FOOTBALL: MARCUS Bignot has penned an emotional farewell message to his former players, staff and fans at Solihull Moors after being confirmed as the new manager of League Two side Grimsby Town.
The 42-year-old had spent five-and-a-half memorable years at Moors where his greatest achievement was guiding the club to the highest level of non-league football after winning the National League North title last season.
Moors have also settled into life in the National League to having picked up 22 points from 18 games as they sit 15th in the table despite being tipped for relegation.
It is understood that Bignot was top of Grimsby’s shortlist and after speaking with the club last week, the former QPR defender agreed to become their new manager, but not after masterminding a comeback from 2-0 down as Moors draw 2-2 with Yeovil in the FA Cup on Saturday.
“On behalf of myself and my family, we would like to thank the club and its supporters for making my time here a memorable and successful journey,” said Bignot, who was officially unveiled as manager of Grimsby Town on Monday morning.
“I can honestly say The Moors will always have a genuine place in my heart.
“To all my staff and players throughout my time here, my next chapter in life would never have been possible without the togetherness we created and that enabled us to make history.
“I would like to place on record my gratitude to the then chairman Nigel Collins and present incumbent Trevor Stevens for both giving me my first managerial opportunity.
“I’d also like to extend that gratitude to the Board and Mike Turl for allowing me to take a football team and go on to build a football club, I’m very proud of not only on the pitch but off it also.
“Now looking to the future and whoever takes on this squad, they will not only be inheriting a very good group of players but a dressing room full of even better people.
“This is a group I will always look out for and look back with immense pride in what they achieved for me and Solihull Moors Football Club.”
Moors have confirmed that Bignot’s assistant, Micky Moore, has also departed The Automated Technology Group Stadium to join the Mariners’ coaching staff.
The Moors board will now begin a recruitment process to find the next permanent manager capable of continuing the club’s progression.
A club statement read: “Since promotion to the Vanarama National League at the start of the season, the club has been restructured to ensure it remains on solid footing while matching the professional standards required to compete in step one of the football pyramid.
“Everybody associated with the club would like to take this opportunity to thank Marcus for the significant part he has played in Solihull Moors’ progression since arriving in 2011 and wish him well for the next chapter in his managerial career.
“The club would also like to thank supporters for their patience whilst we begin the process to find Marcus’ successor.”
