Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town are pleased to announce the signing of rapid frontman Omari Sterling-James from Solihull Moors.

The talented 23-year-old joins the Stags following an exceptional individual campaign with the Moors in the National League.

The former Birmingham City trainee had spells in non-league football after leaving Blues as an 18-year-old. Following a number of impressive performances, he then secured a move to League Two side Cheltenham Town.

After making his professional debut against Brighton and Hove Albion, he drifted out of the team and linked up with Solihull Moors last summer.

The Birmingham-born frontman scored on his debut in a 3-1 victory over Sutton United and also picked up a number of the Man-of-the-Match awards throughout an impressive campaign.

Sterling-James became a vital cog in the Moors' side and was rewarded with a new deal at Damson Park after scoring back-to-back braces over the Christmas period, scoring in a 4-4 draw with Dagenham and Redbridge and a 3-2 victory over Chester.

“I do see Omari as a striker and not as a wide player, although he can be deployed in a wide area very effectively, should we decide to utilise him in that position.”

Nine goals and six assists in the National League last season culminated in a call-up for the Saint Kitts and Nevis national side at the beginning of this month.

 “Omari Sterling-James is a young man who we became aware of through people who watch a lot of non-league football for us,” said manager Steve Evans.

“The two players [in non-league] who were indentified to us were Johnny Hunt and Omari Sterling-James.

“My understanding is that not only ourselves, but another clubs in League One and League Two spoke with Omari and we are fortunate that the kid knows one or two of our players, in particular Mal Benning, who I believe spoke so highly of our ambitions.

“After meeting with Omari, it became clear to me that he was a very ambitious young man and wanted to challenge himself at this level following an outstanding season in the National League.

“Paul Raynor, my assistant, watched him live against Luton Town in last season’s cup run and it’s fair to say that, in Paul’s opinion, Omari was the best player on the pitch.

“I myself had an opportunity to watch him late in the season and after taking everything into consideration and the value of the deal it would take to bring Omari on board, it became simply a ‘no brainer’ that we tried to sign him.

“I wish Omari every success as he steps up to a higher level and I have no doubt that with the talented players around him, he will get an opportunity to excel in the attacking areas of the pitch.

“I do see Omari as a striker and not as a wide player, although he can be deployed in a wide area very effectively, should we decide to utilise him in that position.”

Omari Sterling-James' deal at One Call Stadium will run from 01 July and is subject to EFL ratification.