THE MANAGER and coaching staff at Solihull Moors Women have resigned from their roles just weeks after players accused the club of ‘neglect’ and a ‘lack of respect’.
Manager Tom Blaymires posted a statement on X confirming he and his coaching staff have now left Moors Women but made no mention of the allegations made by the playing staff, and backed by himself, weeks earlier.
Blaymires felt it was time to ‘move on’ from Moors and wants to ‘drive positive change’ for the women’s game in the future. The women’s team are part of the club’s charity arm – The Solihull Moors Foundation – and not the National League club itself.
The statement reads: “Unfortunately, myself and the rest of the staff at Solihull Moors Women’s first team have made the decision to step away from our roles with immediate effect.
“Although we are all very grateful to the Foundation for the opportunities and experiences gained, we feel it is time for us all to move on.
“To all the players we have worked with over the last three years, thank you.
“It has been a difficult and equally enjoyable journey stabilising the teams in an ever-improving league. We are proud of what we managed to achieve along the way, especially finishing sixth last season which is the highest finish in the team’s history.
“On a personal note, the last seven years in the women’s game have developed me as a coach and a person and for that I will be forever grateful.
“Have I made mistakes along the way? 100 per cent. Have I always got things right? No. But that’s how growth and development happen.
“Everything I have done has always been with good intentions to do what’s right for the players and staff I work alongside.
“I am more determined than ever to drive positive change for every girl and woman who currently plays or will do in the future so they have the right environment and opportunities to succeed and enjoy the game that we all love.
“For now it’s time for us all to take a break and recharge, it’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you soon.”
The Moors Foundation released a statement in response to the news, confirming they have accepted the resignation of Blaymires and his coaching staff.
The Foundation’s statement reads: “Solihull Moors Foundation can confirm they have accepted the resignation of the manager and coaching staff of the women’s first team.
“We thank them for their hard work and wish them well for the future and the search is already underway for a new backroom team to work with the players and develop both a successful first team and a thriving women and girls pathway that allows female players in our community to grow and progress.
“We have spoken to the players and they are aware of the help the Foundation will give them and the continued support of the entire football club.
“Unfortunately, the departure at short notice of the management team means that this weekend’s first team game against Loughborough has been cancelled.
“We will now work hard to recruit and put in place a management structure and coaching team that allows the team to move forward in a positive environment.”
The resignations come just weeks after women’s player Alex Liddiard posted a statement on behalf of the club’s playing staff on X which also accused the club of failing to provide ‘basic equipment’ and ‘no transportation to away matches’.
The players also said the club’s failure to secure a pitch meant they had to forfeit an FAWNL Cup game against West Bromwich Albion Women earlier in the season.
Following the release of the players’ statement, manager Blaymires released a statement on behalf of the women’s coaching staff supporting the players’ claims.
The Foundation then released a statement addressing the allegations made.
Moors chairman Darryl Eales revealed his dismay regarding the allegations and acted swiftly to address a number of issues raised.
However, Moors Women have now seen their weekend fixture against Loughborough cancelled following the departure of Blaymires and his coaching staff.
