‘Que Sera, Sera’: How Solihull Moors Made Club History – Opinion

Solihull Moors have made history by reaching Wembley Stadium for the first-ever time in their history, but just how big of a step is this for Andy Whing and the entire football club?

Standing on the terraces of Hayes Lane, seeing their beloved side beat Bromley to reach the 2023/24 FA Trophy final, there really was no better feeling for everyone in connection to Solihull Moors yesterday.

Returning from injury, Alex Whitmore became the unlikely hero as his brace secured Solihull’s crucial victory, despite Bromley’s Ben Krauhaus equalising on the hour mark, in what could be his final goal before moving to Premier League side Brentford this summer.

How did Solihull Moors get to Wembley?

Solihull’s 2023/24 FA Trophy campaign began in December when National League sides finally entered the competition. Andy Whing’s men were drawn away to National League North high-flyers Scunthorpe United and won 2-0, courtesy of goals from Jack Stevens and Josh Kelly.

This earned the Moors with a fixture against Nantwich Town, who previously eliminated fellow National League side York City. However, Andy Whing’s men breezed through with a 5-1 win with goals from Jack Stevens, Kian Ryley, Morgan Owen, Tyler Bruck and Finn Howell. This was much more meaningful, considering four of the five goalscorers were the product of the club’s academy system.

A difficult trip to National League North side Chorley followed, but despite the BoyZone investment making the news, Solihull did all the talking with a 3-1 win, with Joe Sbarra and a brace from Jack Stevens sending the Moors through.

Penalties saw Solihull Moors beat Wealdstone in the quarter-finals after England C international Callum Maycock initially drew the Moors onto level terms.

In the semi-finals, Solihull Moors were drawn away to Bromley in what was seen by many as the toughest clash of the round. However, Alex Whitmore and his teammates had other ideas and now the Moors face a showdown with Gateshead at Wembley Stadium next month.

What does this result mean for Solihull Moors?

Since the club’s merger in 2007, Solihull Moors have established themselves as a National League play-off challenger in almost all of their last five seasons. The club suffered a heartbreaking play-off final defeat in 2022 at the hands of Grimsby Town at the London Stadium, before almost entering a relegation battle last season.

Despite seeing star players like Ryan Barnett and Andy Dallas depart last season, the new management of Andy Whing, coinciding with a new squad, new staff and the appointment of Stephen Ward behind the scenes has recaptured the club’s spirit and togetherness once again.

To make club history and reach Wembley Stadium for the first-ever time is a significant achievement for Solihull Moors and highlights the growth of the football club in recent seasons.

With a place at Wembley secured, a playoff place almost confirmed and club morale at an all-time high, can Solihull secure the silverware at Wembley Stadium next month?