the Daren Persson Stadium congratulates Deano on reaching this incredible milestone and thanks him for over a decade of extraordinary service to the Robins!