SOLIHULL Moors captain Kyle Storer penned an emotional farewell to Solihull Moors after the veteran midfielder’s departure from the club was confirmed.
Storer made 200 appearances in Moors colours following his arrival from Cheltenham Town in January 2018.
The 35-year-old inspired Moors to a great escape from relegation in his first season and was named club captain ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
Moors finished second in the National League table in his first season as captain and led the team out at London Stadium last term as Solihull were beaten in the Promotion Final by Grimsby Town.
And Storer chalked up his 700th career appearance with Moors in the 2-0 win at Maidenhead United in October last year.
Storer said: “It’s been some journey. I want to thank a few people away from the pitch that have continued to support me through the good times and the bad, and who I have the upmost respect for.
“Darryl Eales, Tim Murphy, Mike Turl, Cheryl Cooper, James Quinn, Richard Blackmore, and of course, the fans, a massive thank you to you all for making my journey possible and very enjoyable, I wish you all the best in the future.
“To the pitch, it’s been a pleasure and a honour for every manager to allow me to captain the side and lead a special group of players, so a massive thanks to all of you for the faith and trust you’ve shown me.
“The dressing room is the hardest thing to walk away from, but I leave with very good memories.
“On and off the pitch it was a pleasure to be called your skipper, I could name so many moments and individuals who have made my experience and journey memorable, I wish every single player I’ve shared the dressing room with all the best in their careers.
“My ambition when I joined Solihull Moors was to gain Football League status, it wasn’t to be, but we came so close to this on a couple of occasions and it was some journey.
“I’m praying I see the moors in the EFL sooner rather than later. I wish the current management team, Neal and Quinny all the best, and hope they achieve the goal of promotion this season.
“Me and my family want to thank everyone at the Moors all the best and appreciate everything you have given us.”
Chairman Darryl Eales added: “Kyle has been the central character of my time at Moors, from the great escape to the development of the club on the pitch and, of course the heartbreak of the play-off final last season.
“He has been a loyal servant of the club, as well as a leader in the dressing room and his contribution cannot be overstated.
“Kyle now has the opportunity to guarantee the extension of his playing career and he leaves with our best wishes and grateful thanks.
“I still very much hope that Kyle will return to the club in a coaching or managerial capacity one day and he is always a welcome friend.”
Manager Neal Ardley added: “Kyle has given the club outstanding service and has been an incredible captain for me over the past 18 months, we’re sad to lose him.
“Unfortunately for us he’s had a very good offer from Nuneaton to be part of that going forward and at his age we felt we couldn’t stand in his way.
“It’s sad to lose such a character in the dressing room and a real leader on the pitch, but it’s the right thing for Kyle to go on a new adventure.
“He’s been a great example to the group in my time here and I know he has strong aspirations to go into coaching, so as a club we certainly wish him the very best.”
Storer has returned to former club Nuneaton Borough who play two levels below Moors in the Southern League Premier Central.
