All 6 new signings have an average age of 19, three have just left Solihull Moors after their contracts expired. There are two current Solihull Moors Academy players, and finally a right back who at 21 years old has captained his club for the past two season in the Midland Premier Division

The first two are names you will know well, both have now left Solihull Moors when their contracts ended at the end of last season, please welcome back firstly.

Harry Chesterton
After a really successful loan spell for the last 3 months of last season, we made Harry an offer to stay at the club once he knew his time at Solihull Moors had come to an end when the club decided not to take up their option for another contract. He spent three seasons playing for Aston Villa as a youth before moving onto Walsall for another three seasons before moving to Solihull Moors at 16 years old.

Dean said about Harry “I thought he was the best left back in the division last season, and to be able to sign him at such a key time when we were looking to push on for the play offs was in my mind significant. He has worked with us throughout pre-season and has settled in really well to the group. We hope he continues his speedy development; he will have a big part to play this coming season”.

Next up is goalkeeper Jack Myatt.

Jack’s contract at Solihull Moors was also not renewed, and Dean moved very quickly to get Jack once Tom Allsopp had decided to move on. Jack played for the club in the 2022/23 season on loan from Solihull and was in outstanding form, making many invaluable saves at crucial times in games to either secure win’s or draws. Jack played a big part in our fourth placed finish in our first season in the Midland Football League Premier Division.

Jack’s football career started at Coventry City where he spent four years playing the academy; learning his trade. After being released at 16 Solihull Moors saw his potential, they signed him up and Jak was involved with the first team sitting on the bench in the 2021/22 season. He made his full debut on 6th August 2022 in a 4-1 at Aldershot Town, that season he went onto make a further two first team appearances

On signing Jack Dean Gill said “After the goalkeeping issues we had before Tom Allsopp joined us, I did not want to go through that again this season. I learnt some very valuable lesson’s and we could just not go through that again this coming season. Jack was outstanding the season before last, and as well as distribution I always look for a goalkeeper to be in credit throughout the season, in other words they either save or win us points by their performances. Last time Jack was with us I am sure we were 10-12 points better off because of saves made at important times. Jack has picked up an injury in pre-season which has hampered his preparations, and we are hopeful he will be fully recovered in a few weeks”.

The last ex Solihull Moors pro is Taylor Eades
Taylor has played against us many times, not only for Solihull Moors but he has played for Studley over the past two seasons. A very highly thought of right back, who many think has a great future in the game and will benefit from playing at step 4

“Taylor is an exciting prospect” Manager Dean Gill said yesterday. Taylor is a proper defender, I am really looking forward to working with him and see how we can develop him as a player and person.

Sam Smith
An 18 year old tall centre half who has impressed during pre-season and is part of Solihull Moors Academy set up. Sam has been in and around the squad for a good few weeks training and playing regularly. allowing him to grow into the group his performances show he has enjoyed his time with us so far. Just over 6 foot tall Sam is very quick across the turf and has a presence in the air. As he gets older his physical strength will grow allowing for more improvement.

“I am delighted Sam has agreed to join us, said Dean, he is a talent and definitely one to watch for the future. The more time he spends with us will be to his and Solihull Moors benefit, who better to learn off than club captain Alex Foreshaw and Ben Podmore.

Seb Pearsall
Another Solihull Moors Academy player. Seb really impressed in his first game for the club against AFC Telford. He could have had a roasting that evening from one of the top wide players at step 3 in Remi Walker. But Seb grew into the game and certainly had a exceptional game sparking the managers interest. Seb who had an extended trial at Birmingham City as a youth joined Moors as a 16 tear old in October 2022, since them he has been a member of the Elite Academy under the watchful eye of Academy Manager Mike Fowler the same as all the other Solihull Moor youngsters that have joined us in the last few weeks.

On signing Seb Dean said, if Seb wants a football career he’ll have one that’s how good this boy is, he will need to show he has the temperament to match his ability to have a successful season with us.

Finally, the club are delighted to welcome Zacharias (Zack) Kourouyianni. Who has joined us from Tividale.

Zacharias is a 21-year-old defender at home anywhere on the defensive line, at Tividale he mostly played at right back, but as many of you have seen during pre-season Zacharias is more than at home in central defence. For the past two season he was also captain at Tividale, so he certainly has experience beyond his years. His no-nonsense selfless approach so far has made him a firm favourite within the squad, always happy to do the thing others don’t, he is always ready to roll his sleeves up and get on with things, another big asset is his vision and passing ability which has come to the fore in recent weeks.

Dean said on signing Zack “He is a player that we have looked at for quite a while, I have been really impressed so far with his application and work ethic and he will be someone that develops as the season goes on, Zack will give us plenty of defensive options something we have not had for a while. I am looking forward to working with him this season.”