Chris Millington’s side have endured a torrid start to the 2026/27 season, with their first four games in all competitions ending in catastrophe.
A humbling 5-2 loss to Harrogate Town on Matchday One has been augmented by three consecutive poor results at home, as they were beaten by the United’s of Boston and Southend in the National League and Middlesbrough U21s in the National League Cup.
Their first-ever meeting with the Rebels is still six weeks away, with plenty of time to rectify their problems ahead of a debut showing at Woodside Road.
History
Solihull Moors are approaching the two-decade anniversary since their inception, with Solihull Borough (founded 1953) and Moor Green (founded 1901) merging in 2007.
Now into their tenth season as a fifth-tier outfit, the Moors have experienced the heartbreak of several near misses during recent times, as they have come within touching distance of reaching the hallowed land of the Football League on multiple occasions.
Within those 10 terms, two have culminated in reaching the National League play-off final at Wembley Stadium, with Grimsby Town overcoming them in 2022 prior to an agonising penalty shootout defeat to now League One side Bromley a couple years later.
Just to compound their misery, a second trip to the home of English football within a matter of weeks also ended on a devastating note, as spot-kicks was again their demise in the FA Trophy final under the Wembley arch.
Their highest finish occurred in 2019 – with the Moors taking the title of runners-up. Since that gut-wrenching double defeat in 2024, a pair of underwhelming 14th place finishes have left the club craving an upturn in performance levels to return to their former glory as title contenders.
Manager – Chris Millington
Despite not having an established playing career, Chris Millington has become a household name in the National League since the start of the decade.
Based initially in the Greater Manchester area, the UEFA A Licence Coach earned his stripes in the academy set-ups at Curzon Ashton, Macclesfield, Stockport County before an interaction with a fellow budding coach began his journey to becoming a Manager in Non-League’s top tier.
Upon Pete Wild’s appointment as Caretaker Manager at Oldham Athletic, Millington was chosen to support the coaching during the interim spell and followed Wild after his permanent move to FC Halifax Town.
Three years working together ended in 2022, with League Two Barrow swooping in to secure Wild’s services. Instead of continuing their partnership, Millington succeeded his former colleague – a decision that immediately vindicated by the 2023 FA Trophy success with the Shaymen.
After resigning at the end of the 2024/25 campaign after two play-off campaigns, the 50-year-old took on the challenge at Solihull Moors last October, and helped steer them comfortably clear of demotion.
Now in his first full season, Millington is tasked with turning their fortunes around, with their campaign commencing with three straight defeats.
Previous Meetings
Worthing have not played Solihull Moors before this season but did play Moor Green twice (1935/36 and 1947/48) in the AFA Senior Cup. The first meeting was an away match and remained the furthest north that Worthing had played until the FA Cup tie at Rotherham United in 1999. Solihull Moors was founded in 2007 from a merger of Solihull Borough and Moor Green.
Stadium – ARMCO Arena (Damson Park)
Formerly the home of Solihull Borough between the years of 1999 and 2007, Damson Park (also known as the ARMCO Arena) was adopted as the home stadium for Solihull Moors following the merger.
The ground has a main two-tier stand, additional seated areas and a covered terrace. The main stand also incorporates hospitality and club facilities.
Over 4,000 spectators packed into the amphitheatre in 2022 to witness the National League play-off semi-final between the Moors and Chesterfield – a record attendance figure at the venue.
Interestingly, the ground has been utilised for multiple purposes with Birmingham City Women occasionally playing their home matches at the ARMCO Arena, including UEFA Women’s Champions League fixtures.
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