Andrew Newton is an archaeologist by trade, specialising in post-excavation analysis and research. He also reports on the debris from ancient metalworking. He has carried out analysis on sites of a variety of dates, including a high-status Anglo-Saxon cemetery, a Bronze Age ring-work overlooking the Thames estuary, and several Iron Age and Roman settlements. His work is widely published in archaeological journals and book series.

Andrew’s promising amateur football career was tragically curtailed by the fact that he wasn’t particularly good, and so it never progressed much beyond the lower divisions of Sunday league. He particularly enjoyed playing centre back. He qualified as a referee at the age of 16 but has since given up the whistle and cards. An interest in learning more about the game, and particularly the tactical side of things, led him down other avenues. A slice of good fortune, and some courses with the Professional Football Scouts Association, took him into non-league football, where he has acted as a scout/opposition analyst for four Isthmian League clubs (and is still available for such roles).

Andrew is a Sunderland fan but is interested in all aspects of the history (and future) of football both in the UK and beyond. Writing for Football Heritage has allowed him to combine his interest in the past with his interest in the beautiful game.