Solihull Moors continues to add to their squad for the upcoming National League campaign, with the likes of Oscar Rutherford recently through the door. Meanwhile, though, two former players in the shape of Josh Kelly and Callum Maycock are at a pre-season training camp in Marbella with their fairly new employers, AFC Wimbledon.
The pair, who won promotion from League Two last season with the Wombles, are preparing for life in League One, a competition both the striker and the midfielder have never played in before. Signed from Coventry City and Maidenhead United respectively, both Maycock and Kelly are fondly remembered by the Moors’ faithful.
Wimbledon are a unique club people admire, although the former Solihull duo is seemingly in for a tough campaign. While fans who bet online might associate the area the club represents with the world-famous tennis tournament, there are others who regard AFC Wimbledon as nothing more than relegation fodder when they reach League One.
It’s the first time since the 2021–22 season, when the club were relegated from the division, that the Wombles are back in League One. With both Kelly and Maycock undoubtedly keen to play a part in what could be a gruelling campaign for the Dons, below we discuss the impact of both players so far.
Josh Kelly has struggled centrally
Signed as a striker to replace Ali Al-Hamadi, who left the Wombles in January 2024 to join Championship club Ipswich Town, Josh Kelly was seen as the ideal man to score the goals needed to fire AFC Wimbledon into the play-off picture. Craig Cope, another former Solihull employee who is now overseeing Wimbledon’s transfer strategy, clearly saw something in Kelly, eventually spending a club-record fee on the striker.
Kelly struggled to adapt to life in League Two, though, scoring just two goals for the Dons since arriving in January. Fast forward to the Dons’ promotion-winning campaign from last season, though, and a new role in the team had been created for him. Kelly was largely deployed wide in a front three for the Wombles last season, starting 16 games and contributing two goals and four assists.
Despite playing his part out wide at times, many Wimbledon fans aren’t convinced by Kelly. Now, with a jump in division to contend with, the former Solihull hero could find his chances limited in League One this season. In January, should Josh Kelly be seeking more first-team opportunities, could we even see the former forward return to The ARMCO Arena? Stranger things have happened in football, that’s for sure.
Maycock has fared better than his teammate
(Image via https://x.com/AFCWimbledon)
Callum Maycock was a reliable presence in the midfield engine room for Solihull Moors over the years. His 164 appearances for the club were rarely disappointing, particularly under former Wimbledon legend Neal Ardley. Fast forward to today, though, and like Kelly, Maycock’s place in Johnnie Jackson’s well-organised team is far from guaranteed.
Maycock has had his moments for Wimbledon, though, scoring against MK Dons in a magical 3-0 win for the Wombles, a goal that was assisted by Kelly. But, since then, a huge injury kept him out of action from November until March last season. In the end, though, he returned for the crucial playoff run that saw the Dons earn promotion at Wembley.
Like Kelly, this season Maycock needs to impress when he is given a chance or he could also see himself fall out of favour at the Wombles. One thing’s for certain: Callum Maycock is another former player many fans of Solihull would welcome back to the club with open arms.
Article by James Kelly.
