Liam Thear is one of the clubs longest serving players and has just shy of 200 appearances heading into the 2023/24 season. He moved to the club after completing a successful stint at Gateshead FC Academy, where he was highly rated. Following his release, he was snapped up by then Dunston manager Billy Irwin.    

"Scrappy" is a very strong and tricky player who has matured and developed tremendously whilst at Dunston. After a superb start to last season, Liam suffered a serious ACL injury in The FA Cup fixture at home to local neighbours Gateshead FC last season. Since his recovery, he has proved to be a vital asset for Dunston, fighting for every ball and contributing with both goals and assists.

He scooped the Goal of the Season award at the end of the 2022/23 season following an audacious lob away at Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Liam is currently on dual-registration at Birtley Town.

Landmarks

Debut - Bedlington Terriers 0-8 Dunston UTS (Northern League Div One | 8th August 2015) 

First Goal - Durham City 0-3 Dunston UTS (Northern League Div One | 8th September 2015)

50th appearance - Data unavailable

100th appearance - Data unavailable

150th appearance - Dunston UTS 0-0 Marine (Northern North West Div | 21st December 2019)

200th appearance - Frickley Athletic 1-2 Dunston UTS (NPL East | 26th February 2022)

250th appearance - Heaton Stannington 1-0 Dunston UTS (NPL East | 7th February 2025)