SOLIHULL Moors have allowed star striker Andrew Dallas to join National League rivals Chesterfield on loan until the end of the season.
Dallas is the club’s top scorer this season with 14 goals in all competitions but with the striker keen to play in the Football League next season, Moors have allowed him to join the promotion-chasing Spireites.
His departure comes after talented midfielder Ryan Barnett left to join title hopefuls Wrexham last month having turned down the offer of a new deal at the ARMCO Arena.
Following the news of Dallas’s departure, Moos chairman Darryl Eales released a statement in an attempt to ease supporters’ concerns after the club allowed two of their star players to join divisional rivals.
Eales said: “Both Ryan and Andrew made it clear that they wanted to play in the EFL next season – and sadly, we are unlikely to match this ambition in the short term.
“Our response has, therefore, been pragmatic and we have sought to maximise the revenue opportunity for the club whilst meeting the aspirations of players who have served the club well.
“This will ensure we preserve resources so that we can hopefully maintain the playing budget and have a real go at making the play-offs next season.
“Firstly, and most importantly, the ambition of the club to achieve league status remains undiminished.
“However, we need to be realistic and that we balance the short and medium-term priorities and ensure the long-term sustainability of the club.
“As an ambitious, but relatively young and fast developing club, we are still building our supporter base and the general awareness of the club and are at a relative disadvantage to some of our larger competitors.
“We have achieved much over the last five years, including further professionalising the club and building our infrastructure, moving us ever closer to making our promotion dream a reality.
“But, whether we like it or not, economics are a reality of sport and hitherto the clubs playing budget is effectively funded each year by shareholders and sponsors.
“This will need to continue for the foreseeable future.
“Frankly, this season has not gone to plan and, unfortunately, our play-off ambitions are unlikely to be realised this season.
“Therefore, all attention is now focused on finishing this season strongly, with players committed to the club and preparing for next season.”
