SOLIHULL Moors have confirmed they will compete in the National League Cup – with a tie against a Manchester United team included.
The competition sees Enterprise League clubs playing against Premier League 2 sides and Championship teams in a series of midweek games.
Moors will play against Everton, Burnley, Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United in the group games, aiming to reach the knockout stages.
All four of the group games will be played at Damson Parkway.
Moors chairman Darry Eales told the Moors’ official website: “Last season, we opted out of the competition as we were unclear on how the competition format would operate.
“Having spoken to a number of clubs who did participate, the view was generally positive about the competition and the relatively flexible rules regarding team selection.
“On this basis, and with further development of the rules and the match schedule, one extra game per month pre-Christmas, we felt that participating was justified, especially in developing our younger players.”
Moors have also signed Darius Lipsiuc, who has joined on loan from Stoke City.
Midfielder Lipsiuc, 19, was born in Dublin and is an Ireland Under-21 international, moving from St Patrick’s to Stoke in the summer of 2024 and making his senior debut in the Carabao Cup against Fleetwood.
He joined Walsall on loan at the end of last season and Moors’ Head Coach Matt Taylor is looking forward to working with him:
Taylor said: “He’s a real prospect. A lot of clubs were monitoring his progress in Ireland and, having chosen Stoke, he has been well looked after.
“He’s a regular member of the Republic of Ireland U-21 squad and will be looking to get regular senior football to develop his game as he enters the next stage of his career.
“He has plenty of energy, he likes to get on the ball and makes things happen. We are delighted that he chose to join Solihull ahead of potential league moves and we are looking forward to working with him.”
Lipsiuc said: “It’s a great set-up and I’m really excited to be here.
“The way the manager likes to play should really suit my style, and there are some really good players here.
“Everything I have seen here points towards a club aiming for success, and I’d love to play a part in getting us there.”
