Solihull Moors are a relatively young club, formed in 2007 through the merger of two older sides: Solihull Borough (founded in 1953) and Moor Green (founded in 1901). Borough were originally based on the opposite side of Solihull from Damson Park, while Moor Green played in Hall Green, a suburb of southern Birmingham.

Borough had previously groundshared at Moor Green’s ground, the Moorlands, but after an arson attack in 2005 destroyed the ground, the arrangement reversed — Moor Green became the tenants at Damson Park of Borough, where they had played since 1999. The Moorlands site is now a housing estate.

After the merger, Solihull Moors took Moor Green’s spot in the National League North and earned promotion to the National League in 2016. Since then, the club’s away kits have honoured its roots — typically alternating each season between Solihull Borough’s red and white and Moor Green’s light blue.

There’s been some speculation in recent years that Jaguar Land Rover, whose factory surrounds much of Damson Park, may eventually expand into the site, potentially forcing the Moors to relocate. However, any such move appears to be some way off.

Chris Millington only took charge of the Moors at the start of October, replacing Matt Taylor. This is his second managerial role, following three years at AFC Halifax Town, where he led his team to win the FA Trophy in 2023, and to the National League promotion play-offs in two consecutive seasons. Prior to becoming a club manager, he had worked in the Oldham Athletic academy and as a coach of numerous youth and other teams in the north-west of England, before becoming Assistant Manager to Pete Wild at Halifax in 2019. He stayed in that role for three years, before succeeding Wild as manager. Millington had no professional career as a player.

The Moors currently sit 13th in the National League – the dictionary definition of mid-table. In 21 games, they have won seven, drawn six, and lost eight. With 27 goals scored and 32 conceded, goal difference is minus-five.  This is a little below their average performance since they were promoted to the National League in 2016, but is more or less in line with some of the club’s recent end-of-season performances: they finished 14th last year, 15th in 2022/23 and 11th in 2020/21. Their average is improved somewhat by three seasons in which the team reached the play-offs, finishing second and third in 2018/19 and 2021/22, respectively, and on the latter occasion losing the play-off finals for promotion to League Two at the London Stadium to Grimsby Town.

With no league victories during August, including a 5-1 defeat by Aldershot Town, the Moors were bottom of the table with just three points from six games. It perhaps wasn’t very surprising, then, that manager Matt Taylor was sacked in early September. The possible highlight of the season so far came later that month, when the Moors beat high-flying York City 1-0 away from home, with a stoppage-time goal from Jacob Wakeling. There was some improvement in results achieved after Chris Millington took over as gaffer at the start of October – with a 3-0 defeat of Scunthorpe United, including a brace of goals from midfielder Bradley Stevenson, being particularly noteworthy. All in all though, if the form seen to date continues, there appears to be little danger of the Moors being troubled by the relegation zone, or of them troubling the play-offs at season end.

Rovers’ opening game of the season away at Solihull ended in a 2-2 draw, with FGR goals coming from Christian Doidge and Nick Haughton. This was seen as a rather disappointing result in Nailsworth, as FGR held the vast majority of possession, and had made 25 shots (eight of which were on target), also taking a mammoth 20 corner kicks – figures their opponents could not come close to. Moreover, the Moors had been reduced to 10 men only six minutes into the game. But ultimately, in football, goals are the only stats that count…

On their last clash at The New Lawn, in March of this year, a goal by Adam May made all the difference, giving Rovers a 1-0 victory.

Parking is available in the adjacent school car park, just a short walk from the stadium. Spaces cost £15 per car and must be booked in advance by calling 0333 123 1889 (Monday, Thursday and Friday at 11am to 2pm) or by emailing reception@fgr.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can use the Park and Ride service from Renishaw (Bath Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL5 5EY). It opens at 12:30pm on matchdays and costs £5 per car (card only).

If parking on surrounding streets, please be considerate of local residents.

The Green Man bar and Fan Zone will be open pre-match for food, drink, and live music, with bands performing before each game. Both will also be open at half-time, while the Green Man stays open after the final whistle, showing live Sky Sports games. This season, the Gym Bar also returns for East Stand ticket-holders.

The New Lawn is a cashless stadium — card and contactless payments only.

Hospitality details and offers:

The FGR Shop will be open in the Fan Zone, East Stand concourse, and the Carol Embrey Suite.

A free digital matchday programme will be available online before each home game. Keep an eye on the club’s social media channels for the download link ahead of kick-off.