FMFA Manager

Welcome to the Fanzine for Solihull moors, after the national league has been given the go ahead to join the FMFA Solihull Moors are one of the lucky teams to have been asked to participate. Here we're going to find all things moors, match reaction, any signings made, anything of significance. We'll be starting with announcing our new manager after Mat Taylor decided he did not like this move and parted company with the club. Keep your ears and eyes pealed for the afficial announcement later today. Welcome to the Moors and we look forward to bringing all things moors to you for the upcoming season.

Solihull Moors can finally announce their new manager for the upcoming national league season. It's been a tough process to find a manager who is willing to come in knowing their is no promotion or relegation at stake therefor the only prize is to become dominant in the national league. They wil also take part in the FMFA cup as well however apart from that their is no other higher oppatunities at stake therefor their were not many managers willing to take on this kind of roll, thankfully our first choice was willing therefor although it's been a tough process we got our main target here at the Moors. It's 41 year old Ian McNamara who has stepped into the breach and agreed to take on this oppotunity. We spoke to the new man not long after his appointment was confirmed. McNamara said the following.

"I was interested in this job as Solihull is not to far from where I live therefor I fancied a crack at seeing how far I could take this club. Plus as I manage Wolves we've potentially got the chance to bring in a young player from them who is not going to be goode enough for there first team however should be for ours, this will give us a chance to develop a player and create a good relationship between the two clubs. There is no promotion or relegation involved however this is not a problem for me, it'll be a test to see if we can become a dominant team in the national league and it'll be a different type of challange to see how dominant we can become in this devision, also a 1 season deal is perfet for me as if the national league does not become a long term feature it means I've had the oppotunity to see where I can take this club for a season then they'll go and we'll just continue progressing with Wolves. I'm excited about the challange as Solihull Moors have progressed a lot over the past few seasons and some good signings have come into the club. It'll be a case of us doing our best and seeing what we can do. I'll be looking forward to the challange of seeing where we can finish and how well we can do in this minnie league."

The Moors are excited about this development, being part of hthis project could give the club more reccognission therefor the players could then go on to play at higher levels in the future if they prove themselves. Good luck to the Moors and we'll keep you posted here first.

Over the past few days, McNamara has been taking a look at his squad and working out where he feels the potential lies and where he wants to go for the upcoming season in the national league. To people who know him it's not a surprised that the manager has focused on the younger members of the squad. Given who the manager has focused on for extra training it looks very much like the potential starting 11 will have an average age of 21 with the oldest player being 25 and the youngest being 19. Looking at the squad the starting 11 will be made up of 2 25 year olds, 1 23 year old, 3 21 year olds, 2 20 year olds and 3 19 year olds. This means there will be a slightly older bench in defence and attack however a 23 and 24 year old midfielder and the sub goalkeeper being the oldest player in the starting squad. Looking at the way McNamara has focused his squad it's clear he wants to play football this season given how he's improved his main defence in both passing and tackling so we could see a lot of playing out from the back and defenders adding goal contrebutions. The back 5 will have a 25 year old in goal. a 25, 2 21 year olds and a 20 year old. In Midfield we have 2 20 year olds and 2 19 year olds and up front a 21 and 23 year old. McNamara said the following after announcing his main squad for the upcoming season.

"People who know me well know I go for youth football and am not scared to play young players. In the way I've organised training for pre-season you'll see i've focused on the youngest players in the squad. This is because I see the future of this club in youth. We've got a number of talented young players who we've focused training on. As you can see from our squad the young players are the ones who have worked the hardest in Training this season meaning that they'll all get opportunities to prove themselves. Going with a young lineup this season does not frighten me as they have 2 experienced players to guide them through and some experience on the bench to. To me these players have worked and improved in pre-season so why should they not be given the opportunity to start the season.

They will be tested by more experienced squads however despite their ages these players have worked hard to improve over the pre-season and have shown that they are not just in the squad to make up numbers. Billy Corns who has come through the clubs academy is one of the most exciting prospects and it's interesting to see how he'll cope along with the other 2 19 year olds in the middle of the park and a 20 year old. Yes this is a young midfield however it's full of energy so I believe it'll cause problems. UP front we have 2 young players and also at the back we have 2 21 year olds a 20 year old and a 25 year old with our goalkeeper being 25 as well. Now we wait to see how they shape up in training and who emerges as a leader so they can be made captain, I know who i've got my eye on for the roll however it will highly depend on who comes out as a clear leader in training which is something i'm going to be watching out for over the next few weeks of pre-season training. I've gone with a younger squad because I believe in their talent and believe they will show hunger and talent and a few teams in this league will under estimate them. It's a bright future here at the Moors and we're looking forward now to getting going."

