Solihull Moors

22/23 Position: 15th

Founded: 2007

Nickname: The Moors

Ground: Damson Park

Key Player: Josh Kelly

Opening Fixtures:

Eastleigh (H)

Ebbsfleet (A)

Boreham Wood (A)

Dorking (H)

Halifax (H)

The Odds:

Title: 33/1

Promotion: 14/1

Top 7: 5/2

Manager: Andy Whing

Whing is a new appointment this summer, following the dramatic dismissal of Neal Ardley. He has big boots to fill, as Ardley took Solihull to the playoff final just a year ago. The West Midlands based boss had an excellent playing career, and his managerial one has started strong too. He's been in charge of Banbury United since 2020, and his former forward Jack Stevens is already at the club. I expect him to continue with the possession play style.

Key Signing: Joe Newton

On our end of season pod, with OffTheLineBlog and NL Musings, I made the bold call that Josh Kelly would be the player of the season this year. It's a big claim, and it's one I believe in. Kelly is a well rounded forward, one who I believe is at his best playing through the middle. I do fear that Kelly may be used in wide areas due to the other additions, such as Connor Hall, also looking to play down the middle. However, if used in his favoured position, Kelly will shine, bringing goals, assists and general link up play. At the back last season Solihull had 2 problems; the kack of defenders who were comfortable playing out from the back, as the style dictates, and also the lack of a settled left back option. The arrival of Joe Newton covers both of these, and can, in my opinion, kick on a level this season. The 22 year old had a strong season for Havant in the NLS, and this move allows him to move back closer to home. He's a young full back with plenty of potential too.

Verdict:

Solihull are very much an unknown quantity this season, and this is reflected in the variety of positions Solihull have been predicted in. They've got an exciting new coach and some exciting new players, and if it all clicks into place they have good reason to be optimistic this season. I'm also not necessarily saying it won't click together, but I do feel they will take time to adjust.

Middle of the pack for me.

Prediction: 15th