Pearson first joined the club ahead of the 2015-16 campaign and has went on to make over 200 appearances for the club over his eight years at the UTS Stadium.

"I'm absolutely buzzing to be asked to be the new club captain. I was delighted when Jon [McDonald] asked me to takeover so I can't thank him enough! I've got a lot to live up to after how Craig Scott has represented the club for the last five years, he will be a massive miss to the club and I wish him all the best for the future." Pearson said.

Pearson has a vast amount of versatility allowing him to operate in multiple positions across the park and had previously been the club's Vice Captain whilst Craig Scott was at the club.

"It was an easy decision as soon as Jon asked me and I immediately said yes. Having been the Vice Captain for a number of years and captaining the team on a number of occasions, I already know what it means to captain a club like Dunston and I am extremely proud to be the new Club Captain on a permanent basis." Pearson added.

In his first season with the club, Michael Pearson would go on to win the club's Player of the Season award as well as winning the Players' Player of the Season award, Management Player of the Season award and Committee Player of the Season award following the 2018-19 campaign. A historic season which saw us win the Northern League and promoted to the Northern Premier League.

Following on from the disappointment of finishing just outside the play-offs for the second successive campaign in 2021-22, Pearson is relishing getting back into the thick of things ahead of the upcoming season.

"I can't wait to get going again. Obviously we were disappointed not to make the play-offs last season, but I'm confident with the squad we have that we will make up for it this season. 

"It is vital that we get off to a good start, so I am really looking forward to get back and have a good pre-season."

By Callum Pattison