So despite the young squad the Moors are showing clear ambition to progress this season and here at the club you'll be with us at Journey with the Moors as the sory unfolds. Will McNamara fianlly make Solihull a dominant side in the national league or will his plans be a disaster? Stay with the fanzine as the story unfolds.

With the season now not far away Solihull moors have been training hard and feel the team is finally ready for the start of the campaign. The manager has been working the players hard and feels they are capable of big things. Although it is a young squad they are hard working and clearly ready for this opportunity to show what they are capable of. It is an exciting new era for the Moors with a new manager and a way to really show that a young squad can be successful.

The manager said the following about pre-season so far.

"It has been a fantastic pre-season so far, the players have shown their capabilities and have worked hard. The commitment I have had from everyone since coming in has been amazing, The players have been willing and wanting to be the best they can be. We have also been on a tour and played a couple of games against low level foreign teams and in a tournament that we successfully won. Our two strikers and attacking midfielders will come back very confident as all 4 contributed a lot of goals and assists. Our midfield shown they can dominate games and our defence came back un beaten in the tournament without letting in a single goal. The quality of opposition for this level of football was very high so it was tough to beat all the teams as although all our wins were very convincing the teams made us work for every result. It was a good work out in order for us to get ready for this season, it was also fantastic as we all got the chance to bond together as a squad which is amazing for the players. Although it is a young squad they've all shown ability above their years and are all very hard working. The experienced players in the squad have been helpful and supported them to be the best they can and giving them tips and advice. The older players in the squad have been very supportive of my plans to go with the younger members and have been great mentors."

Solihull will be doing the final preparations for the season over the next week such as training hard and announcing the club captain. Here at the Moors TV we'll bring as much as we can to the fans so please keep tuned and we thank you for your loyalty and support.

Solihull Moors can today confirm that they have submitted 3 bids in the national league auction. The new signing is not lightly to be a first team player however will be a useful adition to provide backup to the rest of the side. This will give the club an option in a position where they are 1 player short. If the player arrives it will also give us a good 7th choice option in a position that is not the strongest. The manager said the following.

"I am very proud of the signing I have managed to bid for, if we manage to get the player we're looking for then it will be a fantastic adition to the squad as it will improve a position where we need a slight improvement as the reserve choice is older. Although the player will be a backup it'll be a good seventh option. The players have really worked hard for me in the pre-season and I am looking forward to us getting started. We're playing a young first team line up however I have every faith in my players and that they can do a really good job for us. We will need to work hard this season."

The moors TV will update the fans when we know the result of the upcoming auction.

Solihull Moors can now announce a new signing for the club. After being successful in the auction we were successful in securing the services of a player and it's a player currently without a club. The moors knew they needed another midfielder so that this position could be added two as we were a player short in this position. We were successful in signing our man so let's introduce him to the fans. Welcome to the Moors Dan Barton.

D_Barton 20 eng 1 2 17 10 26 1 300 700 300

At 20 years old Barton found himself without a club at the beginning of the season, after having him on trial along with our two other potential targets we were impressed with his work ethic and attitude he's also another young player which is something we like here at the moors so there is a chance he might pip one of our other substitute midfielders and end up on the bench however given we developed our own squad this season that's highly un lightly and he'll most lightly have to bide his time as their will be injuries and suspensions throughout the season so he'll get chances. Barton is an attacking midfielder by trade and came through the Cambridge youth system. He's quick and got an eye for goal so he'll be another good adition to the squad and if he proves himself early on he's got every chance of knocking somebody ellse off the bench. He also has fantastic leadership qualities as well so that is something we're really kean to see in action. McNamara said the following about the new signing.

"Dan is a very good player, when we saw he was available along with other midfielders we liked the look of we decided to put in a bid. When he was over on trial with us he knew this was the chance to finally get a club and he shown that during his trial with us. He was hungry and keen to impress and it was clear early on that he wanted this opportunity. He's still only 20 years of age so has a lot of football left and time to develop. We're quite a young side here at the Moors so he fitted the profile of player we were looking for. While he's lightly to have to wait a while before getting a chance due to us having better players and also due to the fact he's not had a pre-season he's a player we have high hopes for and we feel he could push for a spot in the team.

While Dan was not our first choice he's actually better for the profile of player we like to sign so it's worked out well for us as a club. He's a very coachable player and wants to get better in his position. He's quick and has an eye for goal and the ability to pass and run with the ball well, we're excited about what he can bring to the club and it provides competition for our other players in this position."

