LIAM MCDONALD certainly didn’t have to wait long to realise the step up he had made after agreeing to become Solihull Moors‘ new manager.
The 31-year-old left Evo-Stik NPL Premier side Hednesford last Monday to make the two-division jump to the Moors, just four years after hanging his boots up to move into management.
He met his new players for the first time on Tuesday just before their FA Cup first round replay against League Two side Yeovil – which they won on penalties.
McDonald faced a 380-mile round trip as the Moors visited Barrow on Saturday and another 360 miles were travelled on Tuesday night as Solihull went to Torquay.
The new boss admits it’s been a draining week but says he hasn’t been able to wipe the smile off his face since taking over at Damson Park.
The ex-Redditch chief, who replaces Marcus Bignot following his move to Grimsby Town, told The NLP: “I’m confident in myself. It’s a big challenge, but it’s one I’m really excited by.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to develop as a manager and I want to add to what Marcus has achieved because he’s left the club in a great position. It has been a long week or so for me as I had to think about whether it was the right move at the right time.
“I’m an ambitious guy and want to compete at the highest level – Solihull are the best Midlands club in Non-League.
“It was disappointing to leave Hednesford as I hadn’t been there for long, but it was too good an opportunity to turn down.”
McDonald only had time for a brief chat with the Solihull squad before arguably the biggest game in the club’s history last Tuesday night.
It turned out to be an evening to remember for the new boss as Moors knocked out Yeovil on penalties to set up a trip to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town.
“It’s actually the first game I’ve ever won in the FA Cup as a manager!” McDonald, who will work alongside experienced former Birmingham City head coach Keith Bertschin, said.
“I’ve got a terrible record, but now I’m in the second round having only won one game! It’s a fantastic opportunity to go to Luton. We’ll go and enjoy it by putting in a professional performance.”
