Match Preview: Knowle FC vs Solihull Moors (Pre-Season)

Solihull Moors can confirm that, should England progress to the World Cup semi-finals, kick-off for this year's Arthur Cup against Birmingham City will be brought forward to 6:00pm. The decision has been made to avoid a clash with England's potential 8:00pm kick-off, allowing supporters to enjoy both fixtures. Following the Arthur Cup, supporters will be invited to remain at Damson Park to watch the England match live on our big screens, with our bars and facilities remaining open throughout the evening. If England do not qualify for the semi-finals, the Arthur Cup will kick off as originally scheduled at 7:45pm. Further updates will be communicated across the Club's official channels should the kick-off time change. We look forward to welcoming supporters to Damson Park for another special Arthur Cup as we come together to honour Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and raise vital funds for the NSPCC and Solihull Moors Foundation.

Preparations for the 2026/27 Enterprise National League season are finally getting underway, as Chris Millington’s side will be facing Knowle Football Club away from home. Solihull Moors will be coming up against a team on the rise, with Knowle coming into the new campaign off the back of sensational back-to-back promotions under managers Matt and Clive Seeley. 2026 is their centenary year, and it has been very memorable for them so far. The history of Knowle begins all the way back to its founding in 1926, originally going by the name of Knowle Men’s Institute. They have been playing on the grounds of Hampton Road ever since the club first came into existence, and it is land that they share with the local cricket club. The plot was owned originally by John William Murray, and five years before Knowle’s founding, he passed the land onto the local trust to ensure the “maintenance and interest of any athletic or other similar sport for the use of and enjoyment of any of the residents of Knowle.” This arrangement is firmly in place to this day, and the two sports clubs still share the land. Before the outbreak of World War Two in 1939, Knowle did enjoy plenty of early success, winning no fewer than two league titles as well as a number of trophies, which included the Dr Nelson Charity Cup, the Henry Butler Cup, and finally the West Bromwich Shield. Just after the war was over, they built their clubhouse in 1947. Many players offered sheets from their used Anderson Shelters to assist in its construction. The club’s name was changed to Knowle Town at this point, but the club was then known as Knowle FC, as it is today, by the time the 1960s arrived. In the 1968/69 season, they narrowly failed in their bid for promotion from the Worcester Combination League Division Two after finishing as runners-up, though they would finally get over the line the following campaign, sealing their place in the Worcester Combination League Division One. Fast forward to the 1981/82 season, which was also a successful campaign for the club. Knowle got as far as the fifth round proper of the FA Vase under the stewardship of then-manager Gordon Cooper, losing 2-1 late on in the game against Barton Rovers. They did briefly change their club’s name to Knowle North Star, but by 1986, they were known as Knowle FC once again. The 1990s saw Dave Prust take over as Chairman of Knowle in what would turn out to be a great period for the Midlands club. During this period, they secured what is still the club’s highest ever league finish, which was 4th place in the Midlands Combination Premier League back in the 1995/96 campaign. Just a season later, they enjoyed winning some more silverware, lifting the Les James Challenge Cup in the 1996/97 season after defeating Kings Heath in the final. Unfortunately for the club, they would suffer relegation despite what was an 11th place finish in 1997/98, which was a consequence of not having floodlights at their ground. Tragedy struck Knowle Football Club back in 2003 with the death of Chairman Dave Prust at the age of 44, with Liam Coyle taking over. They did win the league title that season, but they were not allowed to be promoted after their ground still lacked floodlights. By 2008, they had won the title for the second time in three seasons, whilst also winning the President’s Cup, and this time they were determined that they were not going to miss out on their place in the league above. They were successful in their efforts after agreeing to ground share with another local Midlands club, Studley, and in the 2008/09 campaign, they ended up with what was a very respectable 12th place finish under joint managers Dave Cox and Martin Bishop. However, by the time 2010 arrived, the costs of ground sharing, running Hampton Road, as well as running their Reserves and Ladies teams, saw them take a voluntary relegation. More success did arrive a few years later after lifting the Presidents Cup again back in the 2013/14 season, and by this time, Tracy Lake was appointed as Chairperson of Knowle Football Club. In 2015, there was a merger, with the Midland Combination League and the Midland Alliance League combining, with Knowle placed in Division Two, with Chris Knott then being appointed as manager. There was bad news for Knowle in 2017 when Storm Doris tore apart their clubhouse, which included those original panels from the Anderson Shelters of World War Two. After Dave Ratcliffe took over from Tracy Lake, a modular building was installed as the new clubhouse by October 2018. Clive Seeley, who is now part of their present first team managerial duo, took over in the 2018/19 season, supported by Nic Oakley and Gary Ingram. They were successful in their first campaign, which included a run all the way to the Les James Challenge Cup Final, before narrowly losing 2 – 1 to Redditch Borough. Like clubs at all levels, Knowle Football Club were massively affected by the pandemic during the 2019/20 season, with the campaign being ended prematurely with Knowle sat as high as 2nd place in the league, having also reached the semi-final of both of their domestic cup competitions. The 2020/21 season was also curtailed by the pandemic. By the start of their 2022/23 campaign, there had been further changes in the dugout, with Matt Seeley joining forces with Clive as joint managers of Knowle Football Club, and they have gone on to secure plenty of silverware that has also seen them gain back-to-back promotions in 2024/25 and 2025/26. Last term, they did so by winning the Capelli Sport MFL Division One title with no less than 106 points to their name, scoring 115 goals and conceding just 27 times. The upcoming 2026/27 season will see them compete in the United Counties League Premier Division South. In the opposition dugout – Matt & Clive Seeley Matt and Clive Seeley have been a successful managerial partnership ever since Matt joined Clive in the Knowle dugout just before the start of the 2022/23 campaign, with Clive having previously been in sole charge since 2018. Their most recent campaign in charge of the Knowle First Team back in the 2025/26 season, where they secured their second successive promotion, which sees them play in the United Counties League Premier Division South this term. They won the Capelli Sport MFL Division title with 106 points, six ahead of Gornal Athletic, who finished as runner-up in second place. The season before that in the Midland Football League Division Two, they got promoted via the playoffs after finishing in second place with 70 points in total, just three behind Champions Northfield Town. Not only that, Knowle Football Club have won plenty of silverware under their stewardship, winning two Les James Cups, doing so in consecutive years back in 2023 and 2024, whilst also leading the club to a Saturday Vase win in 2023. Key Player – Talib Copeland Prolific forward Talib Copeland is undoubtedly a key player for Knowle ever since he joined the club back in July 2025, ahead of the start of last season, and they will be delighted that he is set to remain at the club next term, with confirmation of this arriving in May. The 21-year-old was the club’s leading goal scorer last season, scoring no less than 31 goals in 42 starts, with only Sam Grouse (Heather St. John’s – 32 goals), Taylor Homer (Gornal Athletic – 34 goals), and Traevay Wright (Gornal Athletic – 42 goals) scoring more than him. Copeland was also voted as the opposition’s player of the match no less than seven times last term. He will be hoping for another prolific campaign this term in what he hopes will be another successful season for himself and his club, Knowle FC. Opposition Preview written by Adam Holt

