Moors have held off competition from rival clubs to secure the signature of highly experienced midfielder Matty Dolan on a permanent deal following his departure from Hartlepool United.
Boss Graeme Lee, who worked with Dolan as a youngster when he was at Middlesbrough, has moved quickly to persuade the 31-year-old that his future lies at The Brewery Field.
The versatile Dolan, who has amassed over 400 senior appearances during a career played predominantly at EFL level, will combine his playing duties with a coaching role within the Club’s Academy, developing the next generation of Moors stars.
“I first worked with Matty almost 15 years ago when he was coming through and since then he’s gone on to gain a wealth of experience in the professional game,” Lee told us.
“He’s played in League One and League Two and worn the captain’s armband for much of that, so he’s bringing real quality and knowhow to our squad.
“Matty is a real leader of men, and I think the level of experience he has in the game is something we will definitely benefit from.
“I know other clubs were interested in signing him but for us to clinch the deal to bring him here is a real statement and I think he can have a massive influence, on and off the pitch.”
Hartlepool-born Dolan initially came through the ranks at The Riverside Stadium, gaining First Team experience during loan spells at Yeovil Town, Hartlepool United and Bradford City.
In 2014 he made a permanent switch to Bradford but again spent time on loan with Pools before returning to Yeovil where he cemented his status as a big fans’ favourite.
Dolan was a regular for The Glovers, playing almost 100 times before opting to move on to Newport County in 2017 where he played a central role as the club reached the Fifth Round of the FA Cup where they were beaten by Manchester City.
The following year Dolan’s influence in South Wales grew and he scored the winning penalty in their shootout victory over Mansfield Town which sent them to the League Two Play-Off Final where they narrowly missed out on promotion at Wembley.
Blessed with a wonderful left foot, Dolan continued to be one of the mainstays of the County side as they returned to the Play-Off Final in 2020/21. They once again suffered heartbreak in a 1-0 loss to Morecambe, but Dolan went on to be named as the club’s Player of the Year.
Dolan returned to his hometown to sign for Pools at the beginning of 2023 but was allowed to leave this month in a bid to find more regular First Team football.
His move has been confirmed by the FA and National League, meaning he is now free to make his debut for Moors in Saturday’s game against Blyth Spartans at The Brewery Field.
