Black spent his first NASL season in Atlanta

Paul Black burst onto the NASL stage in the 2015 season with the Atlanta Silverbacks, but the defender is now eager to carry his momentum into the 2016 season with the Carolina RailHawks, a team he calls “the perfect club” for him.

“I’m absolutely delighted to join the RailHawks,” Black said. “I always remember the fans being very passionate and the great atmosphere at WakeMed Soccer Park.”

Black joins the RailHawks after a standout season in Atlanta, where he led the Silverbacks’ defense and logged 2,538 playing minutes in 29 appearances. Despite his success in his first season with the Silverbacks, Black says the choice to join the RailHawks was an easy one.

“It’s just a perfect club for me and I feel that it’s a great fit for both parties,” Black said. “It was an easy decision to join. I look forward to having a very successful season.”

New RailHawks owner Steve Malik influenced Black’s decision to join the club. Malik’s aspirations for the RailHawks and his desire to grow the game resonated with Black’s own desires. The Rochdale, England, native and Manchester City youth system prodigy is also determined to grow the club and the NASL.

“The team’s new owner is very ambitious and that makes me feel excited because I want to be a part of this project,” Black said. “What Steve Malik wants for the club and the supporters matches my ambitions. I’ve loved every minute of the NASL so far and it looks like there’s going to be some big teams and big players in the league in 2016. Hopefully we can make it an even bigger league than it already is.”

While Black is eager to play under Steve Malik and help grow the NASL, his ultimate goal is to bring a championship back to WakeMed Soccer Park and RailHawks fans.

“Everyone’s ambition is to achieve a lot this year and that’s certainly my ambition, too,” Black said. “Hopefully we can take the team onto big things and win championships. I can’t wait to get going.”