OUTGOING manager Tim Flowers says he will always remain supportive of Solihull Moors’ progress after departing the club on Tuesday afternoon.
The 52-year-old has been part of the set-up at the club since becoming assistant manager to Mark Yates in November 2017 – the duo going on to pull off the great escape in the 2017/18 season – before stepping into the hotseat at Solihull in the summer of 2018.
It preceded a memorable 2018/19 campaign when Flowers took the club to a second-place finish in the National League, pushing eventual winners Leyton Orient all the way for the title and automatic promotion, before narrowly losing the play-off semi-final to AFC Fylde.
While the club have not been able to reach those same lofty heights this season, with the club currently in ninth place, Flowers leaves Moors fans with plenty of memories from his 19 months in charge.
“It is with immense pride that I leave Solihull Moors Football Club,” he said.
“The journey that we’ve been on in the last two years or so has been quite remarkable.
“Firstly, the great escape when Mark Yates, myself, Gary Whild and Darren Acton managed to somehow maintain our National League status against all the odds.
“To back that up with the season we had last year, finishing runners-up and taking it all the way to the final day of the season was a monumental achievement by all involved.
“We had two appearances in the second round of the FA Cup giving two League One sides a real scare, showcasing the club in front of the nation on live television – and not forgetting a quarter-final appearance in the FA Trophy.”
The Blackburn Rovers and Southampton legend believes his now former group of players have what it takes to ensure success at the end of the campaign, and thanked the backroom staff, board and fans for making his first prolonged stint in management a successful one.
“I leave the club in ninth position, three points off fifth and with two games in hand,” Flowers said.
“With just under a third of the season left there is good scope for a very talented squad to once again have an assault on the play-offs or beyond.
“I would like to thank my staff – Gary Whild, James Quinn, Darren Acton, Craig Cope, Steve Hensel, Mick Kemp and Ian Hutton for their tireless effort, help and support throughout this journey.
“I’d like to thank Darryl [Eales] who has been a great source of support and also a good friend. Also, the entire board of directors who have helped me over those two years.
“I wish the club all the very best in their quest for Football League status and I will remain an avid watcher and fan.
“Finally, to the ever-growing Solihull Moors fanbase for their support at home and away.
“Their backing has been a huge help in us picking up points, making our stadium an incredibly difficult place to come and the band that follow us away from home have been key in getting us over the line in a number a games.”
Chairman Darryl Eales says the impact had by Flowers will long be remembered, adding: “Tim has made an invaluable contribution to the development of Moors and his legacy will be enshrined in Moors history forever.
“He has been an absolute pleasure to work with and he has done a magnificent job for the club. Our progress under his stewardship has been fantastic and he leaves a great foundation for future success.
“On behalf of the Board, all staff and I am sure all fans, I’d like to thank Tim for everything.
“He leaves the club with our best wishes for the future and will always be sure of the warmest of welcome at Damson Parkway.”
With the club in action tonight (7.45pm) at home to leaders Barrow, Gary Whild and James Quinn will take temporary charge for the foreseeable future during the club’s recruitment process.
