Flowers back on track as Solihull Moors top Vanarama National League table

Solihull Moors FC

The agony was etched in the face of Tim Flowers when it dawned on him that Solihull Moors, the non-league team he manages, weren’t going to reach the promised land off the Football League. Former keeper Flowers, who won the Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers, has had the summer to think about what could have been.

He had two choices. He could have moped, allowed the disappointment to drag him down and limped into the new season full of lethargy. Or he could have enjoyed some down time in the shape of a family holiday, recharged his batteries and vowed to do redouble his efforts. Fortunately for fans of Solihull Moors and all who are connected with the Midlands outfit, he chose to do the latter. It seems to have paid off. That’s if you consider the fact that his unbeaten side are at the top of the Vanarama National League — with three wins and a draw to show for their efforts.

Their latest win came midweek when they thrashed Chorley 6-1 with red-hot marksman Nathan Blissett snatching a hat-trick while summer recruit Paul McCallum hit a double and Danny Wright struck to complete the away day rout. Blissett, signed last year from Macclesfield Town, has paid tribute to the way in which his team has gone about their business so far this term.

Speaking after the victory over Chorley, and with an eye on the home game against Ebbsfleet United tomorrow (Saturday), Blissett — nephew of former England attacker Luther Blissett — said:

“I thought the boys were really excellent — we were cut throat and ruthless. It’s taken us a couple of games but we got there and we showed it in this game. Chorley were really up for it and very physical, we just had to overcome that and show our qualities. Usually it takes me about three games to get going, but I feel like I’ve hit the ground running.”

One the pitch things are on track, off it, too, the advancements the club has made are there for all to see. And Flowers says the changes are huge when he thinks about the day he walked into the club. He says it’s changed out of all recognition. He added:

“The stadium is light years ahead of what we walked into. We’ve earned a reputation by playing a committed, tough style and I think that you will find that we’re not going to change from that. Everyone will want to beat us, there’s no doubt about that. I wasn’t born yesterday and I know around every corner there is a blip or someone trying to trip you up.”

As with last season, promotion is the goal.