Book on untold 106-year history of football club which became Solihull Moors after arson attack - The Solihull Observer

Book on untold 106-year history of football club which became Solihull Moors after arson attack

Solihull Editorial 18th Jan, 2019 Updated: 18th Jan, 2019   0

A BOOK has been written on the untold 106-year history of a former borough football club which rose from the ashes of an arson attack to become Solihull Moors FC.

It was published to celebrate Moor Green Football Club’s former popularity and many achievements representing the borough.

The club’s press officer of many years, Peter Clynes, has achieved a life-long ambition by becoming a published author at age 82.

His new book, The Goal, The End: 106 Years of Moor Green Football Club, is a tribute to the former Midlands non-league club established in 1901.




They played at The Moorlands in Hall Green from 1930 until the devastating arson attack in January 2005 – after which they ceased to exist.

The book sheds light on the cause of the fire, and how Moor Green merged with local rivals, Solihull Borough, to form Solihull Moors FC in 2007.


The book charts the growth of Moor Green from humble beginnings, being formed by members of a cricket club eager to stay together during the winter months.

The club later enjoyed an improbable run to the First Round of the FA Cup in 1979, and an eventual rise to the top levels of non-league football.

Peter Clynes, who these days watches Worthing FC near his south coast home, said: “I was a fan of the Moors for 30 years, with 22 years as press officer, and loved every minute.

“I believe the Moors were unique in attracting the affection of so many players and supporters and like many other people, I was saddened when Moor Green went out of existence.

“I hope all football fans enjoy reading about a great club that attracted crowds in the thousands back in the glory days of amateur football.”

The original manuscript of the book, ‘The Goal, The End’, sat gathering dust in a draw in Peter Clynes’ home for many years after the club’s centenary in 2001, but has finally been released.

Aston Villa fan favourite Ian Taylor, who began his career as a combative midfielder with Moor Green – playing 235 matches and scoring 67 goals for the Moors – has written a foreword for the book.

“I had some really good years at Moor Green, played in some cracking games and got to a couple of cup finals,” said Taylor. “There were some great characters among the loyal supporters who followed us home and away and all the lads in the team became good mates.

“It was a really enjoyable few years for me. It’s a memorable time of my life that I’ll never forget.”

The book now available to purchase online at www.feedaread.com/books/The-Goal-The-End-9781788766371.aspx

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Solihull Observer.

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Solihull Observer.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.