Barton has signed a 10 season deal at the club and we will here from the new man in a press conference as soon as all the paperwork has been completed and he has arrived at the club. Welcome to the Moors Dan and we wish you a long and successful career with us.

With the season not far from starting, the moors will have to wait for their first appearances of the season due to getting a buy in the cup. Therefor we decided to catch up with young midfielder Billy Corns on his first full season playing in the first team and what he hopes to get from the experience. Corns has worked hard in the pre-season along side Libziuke to become attacking midfielders for the season. Both players on our foreign tour shown what they are capable of and provided huge goal contributions and we're looking forward to seeing how this young midfield will cope in the national league. Corns stated how pleased he was to be being given this opportunity to play in the first team and hopes he can be a key part of it. Corns said the following.

"I am really happy to have the chance to play in the first team this season. I feel I have worked hard for this opportunity to get my chance especially over the pre-season. It was a late start for me coming into football however since I was 16 I have started really enjoying it. Football is fun and exciting and the chance to play for the team I have come through at means a lot. I have done a lot of work this season based on the formation the manager wants to play and where he sees me fitting in.

I liked the fact the manager had a meeting with us all 1 to 1 to get our thoughts and put across where he sees us fitting into the general team and as individual players. It shows me that the manager cares about our ideas and how we see things evolving. It also shows how much he cares about us as people and how we feel counts. Sinse Ian has come in he has really taken all the younger players under his wing and worked really hard with us on our development. For the first time sinse coming through I feel I really have a chance to make a huge difference to this team and feel I can push on and become a better player.

Midfield is a hard position because we are the beat of the team, we are required to contribute in all areas attacking and defending which means we have to be very fit. It's the position where games are often won and lost so their is a lot of pressure for people playing in this position. We are a young midfield this season and I feel in some ways this will help us a lot. We are all fit and young so the game demand should be manageable for us. We also have good options now as well so that will help.

For me personally I want to contribute as much as I can in regards to goal contributions and I am excited to be being given a chance to play in a more forward roll. It is a roll I feel I have proved I can play in pre-season and think this is a great opportunity for me to progress and become a better player. My aim is to become the best player I can and show that my age is not a problem. I am young however I feel I have learned a lot and I feel I am ready for this responsibility."

We're looking forward to seeing how Corns does in his break through season of regular 1st team football, it's always great to see 1 of our own making the 1st team and we wish Billy and his team mates the best for the season. Once the Moors captain is announced you'll here it first here at Journey with the Moors.

With the first game of the season upon us it's time to announce the Moors captain for the upcoming season and our first season in the national league. This was very tough because all our efforts have gone on improving the younger players in pre-season so when we heard the rule was the captain could be no younger than 26 it made it hard given how a captain should be a player who get's an improved rating. However when going back over videos of our training sessions 1 player stood out as a leader given the criteria required for captains. When we looked back over data their was a clear winner and the man chosen weather he makes his main impact from the bench which is highly lightly given we have two younger strikers will be a fantastic leader. Congratulations Conor Wilkinson.

C_Wilkinson 30 IRI 1 3 12 20 21 1 300 300 1

at 30 Wilkinson is reaching the later stages of his career however at 6ft 3 he will give us a fantastic option up front. The Irish man loves the physical side of the game and will be a fantastic mentor to the younger strikers and players in the squad as the Moors line up this season is very young. Along with Clarke, Nickleson and Brown he'll provide much needed experience in the match day squad even if he's lightly to come off the bench which is probably going to be the case given the two younger strikers available are lightly to be the starting 2 however Wilkinson could make great competition as if one of the younger lads fails to hit form quickly the experienced striker will be waiting to pounce. McNamara said the following about his choice.

"This was a very hard choice to make given the restrictions placed on us in regards to the captain selection rules. I have focused all my efforts on the younger players this season which meant I had to rethink a plan i'd had to make Cian captain to make him the same rating as the other starting midfielders in the squad. However when I looked closely at the pre-season training sessions and data I realised one player had stood out as a leader from the start which in the end made my choice very easy. Conor has been a great leader throughout pre-season so when I looked and saw making him captain would improve his skills it was a no brainer. Conor is a fantastic striker and although he will lightly be our third option given we have two younger strikers he'll be a fantastic option, it also means Sem and Calum will need to be on their tows because if one of them does not hit form quickly Conor will be ready. Conor also gives us a different option up front if we need to play more direct due to his height. Conor has been totally committed to helping me improve the younger players during pre-season, he's mentored them and given them advice on how to best play their position. I feel this is a great opportunity for him at his age to show what he's capable of as a leader."

Wilkinson said the following after the announcement of his appointment as captain.

