MARCUS BIGNOT has bitten back at budget speculation suggesting Solihull Moors are throwing money they don’t have at promotion – and backed Darryl Knights to continue to fill Omar Bogle’s scoring boots.
The Moors have been the subject of much close-season eyebrow raising after making some high-profile new additions.
Their impressive start to the new campaign hasn’t quietened the discussion surrounding what they’re paying out but Bignot has been quick to play down complaints that his club are spending beyond their means.
Building
Solihull are top after fine National League North wins against title hopefuls Boston United and AFC Fylde as well as Saturday’s victory at Stalybridge.
They also claimed a late draw at FA Trophy winners North Ferriby and last Tuesday beat Worcester City 3-0.
Knights scored at Stalybridge to take his tally to five already this season but Bignot is aware people are talking about their resources and not their results following a great start and a flawless pre-season.
He told The NLP: “What people don’t see is that we have been building our club up for the past five years, more so in the last three.
“We have a café up and running at the ground and an injury clinic too which earns us income. We spend what we are getting in, and over the past few seasons we’ve broken even every year.
“We have a good budget, but it’s a top-half budget – not one which should be winning promotion. People are quick to judge.”
Many thought Moors would miss the goals of Bogle, 22, after 29 in the Conference North last year but so far you wouldn’t know the forward left for Grimsby back in June.
They were the top scoring side in the first five games with 14 and the manager is happy his forward line are spreading the load.
“We’re sharing the responsibility,” the 40-year-old said. “We’ve had six different scorers and Darryl has five goals already – it’s been a good start.
“We knew we couldn’t replace Omar like-for-like. He’s a one off, so we knew we had to play a different way and find other players’ strength.
“Darryl is one of those who has benefitted. Having been with us for a while now we know what he’s all about and we’re getting the best out of him.
“We signed 11 new players in the summer and retained seven of last season’s squad. They’ve blended well so far but as everyone knows it’s too early to judge where we’re at. We’re evolving as a team and that’s exciting.”
