The entire coaching staff of Solihull Moors’ women’s team has resigned from their positions, just under two weeks after the team’s players accused the women’s division of the club of being neglected. On 20 September, a joint statement from the players of the Midlands Division One club claimed that Solihull Moors had failed to provide pitch access, transport for away fixtures, and basic equipment, citing “broken promises and a lack of respect”.
On the same day, the coaching staff released a statement in support of the players, declaring “enough is enough” and demanding respect for their players. In response, the club’s foundation issued a statement clarifying that Solihull Moors Women’s football is part of the Foundation, not the National League Football Club, and promised to “take those issues seriously and address them”.
A resignation statement issued on behalf of the coaching team on Thursday did not directly reference the players’ previous statement but expressed their “determination to drive positive change for every girl and woman who currently plays or will do in the future”. Manager Tom Blaymires, who posted the coaches’ statement on social media platform X, said: “Unfortunately, myself and the rest of the staff at Solihull Moors women’s first team have made the decision to step away from our roles with immediate effect.”
Blaymires added: “Everything I have done has always been with good intentions to do what’s right for the players and staff I work alongside. I am more determined than ever to drive positive change for every girl and woman who currently plays or will do in the future, so they have the right environment and opportunities to succeed and enjoy the game that we all love.” Several players have expressed their gratitude to the coaching staff on social media.
Among the players’ original claims was an accusation that their forfeited cup game against West Bromwich Albion, which resulted in a fine and saw them removed from the FAWNL Cup and FAWNL Plate, was “due to the club’s failure to secure a pitch”. The Foundation responded by acknowledging the challenges around securing pitches and expressed disappointment that frustration led to the publication of the players’ post, despite ongoing efforts to resolve the issues.