"This is a great honour for me to be captain of the team, I know I am 3rd choice and the manager made that clear from the start however to pick me as captain means he believes in me. A captain is not just a player on the pitch they are also a leader off the pitch as well. However I am used weather it's for a full game or 20 minutes or however long I will show 100% commitment in every single game and their will be injuries and suspensions throughout the season so when and if that happens to 1 of the starting strikers I've then got to show I am capable of being that starting striker and make it hard for that player to get back into the team. My job as captain is to set a good example on and off the pitch, that means turning up to training on time, training with full commitment and effort, showing the younger players how to best play their positions as forwards and when I get onto the pitch leading from the front. The fact the manager chose me shows that although he sees me as third choice he still believes in my ability and what I can do. As a captain you have to show good behaviour and conduct at all times or else how can you expect younger players to follow your example. I'm looking forward to the first game against Buxton and feel it's a chance for us to make a good start to the season."

The Moors first game will be live on Moors tv from eight PM onwards however given it's a home game we look forward to seeing as many fans who can make it as possible. Congratulations Conor on your new roll as captain and we wish you good luck for the upcoming season.

So here we are and welcome to game day, The Moors season begins here at our home ground where we will be welcoming Buxton who will be our first visitors this season. Neither team played in the cup mid week as both had a buy so both squads will be fresh, looking at the two squads Buxton had the same idea as us and worked on the younger members of their squad so both sides will be full of youth and lack of fear. This could be a very exciting game between two young squads. Buxton have got quality all over the pitch as have we as both sides attempted to ensure their was quality all round. The game is set to be interesting and I suspect these two young sides are going to want to prove they are not here to make up the numbers however to challenge for honours. McNamara said the following.

"Well all the work is now done and our team has been submitted so now it's up to the players. The first game of a new season is always exciting and everyone is really up for the challenge. One thing I have to say here is the players have shown massive commitment and openness to my ideas sinse I arrived at the club. Every single player has worked hard in training and proved they want to be here at the club and are up for the season ahead. Not one player has moaned or complained about anything and any suggestions that have been given have been done with thought and respect which is something I am very grateful for. It is nice we did not have a cup game this week as it enabled us to get extra training and the same for Buxton as well. I am eager for my players to go out their tonight and really show what they can do.

I am pleased to say we have a fully fit squad available to us, the only player who is not available is Dan Barton as their is still paperwork being completed regarding his transfer so he's lightly to arrive at the weekend so will miss this game. All the players are ready and now it's a case of them showing what they've got. Buxton like us are a young side as well and their being managed by a top manager so this will be a fun match."

Vice captain Billy Corns said the following.

"The lads are really looking forward to the game tonight, every single player has trained hard this week and since being announced as captain Conor has been amazing along with the coaching team getting us ready. To be picked as vice captain at such a young age is amazing and I'll do my best to lead well when Conor is not on the field. Buxton have a fantastic young team as well and we'll have some good match ups all over the field. Playing for my local club means the world to me and I will be giving it my best shot. This promises to be an exciting season, we are a young squad however we feel we have the ability to do well."

The Moors TV will have the whole match live from 8 PM. If your able and local please get down to the ground to support the lads. This promises to be an exciting start to a new season and we'll do our best to provide match reactions after the game.

SO in the first game of the national league season Solihull Moors came out comfortable 3-1 Winners against Buxton. Even after Buxton got the goal back at 2-1 the moors never looked shaken and continued their positive way of playing. Billy Corns caught the eye scoring two goals and Riley got the other one. The whole team worked well together and while the chances for our strikers were limited it did not affect the team as our midfielders stepped up and all four had shots on goal and contributed. Our subs when they came on also made useful impacts especially the midfielders and Conor Wilkinson up front. McNamara said the following about the result.

"I could not be prouder of my young team today. All of them were mature and professional and played the game I asked them to play. Buxton's young striker Tomlinson was a threat through out however our defence and goalkeeper ensured he only got 1 goal. Billy especially was amazing and although he did not score Darious supported him well. The two centre midfielders were a threat throughout and all of them were making a huge effort. We did not play as well as I would have liked at the top end of the pitch however the midfielders contrebuting the way they did helped as it meant that did not affect us baddly as we were still creating chances. I am so pleased for Billy getting his two goals, that's fantastic for one of our own to contrebute in such a meaningful way for his first game of the season. The players did everything i'd asked them to do in training and implimented our game plan very well. We know their will be other difficult games and we still hav a long way to go in the season however I am confident we can really do well in the league."

So can the young guns continue the great form they've shown so far, we'll need to wait for the next game to find out. keep an eye on journey with the moors where we will bring you more reaction as it comes to what was a fantastic Moors performance.