Top talent Sbarra up for grabs

By Rio Blackburn

JOE SBARRA is set to be the subject of a summer transfer tug-of-war after he was surprisingly released by Solihull Moors this week.

The 25-year-old playmaker was a fans’ favourite at Damson Park after making 149 appearances in a five-year spell with Moors, scoring 36 goals.

But the former Burton Albion youngster –who missed the first half of the season after suffering a heart issue last summer – was named among t e n Moors players to leave the club this summer in the wake of their heartbreaking penalty shootout defeats in both the Promotion Final to Bromley and FA Trophy final to Gateshead at Wembley six days later.

Championship club Blackburn Rovers are said to be leading the chase for the diminutive midfielder with several other EFL clubs also interested.

Joining Sbarra out of the exit door at Moors is former Wolves and Ipswich defender Richard Stearman, Max Brogan, Jack Myatt, Harry Chesterton, Luke Carsley, Finn Barker, Leo Wood, Taylor Eades and Ashton DeMulder.

Experienced striker Mark Beck, who scored twice in last week’s FA Trophy defeat, is also available for transfer, along with midfielder Gus Mafuta and striker Connor Hall.

Director of Football Stephen Ward said: “I’d like to personally thank each and every player for their efforts during the past season and I wish those who will not continue with us all the best for the future.

“The players who remain under contract and those who have been offered new deals represent a great starting point for the 2024/25 season.

“We will be building around them as we look to improve year on year in line with the football culture and strategy that we have put in place.

“We will now look to implement our recruitment process during this off season as we look to freshen up the squad and build on the foundations of the 2023/24 season.”

SHOCK DEPARTURE: Joe Sbarra has been surprisingly released by Solihull Moors

PICTURE: Alamy