Knowle confirm four pre-season friendlies after league switch - including Solihull Moors clash

Knowle FC are pleased to confirm four pre-season fixtures in preparation for our first-ever campaign in the United Counties League (UCL) Premier Division South, including an exciting clash with National League side Solihull Moors.

It was made official yesterday that we are one of nine clubs making the switch to the UCL Premier Division South ahead of 2026/27, a year in which we will make plenty of journeys we have never made before.

Our new league consists of 20 teams - only two fewer than Midland Football League Division One, the league we won in emphatic fashion last season - many of whom we have no previous experience against.

Fresh off the back of a historic season which saw us lift three trophies, secure back-to-back promotions in style, and register a record-breaking winning run of 21 league matches, we are keen to carry that momentum into the UCL.

Pre-season kicks off with a trip to Boldmere St. Michaels on Thursday, July 2 (7:45pm), before we host Moors at Hampton Road the following Tuesday (July 7, 7:45pm).

AFC Solihull then host us on Saturday, 18 July (3:00pm), before Central Ajax do the same seven days later.

On the intriguing development of us joining the UCL, Club Chairman Stuart Lanyon said: “Clearly, it’s a step up - when you look at the league that’s been formed, there are a number of very well-known teams in there with long histories, who have played at this level for a very long time.

“It will undoubtedly be a challenge, but an exciting challenge.”

This follows the exciting news of top scorer Talib Copeland committing to Knowle for 2026/27.

Prolific forward Copeland netted 34 times and provided 15 assists during our title-winning campaign, and will be looking to carry that form into a new challenge as we gear up for our first-ever season at Step Five level.

Stuart commented: “There is no doubt that the unit built by Matt and Clive (joint-managers) this season is an incredibly strong unit and, whilst Talib has delivered a significant number of goals and assists - and generated several penalties that Morty (Connor Mort) has been able to slot away - his value is actually enhanced by continuing to be a part of this team.

“His teammates know how he plays, and he knows how they play. The lads in the team this season quickly got used to his style - where he’s likely to be, the sort of assists he needs to be able to latch onto - so he’s an integral part of the team.”

Stuart is also ecstatic at the idea of hosting a club the size of Moors at our Hampton Road home, where floodlights were unveiled just last November after months of hard work.

Moors came desperately close to the EFL when they took Bromley all the way to penalties in the play-off final after an enthralling 2-2 draw at Wembley Stadium only two years ago, so their decision to face a side who were playing in the 11th tier as recently as last year highlights just how far the club has come.

On the prospect of a friendly with Moors, he said: “Most of the clubs in the area looked at them and followed their progress all the way through the National League system.

“There’s no doubt that they are the club that all other non-league clubs in the area aspire to be, so it’s very exciting that we’re coming into that reach where it’s worthwhile them having a friendly with us.”

He added: “I’m looking forward to hosting a Step One (National League) side at Hampton Road with the new lights and new set-up that has been invested in over the last nine months.”

We look forward to competing in the UCL, with further pre-season announcements to follow in due course.

Up The Robins!