Please send CV and Covering Letter to Richard.blackmore@solihullmoorsfc.co.uk before the closing date of 15th July 2026 . Note: Interviews will commence as applications are received.

Representatives from the Solihull Moors Foundation, Hiten Pankhania and Scott Langford, spent yesterday at Asda Shirley engaging with local residents and promoting the Foundation’s programmes. Their presence provided an opportunity to share information about the wide range of initiatives delivered across the community and to connect directly with families, young people and shoppers. The Foundation extends its thanks to Sally Parker, Asda’s Community Champion, for inviting the team in and supporting this outreach. Her continued partnership enables the Foundation to strengthen its visibility within the community and ensure its programmes remain accessible and responsive to local needs. The Foundation looks forward to building on this relationship and creating further opportunities for positive community impact.

Solihull Moors are delighted to announce the signing of Ben Wodskou ahead of the 2026/27 season, subject to league and FA approval. The young forward joins the club from Birmingham City, having spent last season on loan at Brackley Town, after impressing during his development within the academy setup and senior environment. Having already gained senior football experience in the National League, Wodskou arrives at Damson Park as another exciting addition to Chris Millington’s squad ahead of the new campaign. At just 19, the Club believes the forward has strong potential and looks forward to supporting his continued development in a Moors shirt. Speaking on the move, Chris added "Ben is an exciting young forward who has gained valuable experience at our level. He is a player we tried to recruit last season. He’s a positive addition to the Club due to the talent he brings with him and for his great potential going forward.” Everyone at Solihull Moors would like to welcome Ben to the Club.

