Two seasons ago, Solihull Moors reached both the National League play-off final and the FA Trophy final at Wembley Stadium, but the glory days seem long gone.
At the time of writing, Solihull Moors sit rock bottom of the National League standings and are the only side in the entire division that is yet to register a victory.
Matt Taylor’s side had taken just three points from their opening seven league games and suffered defeat against Everton’s U21s in the National League Cup last month.
Winless all season, attendances dropping and an angry fanbase – let’s look at the sad demise of Solihull Moors over the last 15 months.
The joys of 2023/24:
Following the departure of Neal Ardley, Solihull Moors turned their attention to then-Banbury United manager Andy Whing to try and get the club back amongst the play-off places.
Whing’s side began with a 14-match unbeaten run in the National League including victories against the likes of Oldham Athletic and Hartlepool United.
Despite a spotty patch of form containing both a 5-0 and 6-1 loss in mid-season, before ending the season strongly and securing a play-off place once again.
Solihull hammered Barnet 4-0 in their own backyard to book a place at Wembley Stadium, whilst victory over Bromley secured their FA Trophy final slot.
However, both matches ended in a 2-2 draw with Solihull Moors beaten on penalties.
Whing’s Solihull Moors exit begins the demise
After a somewhat challenging start, Andy Whing departed Solihull Moors in January to take the managerial role with League Two side Barrow.
Within days, Solihull appointed Wealdstone’s Matt Taylor as his replacement but his first game was a signal of what’s been a disappointing reign thus far.
His first game ended in a 2-0 defeat against FC Halifax Town before drawing with Wealdstone. However, Taylor had to wait until his ninth game in charge to register his first victory – coming against bottom side Ebbsfleet United.
A run of three victories in April saved Solihull Moors from relegation, which in itself is a shock given that the club were in the play-off places when Matt Taylor took over.
At the close of the previous season, Solihull Moors had won just four of their opening 19 matches under Taylor and just about avoiding the bottom four.
2025/26 season so far:
After a positive pre-season and almost an entirely new side, there was a level of optimism that Solihull could turn over a new leaf and go again.
After drawing 3-3 with 10-men against Forest Green Rovers and two other draws away to Sutton United and Carlisle United, the start to the season was certainly a positive from a fan perspective.
Unfortunately, it didn’t last as Solihull were hammered 5-1 by Aldershot Town and failed to respond with another defeat against Altrincham. Defeats against Southend United and Yeovil Town have ensured an even tougher start.
After seven league games, Solihull Moors are the only side in the National League that haven’t won a match and sit rock bottom of the standings.
The club’s attendances have also began to plummet in recent weeks. In Andy Whing’s last home game in charge, Solihull had a crowd of over 2,700 for their match against Tamworth – but against Aldershot this dropped down to just over 900 including the away fans.
Matt Taylor’s reign is over
Under the management of Matt Taylor, Solihull Moors had won just four of their 27 matches under him, keeping two clean sheets in the process.
The club have lost four matches on the bounce, sit rock bottom of the National League, winless all season and have attendances plummeting.
As we know, football is very much a results-based business and seeing a club fall from a reliable play-off contender to rock bottom in less than two years is a sight no Solihull Moors fan wants to see.
Solihull still have a very strong squad with the likes of Dan Creaney, Conor Wilkinson, James Clarke and Jamey Osborne at the football club, but results show no signs of improving.
However, Matt Taylor’s reign as manager has come to an end with immediate effect following the loss against Yeovil Town and the hunt for a new manager begins.
Whether a managerial change is the sole answer remains to be seen, but the club have made the decision to let Taylor go and in-truth, the writing has been on the wall.
Moors fans, what are your thoughts regarding the football club at present? What needs to change?
