SOLIHULL Moors chairman Darryl Eales expressed his ‘dismay’ and has acted swiftly to address a number of allegations made by the women’s team.
Moors player Alex Liddiard posted a statement from the women’s playing staff on X accusing the club of ‘neglect’ and a ‘lack of respect’ for the women’s side.
Addressing the situation in his programme notes prior to Solihull’s match against York City tonight, Eales insists he has addressed ‘poor communication channels’ via a direct meeting with representatives of the women’s team and the Foundation.
Eales said: “As you are no doubt aware, the game on Saturday was overshadowed by the statement made on Friday which raised a series of important concerns and frustrations being experienced by Moors Women’s first team.
“The situation is complex because Moors Women’s are part of the Solihull Moors Foundation and hence the club has no day to day involvement or, indeed, any direct jurisdiction.
“There are certainly no winners in such a situation and as chairman of the club and a big supporter of the Foundation, I am dismayed that collectively we find ourselves in such a position which should have been resolved by compromise, dialogue and understanding others point of view. This is our collective failure.
“The above having been said, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and friendly community club and, with the concerns being raised, I immediately sought a meeting with the Foundation and representatives of the Women’s team.
“The meeting was held on Sunday and I felt was very positive. It was acknowledged that the club had no prior knowledge of many of the issues raised and hence it was somewhat unfair to bracket the club as in someway responsible.
“I think anyone who knows me will confirm, that once I am aware of an issue, I will ensure it is discussed and resolved, one way or another, and quickly.
“The meeting on Sunday clearly demonstrated one fundamental issue – poor communication channels – and we have now addressed this immediately such that any future issues will be dealt with rapidly.
“As I say, the meeting was positive, amicable and most of all, everyone was as one in their love for and desire to support the club and the Foundation and everyone resolved to do better collectively.
“The issues raised by the Women’s team are now being addressed collectively and positively – and, equally importantly, privately.
“One immediate action was to switch the Women’s first team game to the Damson Park stadium pitch tomorrow which allows the game to go ahead.
“I will personally ensure all remaining issues are discussed and will make myself available to the Women’s team management and players so that any concerns in future can be raised directly with me.
“Accentuating the positive, I feel this provides a timely opportunity to really focus on the club working with the Foundation to reassess how our women’s pathway can be developed to create the best opportunity for girls in the local community to participate in competitive football.
“Any agreed solution needs to be sustainable and to be successful.
“Both these elements can be achieved through us working collectively together and we will continue to talk with all of the stakeholders to get the right structure in place to make this happen.
“In the meantime, please give the Foundation your full and vociferous support as they really are a force for good in the local community.”