Solihull Moors are pleased to confirm that Birmingham City will visit Damson Park on Wednesday, 15th July for this year's Arthur Cup, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45pm. The annual fixture is played in memory of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, a young Birmingham City supporter who tragically passed away in June 2020 at the age of six. Since its inception, the Arthur Cup has brought together both clubs, supporters and the local community to honour Arthur's memory whilst raising vital funds for charitable causes. Proceeds from this year's fixture will once again support the NSPCC and Solihull Moors Foundation, helping to fund important preventative work with vulnerable and at-risk children across Birmingham and the surrounding areas. The fixture serves as a lasting tribute to Arthur and highlights the power of football to bring communities together in support of meaningful causes. Tickets for the fixture are now on sale, priced at: • Adults: £12.50 • Seniors: £8.00 • Under-18s: £6.00 Tickets can be purchased here Supporters can also enjoy the match from our hospitality areas, with Jerroms Hospitality available for £50 + VAT per person, including a buffet. Executive Boxes are also available, for prices and more information, please contact Sharon - Sharon.eales@solihullmoorsfc.co.uk . Speaking on this year's fixture, Birmingham City Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Dale said: “We are proud to confirm the return of the Arthur Cup for its fourth year. It is a vital moment for both clubs to come together to remember a special little boy. "As a Club, we remain committed to honouring Arthur’s memory. We know that it matters deeply to our fans and it matters to our players and staff. It is a core part of who we are. “We look forward to joining Solihull Moors once again to celebrate Arthur’s life and support the incredible charitable work done in his name." Solihull Moors Chairman, Darryl Eales, said: "It is always a privilege to host this wonderful fixture. It demonstrates the real power of football to bring communities together and we hope as many people will attend this game. I’d like to thank BCFC, and in particular, Jeremy and Rich Carpenter, for their contribution in making this game a real celebration for Arthur and raising funds for the NSPCC and the Moors Foundation. There will be live music, world cup football and pyrotechnics – please bring your friends and family and support a great occasion."

Solihull Moors are delighted to announce the signing of attacking wide player Junior Tiensia ahead of the 2026/27 National League season, subject to league and FA approval.  A familiar face to Moors supporters, Tiensia returns to Damson Park following a previous spell with the Club in 2023. The exciting wide player joins from Wealdstone and adds further quality and depth to Chris Millington's squad ahead of the new campaign. Known for his pace and attacking threat, Tiensia becomes the latest addition to the Moors as preparations continue for the 2026/27 season. Chris Millington, First Team Manager, said: “Junior's versatility is clearly a benefit but the reason we have worked so hard to sign him at Moors is for the attacking threat he carries. Moors will give Junior the platform to display that attacking threat, utilising his pace and trickery he will add a great deal of creativity to our play." Everyone at Solihull Moors would like to welcome Junior back to the Club and wish him every success in blue and yellow.

Whitmore Returns to the Moors 

Solihull Moors are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Jamie Andrews ahead of the 2026/27 season, subject to league and FA approval. Andrews began his career at West Bromwich Albion, where he progressed through the Club's academy before signing his first professional contract in July 2021. The midfielder gained valuable senior experience during loan spells with Leamington FC and Yeovil Town, starting every game during his time with the Glovers. Following both loans, Andrews was recalled by West Brom and made his first-team debut in January 2023, starting in the Baggies' 4-0 FA Cup victory over Chesterfield. He joined Woking on a permanent deal in the summer of 2024 and went on to make 53 appearances, including 38 starts, for the Cardinals last season. Chris Millington, First Team Manager, said: "Jamie is a player who adds quality and energy to the midfield area; he's shown that he can perform consistently at National League level and, at 23, we believe there's still plenty more to come from him. We're delighted to have him on board." Speaking on the move, Andrews said: "I’m delighted to be here. As soon as I spoke to the Gaffer and heard the direction he wants to go in, I was very keen on getting it done. This move is important to me because it’s my hometown club and where all my family have been brought up. I can’t wait to show everyone what I can bring to the team and have a successful season." Andrews becomes the fourth addition to Millington's squad this summer and everyone at Solihull Moors would like to welcome Jamie to the Club and wish him every success.