Yesterday Solihull Moors confirmed the shock departure of goalkeeper Tommy Simkin after he was recalled by Stoke City, leaving the side without a recognised first-choice goalkeeper, but who could Andy Whing’s men target as a replacement?
The 18-year-old had played a major role for the National League side after arriving on a season-long loan deal from Championship side Stoke, replacing the departed Ryan Boot who has since linked up with league leaders Chesterfield on a free transfer.
Since his arrival during the summer transfer window, Simkin made 20 appearances in all competitions and kept six clean sheets in total. His final match for the football club was last weekend’s FA Cup defeat against League One side Bolton Wanderers, in which the shot-stopper saved a Dion Charles penalty despite a heavy defeat.
As a result of his impressive performances, Simkin was also selected to represent the England U20s during the upcoming international break, meaning he was in line to miss Solihull’s National League fixture against Maidenhead United next weekend.
The reasoning behind Stoke City’s decision boiled down to an injury to backup goalkeeper Frank Fielding whilst the Potters had also suffered a similar blow to Solihull after Mark Travers was surprisingly recalled by AFC Bournemouth two weeks ago.
Simkin is set to travel with the squad to face Coventry City in the Championship on Saturday afternoon whilst Solihull Moors travel to Dagenham & Redbridge without a recognised first-choice goalkeeper.
After a busy summer, we are unclear as to whether Solihull Moors have the budget to pull off a transfer coup or even whether Simkin could return to the club once Fielding returns from his injury for the Potters, but with that being said let’s take a look at five potential options for Andy Whing’s side…
Tiernan Brooks – Notts County
Following the young-goalkeeper trend, Notts County are set to welcome back Tiernan Brooks to the squad after his spell with Irish side Cork City has concluded, following their relegation from the League Of Ireland last night.
The 21-year-old joined Cork City on a loan deal in July and made a handful of appearances for the club, as well as making his Republic Of Ireland U21s debut earlier this year. Brooks has had experience in both the National League North, National League and League Of Ireland and his next step would be another National League loan as he is unlikely to feature at Notts County currently.
With Brooks being based in the Midlands and potentially having his heart set on continuing his run of games, the opportunity to move to Solihull Moors could prove to be the perfect next step for all parties involved in the deal.
Jack Rose – Sutton United
Moving onto another experienced option, Solihull-born Jack Rose could prove to be an option for Andy Whing’s side after he has fallen out of favour at League Two side Sutton United, with the 28-year-old having not featured since the end of September.
Rose has first-team experience with the likes of Sutton United, Accrington Stanley and Walsall, keeping 20 clean sheets in the process, despite spending the majority of his career as a number two. Rose began the season as Sutton United’s first-team goalkeeper but was dropped following a string of defeats in league action.
An opportunity to bring EFL experience into promotion chasing Solihull Moors could prove to be too difficult to turn down and I am almost certain that the goalkeeper would jump at the opportunity to return to Solihull as a first-choice goalkeeper whether it’s either a loan or permanent move.
Dan Lincoln – Free Agent
Marking the mid-way point of my suggestions, goalkeeper Dan Lincoln would prove to be one of the cheaper options on this list due to him still being without a football club after he opted to leave fellow National League side Dorking Wanderers in June.
The 28-year-old has spent almost his entire career in the Non-League scene, despite kicking off his journey with League One side Reading. Lincoln joined Dorking Wanderers in December 2021 and played a crucial role in their promotion into the National League as well as impressing last season as the club avoided relegation.
Unlike some of the options on this list, Lincoln would be a permanent move to Solihull Moors which also opens the door for the club to potentially welcome Tommy Simkin back to the club at a later point during the season and it would also be an affordable avenue for the club to explore.
Rory Watson – York City
Despite joining his home town club in the summer, goalkeeper Rory Watson has had a difficult spell with the club so far, falling behind the likes of David Stockdale in the club’s pecking order even despite the departure of former teammate Ryan Whitley.
The 27-year-old has been limited to just two first-team appearances for York City so far this season but has also featured in both the EFL and National League for the likes of Scunthorpe United, Wrexham and Doncaster Rovers. This level of experience going into a young Solihull Moors side could be exactly what they need to steer themselves back on track.
If a club like Solihull Moors offered Watson the opportunity to play regular first-team football once again, it would be very hard to turn down even despite playing for his hometown club. Former Solihull Moors boss Neal Ardley and captain Callum Howe could prove vital in the player’s decision should the club consider exploring this avenue.
Filip Marschall – Aston Villa U21s
My final option for Solihull Moors is Aston Villa U21s goalkeeper Filip Marschall who is back at the Premier League side, following his loan spell with fellow National League side Gateshead last season where he kept eight clean sheets in 20 league appearances as the club completed the ‘great escape’ under Mike Williamson.
This season, Marschall has featured three times for Villa during the club’s EFL Trophy campaign and has also been a regular in the club’s UEFA Conference League match-day squad as well as three call-ups to the first-team bench during the Premier League, suggesting the 20-year-old is extremely high-rated at Villa Park.
Marschall wasn’t involved when Aston Villa faced Solihull Moors in pre-season, but given he’s a local lad and has National League experience, this seems like a no-brainer as well as it being a realistic and ideal replacement for Tommy Simkin moving forward.
Solihull Moors fans, Would you take any of these five goalkeepers or is there someone else you have in mind?