Former Sunderland and Middlesbrough goalkeepers training with Hebburn Town ahead of historic season

Former Sunderland and Middlesbrough academy goalkeepers have been training with Hebburn Town FC ahead of a historic season for the National League North newcomers.

The Hornets surpassed all expectations last season as they fought off the challenges of FC United of Manchester and Hednesford Town to be crowned Northern Premier League Premier Division champions just 12 months after ending the previous campaign in the bottom half of the division. Hebburn manager Daniel Moore has wasted little time in adding to his squad after securing deals for the likes of former Newcastle United forward Tom Allan, Darlington’s versatile midfielder Elliot Forbes and Whitby Town forward Jake Charles and his squad will return to pre-season training this week as they step up their preparations for the new campaign.

Hebburn goalkeeper coach Carl Morris oversaw a training session with Hornets goalkeepers Callum Dobson, Sam Taylor and Josh Skelton - and they were joined by two familiar faces. Academy of Light product Dan Cameron spent time on loan at the Trustmark Group Stadium during the final months of the 2024/25 season before returning for a similar spell last season. The 20-year-old was recalled by the Black Cats in March and saw out the season with National League club Boston but his time as a Sunderland will come to an end later this month after his release was confirmed.

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Nathan Fisher was also on hand to take part in the session and he will be looking for a new club this summer after his release from the Championship club was confirmed. The 21-year-old joined Boro from Sunderland’s academy during the summer of 2021 and went on to feature alongside the likes of current South Shields forward Sonny Finch and Isaac Fletcher during his time on Teesside.

There is no indication whether Hebburn are considering a move for either Fisher or Cameron ahead of their first ever season in the second tier of the non-league game - and Hornets coach Morris explained the benefit their presence will have on the goalkeepers within his remit.

He said: “It’s good to get Dan and Nathan in for the sessions because it gives the younger lads a look at how full-time keeper approach the session. It’s something I am always open to doing.”

‘Exploring the possibility’

Hornets manager Daniel Moore has already indicated he wants to add competition for Dobson and revealed he would be keen on securing a loan deal for Sunderland youngster Isaac Allan earlier this month.

He told The Echo: “We are exploring the possibility of getting Isaac Allan back on loan for the new season. I think Isaac has every chance of having a really strong career in the game because he showed so much during his time with us last season. His attitude, his calmness in and out of possession, his ability as a goalkeeper, his mentality, they all say to me he can progress and play at a very, very high level. To have someone with that high level of confidence at such a young age really made a difference to us.

“If we can’t get him in, I hope he goes to a National League club or a club in the EFL because he deserves a chance at that level and I honestly believe he has a chance of progressing to a higher level on a regular basis in the future and enjoying a successful career as a professional in the EFL.”