THE MAIN FEATURE

THE MAIN FEATURE JONATHAN FRANKS

Jonathan Franks began his football career at Stockton Town when the club was known as Hartburn Juniors. Franks joined Middlesbrough’s academy at the age of 11, earning international call ups from Under-15 to Under-20 level, as well as featuring in the Premier League.

Jonathan’s career has featured spells at Hartlepool, Wrexham and Icelandic side IBV, with whom he played in the Europa League. In this feature, he discusses returning to the club, the season so far, fixtures coming up and more. Jonathan returned to Stockton in January, he reveals he always intended to come home: “It was really exciting, it was always part of my plan when I was at the end of my career to come back. I came back two or three years earlier than planned but that’s a good thing because I can hopefully get a

few more years out of it than I originally could have.” Shortly after his return, the Northern League season was declared null-andvoid due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Jonathan revealed his thoughts: “It was disappointing because the team was on a good run and the lads had worked really hard to get 15 points clear and looked like they were going to get promoted. It took everyone back a little bit, knowing we’ve got to do it all again. It was a little bit strange, the one good thing is we can compete in the FA Vase again. It gives us a new challenge, it’s going to be a lot harder this year as everyone is going to want to beat us, a lot more than previously, we’ve got to be ready for that.” The Anchors suffered a relatively slow start to the season, taking five points from their opening four games, but have since won nine points from their last three, Franks believed it was just a case of settling back into a rhythm: “It was strange, we hadn’t played for so long before pre-season, it was just a case of finding our feet again. We were conceding goals which we rarely did last season and we weren’t scoring either which we were [last season]. The bits in the middle were alright, in each box is where you win the games and I think that is all coming together now.” Stockton came from behind to defeat Newcastle Benfield in tricky conditions in their last game, and the winger was pleased with the reaction from the team: “It was a terrible game, the conditions weren’t great and it one was of those games where you turn up, get your points and go home, and we managed to do that. We ground it out, the lads showed good character to come from 1-0 down away from home. It took us to go behind for us to actually start playing, probably the best thing that could have happened was actually going behind because that was when we started to apply pressure again, we got the goal straight away, got

the second and then we ground it out.” Due to current Covid-19 regulations, attendances have been restricted this season, Jonathan reveals the players are missing having full crowds: “We are missing them, it would be good to have them in because they are very vocal and it gives everyone a lift. The lads, at the moment, are motivating themselves and each other but it would be good to have the fans back in as it gives us a bit more atmosphere for everyone involved. More importantly it’s a good day out for the fans. Hopefully we can get them in soon. Stockton have faced this weekend’s opponents Consett already this season, losing 1-0 to the side from County Durham in the FA Cup, Franks enjoyed the contest between the two sides: I thought it was a good game of football between two teams who want to play football the right way, two good clubs who are ran very well. I think the difference on the night was Consett scored one of their chances and we didn’t convert ours. That’s where we’ve got to be more consistent, at putting the ball in the net and stopping it at the other end. I’m expecting stockton_townfc Anchors TV

another good game on Saturday.” The Anchors move on to a big week of football with games against The Steelmen, Hebburn and Shildon coming up, Franks is looking forward to the challenge set: “They are the games you want to play, you want to test yourself against the bigger teams who are expected to be at the top, you want to beat them and if you want to be the best you have to [beat them].” “They will be saying the same thing, they will be looking to cause us problems and beat us, it’s a tough week but it could be a positive one if we do things the right way and get the results, it could be the catalyst for us.” Having never played in the FA Vase before, Franks is looking forward to the experience: “I’m really looking forward to it, I’ve been keeping an eye on Stockton over the years, it’s a competition they want to do really well in. I’m looking forward to experiencing a new competition and it gives everyone a chance to go to Wembley if you get that for. There’s good rewards at the end of it”.

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MEET THE PLAYERS INTRODUCING OUR SQUAD FOR THE 2020-21 SEASON

1 Callum Roberts Goalkeeper Callum joined from Billingham Synthonia and he was at Preston NE for six years prior. The shot-stopper has also spent time higher up in non-league football. 5 Dan McWilliams Defender A local lad, Dan was released from Middlesbrough’s Academy at age 16. He has previous Northern League experience with Billingham Synthonia and Guisborough. 9 Max Craggs Midfielder A product of the Stockton youth system, Max joined the squad age 17 and quickly became a regular. He had a season with Billingham Synthonia in 2015-16. 2 Michael Arthur Goalkeeper 3 Adam Nicholson Defender ‘Martha’ joined the club back Longest-serving player at the in 2012 from Billingham Town club, Adam came through the as an outfield player. He was a youth system. Captain of the vital member of the team that team, he leads by example went all the way to the FA at the back and also has an Vase final in 2018. impressive scoring record. 4 Dale Mulligan Defender Dale re-signed for Stockton and links back up with brother Nathan after a spell at Shildon. He played for the Anchors during their Wembley run in 2017-18.

6 Lewis King Defender Lewis was a member of the Hartlepool Academy until 16, he then spend time with Burnley and then Spennymoor. A top prospect, athletic and gets forward. 7 Tom Coulthard Defender Tom is a product Stockton’s youth set up. He broke into the first team when he was 17 and is a tough, strong, quick, thoroughbread of a centre back. 8 Jordan Robinson Midfielder Jordan is a very experienced defender, who played for Middlesbrough’s Academy before joining Wigan Athletic. He is a tall, strong midfielder, who is a huge asset.

10 Nathan Mulligan Midfielder Nathan was with Middlesbrough until age 18. He played in the Football League with Darlington and has a wealth of Northern League experience. 11 Shane Henry Midfielder Shane’s nickname is ‘The Bull’ and that becomes clear when you see him play. He joins his hometown club after six seasons playing higher up with Spennymoor Town. 12 Tom Portas Midfielder Tom signed from West Auckland and has previous experience with Guisborough, Whitby and Darlington. A fantastic midfielder, elegant on the ball.

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13 Tom Portas Midfielder Tom signed from West Auckland and has previous experience with Guisborough, Whitby and Darlington. A fantastic midfielder, elegant on the ball.

17 Nathan Steel Forward Nathan arrived from Shildon and is an experienced Northern League striker, who has had successful spells at clubs like Guisborough and Billingham Synthonia. 14 Jonathan Franks Forward Jonathan started his journey at Stockton and has represented England from U15s through to U20s. The forward has played for a number of top clubs. 18 Michael Dunwell Manager After a successful playing career, he was appointed Stockton manager in 2014, after a year of being a playercoach. He now enters his seventh season as manager. 15 Kevin Hayes Forward Kevin forced his way into the title-winning team in 2017 and has gone on to cement his place in the first team. A lightning quick wide man, likes to get at defenders. 19 JD Briggs Asst Manager JD also had a great playing career, in non-league. He turned to coaching and became Michael’s assistant in the 2014 and has been with the club ever since. 16 Michael Roberts Forward Another Stockton lad, Mikey has also played at Guisborough, Spennymoor, Whitby and Marske. He also has a Division One title under his belt.

20 John Fielding Coach John joined Stockton as an assistant with the U18s and was promoted to first team coach in 2018. He guided the youth team to a league and cup double in 2017.