KEEPER Ryan Boot has signed for Solihull Moors – just weeks after he was surprisingly released by the Damson Park club.
The 26-year-old fans' favourite had chalked up nearly 150 appearances in his three years at the club and he was shown the door after being voted player of the year by fans.
“I was told that the gaffer wanted to look at the goalkeeping department but I'm glad that everything is sorted now,” Boot said. “I've been there three years and not missed a league game so it was a no-brainer when they said they wanted me back and we got the deal done as quick as we could.”
In fact the only senior match missed by the ex-Port Vale shot-stopper was an FA Trophy tie back in 2019 – and he had a good excuse.
“I missed the Darlington game because I had a crash on the way and my car went up in flames!” he said. “I managed to get there just as they kicked off but (manager) Tim Flowers put me on the bench. I got there as soon as I could!”
It was Flowers who first signed Boot and the pair have kept in touch even though the keeper has since served under Jimmy Shan and Mark Yates with Neal Ardley now taking the reins.
Boot said: “It's not bad being signed by a former England keeper and he still phones up to see how I've got on. It was great to work with him when I arrived because he was doing the sessions in pre-season with me and Nathan Vaughan. He helped with other aspects of the game as well – the mentality of when you make a mistake.
“I've been lucky because I've also worked with Acko (Darren Acton) and Pooley (Kevin Poole). Both have a load of experience and I think Pooley was still playing when he was about 47 so if I have half the career he's had I'll be happy.”
