NO fewer than 1,300 fans watched on as Jersey’s own, Sol Solomon, got off the mark for new club Marine last weekend.
The Bulls record goalscorer departed the Island last month after amassing 60 goals in just 71 appearances.
Marine represents a big step up for the local star with the team currently playing in the Northern Premier League, at Step 3 in the English football pyramid.
The Merseyside outfit was founded in 1894, and the Caesarean has been amazed ‘by how passionate the local fans are’.
‘We were playing a side bottom of the table [Whitby Town] and were had 1,300 people out watching.
‘It’s incredible to see how passionate they are and the support shown for grassroots football.’
The resurgence of viewing numbers in the lower leagues has been a hot topic, with several fans of Premier League clubs deciding to watch their local outfits, instead of top-flight football.
With the cost of matchday tickets increasing, many have reverted to the more affordable option of lower-league games.
Solomon said: ‘I have heard a lot of comments from fans that they enjoy grassroots football more than the top-tier.
‘There is certainly less drama on the pitch with regards to rolling around after every tackle.
‘I think they feel it’s more like proper football.
‘The football they probably grew up watching the Division One sides play.’
The forward had a great opportunity to get off the mark for the Crosby club one game before, and admitted his brace the next game was a relief.
He said: ‘It’s definitely a weight lifted off my shoulders to get off the mark.
‘In front of all the fans when you are a new face, to score in front of them twice is a brilliant feeling.
‘It wasn’t the nicest of days, it was windy and rainy. So just to see that many people out cheering us on was great. The two goals were a nice bonus.’
Solomon’s opening month with the club has drawn praise already from manager Neil Young, who stated ‘that’s why he’s been brought here’.
He also expects the Caesarean to continue to progress as his fitness levels improve.
‘I have noticed a change in training with regards to running,’ Solomon said.
‘More is expected of you at this level comparatively and I am close to being fully up to speed.
‘Every game in this league is competitive and every point is earned, so the gaffer certainly places a lot of focus into the fitness side to ensure we can push the entire match.’
While the former Bull had opportunities in the past to move away to play club football, he feels that this was the right time.
‘There were chances in prior years to make a move,’ he said.
‘But now I’m slightly older and more mature and probably more ready for that move away from home.
‘I am really loving the opportunity and if I didn’t go now, it’s hard to know whether another chance would come.’
