Newcastle Blue Star appoint Paul Brayson as First Team Manager

Newcastle Blue Star are delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Brayson as First Team Manager.

West End born Brayson returns to his roots at the KD Stadium, with the new appointment bringing a wealth of playing experience at both professional and non-league level to his new managerial role. The former NUFC striker's goalscoring pedigree speaks for itself, having found the net over 500 times throughout a career spanning more than two decades.

Brayson's journey began in the youth ranks at Newcastle United before moving into the professional game with Reading, Cardiff City, and Cheltenham Town. His prolific spell at Conference North side Northwich Victoria saw him score 32 goals in a single season and become the first player in history to win FA Player of the Round twice during an impressive cup run that took his side all the way to a tie against Premier League Sunderland.

The 47-year-old's non-league credentials are equally outstanding. At Blyth Spartans, he claimed back-to-back golden boots as the Conference North's top scorer, netting 28 goals in his debut season before repeating the feat as club captain the following campaign. His legendary status at Newcastle Benfield saw him score over 350 goals in ten years, earning Northern League Player of the Season honours twice.

Brayson also represented the England C team in 2007, scoring in their Four Nations Tournament triumph. His experience across multiple levels of the game, combined with an unrivalled understanding of striking play and goal creation, provides the perfect foundation for his transition into management.

Crucially, Paul is a local lad who understands the unique fabric of Newcastle Blue Star. Born and raised in the West End, he knows the values, ambitions, and demands that come with representing this football club. His previous spell as a player at the KD Stadium in 2008 only strengthens that connection to our community.

The club believes that Paul's extensive knowledge of the non-league game, his natural leadership qualities demonstrated through captaincy roles, and his deep-rooted understanding of our identity make him the ideal candidate to lead Newcastle Blue Star forward during this exciting period of growth.

Brayson will be supported in his role by Gareth Mcalindon, another familiar face around NE15 already, who also boasts an impressive playing & scouting career in the professional game.

Paul Brayson commented on his appointment: "I'm really grateful for the opportunity to manage the club. Can’t wait to get started and work with a good group of lads.

"Hopefully carry on the good journey the club has been on and take them further up the leagues. I'll give it everything I've got to improve the team, the players and help the club in any way I can because a know what it means to everyone at the the club, and around the area with being a local lad."

Chairman Stephen Best, added: "We're thrilled to welcome Paul to the club, a West End lad who has achieved success right throughout the game.

“Paul understands what we trying to achieve on & off the pitch in NE15, and will be able to bring first-hand experience to the development of our squad.

“This is an exciting time for the club as we look to continue our rapid growth, and I hope everyone can get behind Paul and the lads as we look to kick on in this second half of the season.”

Paul will take charge of his first match on Saturday when Newcastle Blue Star face Whitley Bay at Hillheads Park.

Welcome back to the KD Stadium, Paul.