National League side release 16 players – leaving fans shocked

National League side Solihull Moors have announced the release of 16 players from their squad as they prepare for the 2020/21 season.

The non league club finished the suspended campaign in 8th position, a place outside the playoffs, with 55 points from 38 games.

Chairman Darryl Eales said: “This is always a tough time of the year when difficult decisions are taken in respect of players – and this is all the more so, given the challenging circumstances that everyone is experiencing.

“I would first like to thank all players who we have released for their contribution to Moors and we wish them well for the future.

“We are delighted with the quality of the group of players who are being retained and we will continue to look to strengthen the squad over the summer. We want to ensure we are ready to go as soon as it is safe to play football and the new season starts.”

They say goodbye to Nathan Blissett, George Carline, Callum Coyle, Harry Flowers, Terry Hawkridge, Luke Maxwell, Jordan Murphy, Ryan Nesbitt, Jamie Reckord, Shaun Rowley, Matt Stenson, Dan Sweeney, Lee Vaughan, Danny Wright and Andy Wycherley.

Darren Carter is also out of contract, but the club is hopeful that he will remain at Moors.

Contracts have been offered to Ryan Boot, Tyrone Williams and Ben Usher-Shipway. Meanwhile, Football and Education student Melis Bushaj has been offered his first professional contract.

PLAYERS UNDER CONTRACT

James Ball
Jake Beesley
Alex Gudger
Mitch Hancox
Callum Howe
Paul McCallum
Jamey Osborne
Adam Rooney
Kyle Storer

RE-ENGAGEMENT – ENTERED INTO NEGOTIATIONS/CONTRACT OFFERED

Ryan Boot
Melis Bushaj
Tyrone Williams
Ben Usher-Shipway

PLAYERS OUT OF CONTRACT AND RELEASED

Nathan Blissett
George Carline
Darren Carter
Callum Coyle
Harry Flowers
Terry Hawkridge
Luke Maxwell
Jordan Murphy
Ryan Nesbitt
Jamie Reckord
Shaun Rowley
Matt Stenson
Dan Sweeney
Lee Vaughan
Danny Wright
Andy Wycherley

LOAN PLAYERS RETURNING TO PARENT CLUBS FOLLOWING END OF LOAN CONTRACT

Geraldo Bajrami
Dan Jones

Fans reacted on Twitter after seeing the National League side release 16 players…

Ryan Nesbitts a baller his left foots a wand, remember watching him at @shawburyutd as a 16yr old

— Wellington Amateurs (@wellyams) May 8, 2020

Surprised Reckord has been told to leave.

— Dale Ash (@discoDA1875) May 8, 2020

FAO of @khfcofficial some great players there ?

— Nathan (@Nathan94Matthew) May 8, 2020

Massive W
Time for a rebuild and get to the football league
UTFM

— ?Ben? (@BenproSMMU) May 8, 2020

Sad to see @GeorgeCarline & Jamie Reckford leaving. George has been a good servant to the club and always gave 100% whatever position he played in. Also felt Reckford was one of the best left backs in the league.

— woodyboy (@72jamesk) May 8, 2020

Wow. Shan really setting down his stamp. Like it. New era

— Dom Phillips (@DomPhillipsCSGO) May 8, 2020

Some really good people leaving the club on that list. Best wishes fellas ??

— Ian Hutton (@Ian10Hutton) May 8, 2020

Hope we don’t get Vaughan back but a few good players on that list for sure.

— Simon Guest (@kiddyguest) May 8, 2020

Harsh on reckford and stenson that

— Hayden Froggatt (@FroggattHayden) May 8, 2020

Going to be a busy summer!

— Simon Cooper (@CoachCooper5) May 8, 2020

Going to be a massive rebuild then……

— Kieran Lynch (@KieranBcfc89) May 8, 2020

Surprised as a Moors fan to say the least of how many were realised. However, we need to trust Shan and what the club want for the future. A massive rebuild is needed, or Shan already has plans. Trust in the process here. New Era?

— Paulinho Hasker (@PaulinhoHasker1) May 8, 2020

Harsh on Reckord

— Liam ?? #StayAtHome (@Liam3617) May 8, 2020

Shocked at a few here ???

— New Dales Vale Reserves FC (@NewDalesValeRes) May 8, 2020

Couple of harsh ones on the released list there

— Daniel Gray (@DanGray94) May 8, 2020