Kevin Wilkin has moved to strengthen his AFC Telford United squad, adding the vastly experienced Kyle Storer.
The move is still subject to league and FA approval, meaning that although Kyle will be present at this evening’s game with Coalville Town, he is not currently available for selection.
Kyle’s former club Nuneaton Borough, where he had been player-manager for the last few weeks, resigned from the Southern League last week.
The unusual circumstances mean that the Southern League have sought clarification from the Football Association regarding the status of Kyle and several other contracted players from the club before allowing them to join new clubs.
Although Kyle is eager to start contributing to the team and has trained with the squad, it is only possible to formally add him to the squad once everything has been made official and his registration is complete.
The untimely and regrettable demise of the Warwickshire club presented an opportunity for Kevin Wilkin to reunite with Kyle, one that both parties were eager to take:
Kevin acted quickly to gain Kyle’s signature and explained what qualities he felt Kyle would bring to the Bucks’ dressing room:
“Kyle’s one that may be moving on in years (36), but his organisational skills are right up there with what we need and probably an ingredient we can improve on within the group. We’re doing alright at the moment, but his understanding of how to win and manage games can hopefully rub off on some of the younger players and make them understand. He’s ruthless in those situations. I think we have a similar philosophy on the game; he wants to do things right, he’ll be good around the changing room, and I’m just looking forward to working with him again.”
Kyle was an integral part of the Nuneaton side managed by Kevin following the club’s demotion in the early 2000s. Boro won two promotions in three seasons between 2008 and 2010 to regain its place in the Conference North, and Kyle, nicknamed ‘Stoz’, established himself as a central midfield player with an eye for the occasional goal. Among his teammates was the current Bucks’ assistant manager, Mark Noon.
Kyle’s performances led to a move to Kidderminster Harriers in 2011. He spent four years at Aggborough before reuniting for a brief spell with Kevin at Wrexham in 2015.
The following season, Kyle joined Cheltenham Town and made over 100 appearances for the Robins, helping them to regain a place in the EFL by winning the National League.
A return to the Midlands followed, and Kyle joined Solihull Moors in 2018; he spent five years with the Moors, being appointed captain for the 2018/19 season and making over 200 appearances for the club, the pinnacle being leading the team out for the 2021/22 promotion play-off final at the London Stadium.
During that spell, Kyle also racked up his 700th appearance of a career that began with Bedworth United and included stays at Tamworth, Hinckley United and Atherstone Town before his switch to Nuneaton in 2008.
Whilst no one at AFC Telford United takes any pleasure from the situation, we are pleased to have the unexpected opportunity to add a player with Kyle’s experience and leadership qualities to our group.
We welcome Kyle as a Buck and hope to receive confirmation of his registration soon.
