NEW Mossley signing Dylan Stringer-Moth can reflect on an eventful journey to Seel Park, one which kicked off with him playing at academy level for Liverpool and Wolves where he mixed with the some of the game’s greats.
Having been able to name Raheem Sterling, Jordan Ibe, Ryan Kent and Dominic Iorfa as team-mates and being coached by Sir Kenny Dalglish at Under-16s and by Steve Cooper, now Swansea City manager, Stringer-Moth admitted non-league has been a culture shock.
“When you look at the great facilities at Liverpool and Wolves and the people you work with, coaches, strength and conditioning staff, physios and analysts you don’t realise how lucky you were until you come out of it,” he explained
“There have been times in non-league where I would probably have preferred to work on a Saturday than play because I was not enjoying it.”
After a nomadic existence in recent times, the 24-year-old winger believes he is ready to settle and excel with the Lilywhites.
And with the management duo of David Fish and Lee Ashworth, Miles Platting-raised Stringer-Moth believes they will bring the best from him.
Stringer-Moth worked with the pair briefly at Chadderton shortly before lockdown and has since been reunited with the pair at Mossley.
He said: “They have been a breath of fresh air and have confidence in me and, unlike some managers before, there is no pressure on me.
“They believe in my ability and by putting an arm around me have got me positive.
“They got my mojo back when I played for Chadderton and they had me feeling on top of the world. And the same has happened since I came here.”
Stringer-Moth admitted it has taken time to make the transition from academy to adult football, but he believes that has now been achieved.
He explained: “It took me a few years to get my head around the physicality of the men’s game.
“I was weak and naïve, but I have grown into a player since joining Chadderton and feel I finally know what men’s football is all about.”
Stringer-Moth spent four years at Liverpool between the ages of 12 and 16, the last two spent being effectively ‘fostered’ by a family on Merseyside where he attended Rainhill High School.
Sterling was one year above him, but they were team-mates for a tournament in Holland while in his age group were Jordan Ibe, Ryan Kent, Cameron Brannagan and Andy Firth who have all gone on to have successful careers.
Stringer-Moth admitted having Sir Kenny as his U16s coach was amazing.
He said: “My dad told me about him, though I knew what a great player he had been.
“It was crazy when he pulled you to one side to tell you what you had done well or not done well.
“You took on board every word he said because of who he was.”
Stringer-Moth recalled having finishing sessions with Liverpool legends Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler while 1970s winger Steve Heighway would also work with him.
“At the time you just get on with it. It is only now I look back and think ‘wow’”, he said.
“You want make a good impression at the time so Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler will say he is a good player.”
After Liverpool failed to offer Stringer-Moth a scholarship, he joined Wolves between the ages of 16 and 18.
He became friends with Dominic Iorfa, now a regular at Sheffield Wednesday, who is one of his best friends.
When Wolves failed to offer Stringer-Moth a professional contract, he had a spell in Sweden at third-tier team BK Sport, a club based one hour’s drive from Stockholm.
He admitted it was hard to settle, explaining: “When I was living in Liverpool, I knew I was only one train from home.
“I struggled in Sweden as it was a flight and I wanted my parents to visit all the time.”
Since returning from Scandinavia, Stringer-Moth has played for Ashton United, New Mills, Stockport Town, Prestwich Heys and Wythenshawe Town without ever settling.
But since linking with Fish and Ashworth, he believes they can get the best from him.
And off the field Stringer-Moth is settled.
He was a stock controller for Selfridges but since lockdown has worked for girlfriend Chloe’s family firm.
Her parents own a garden centre with Stringer-Moth and Chloe running the online arm of the business.
Fish is delighted with his capture, explaining: “I could see Dylan’s qualities in training and matches for Chadderton.
“You don’t spend so many years at Liverpool and Wolves without quality.
“He gives us different options out wide and a different player to what we have and somebody with a great work ethic.”