SOLIHULL MOORS have parted company with their director of football Stephen Ward just days before the start of the new National League season.
The Ex-Wolves defender arrived at the club two years ago.
But this week, Moors confirmed that Ward had left the club.
Ward then issued a statement explaining why he has moved on – saying he wants to spend more time with his family.
He said: “Firstly, let me put on record my gratitude and thanks to Darryl Eales, the Board and everyone at the club for the opportunity and trust they have shown in me. It has been a fantastic few years and I have enjoyed coming to work each and every day. It’s with a heavy heart that I have come to this decision to leave the club.
“After spending 20 years in professional football, I know how difficult it is to find the right balance between football and family. I feel now is the right time for me to step away and spend more time with my young family and explore new opportunities with them.
“I mentioned to the Chairman that this was something I planned to do, and his understanding of my decision was fully supportive and appreciated. I have the utmost respect for Darryl and what he has achieved in his life. He has been a brilliant mentor for me, and I have learned so much from him. I was once told that the most important thing in football was for a club to have the right owner, and Darryl has shown this by his continued commitment, support and dedication to Solihull Moors.
“This football club is very special and at the heart of it are the amazing group of staff I have been lucky to work alongside during my time here. There are too many to mention individually but everyone plays a huge role in helping the team. A huge thank you to all the staff at the stadium and training ground.
“I would however like to mention two people, Cheryl Cooper and Richard Blackmore. Both work tirelessly alongside the Chairman to keep this football club achieving great things. They are often working hard behind the scenes, but they are both integral to the club. I can’t thank them both enough for their unwavering support and friendship. Their experience in the business of the game has played a huge part in my own growth and development over the past few seasons.
“The most important thing for me was to remain at the club until the start of the season to ensure everything was in place for the team to be ready for the challenges that lie ahead this season.”
Ward referenced the work he had done with manager Matt Taylor this summer.
He added: “Matt and I have worked hard all summer to build this new team, and we believe we have assembled an exceptional squad of talented players to once again challenge at the top end of the National League. I have really enjoyed working alongside Matt and previously Andy Whing. They both share the same vision and values as I do which ensured a really good working relationship. This has enabled us to instil a great culture and professional working environment at the club. Both managers were supported by a fantastic group of support staff and players who work so hard to try and achieve success for this club.
“I have been very fortunate to experience some real highs during my playing career but watching Moors walk out at Wembley was a moment I will cherish forever. Although the luck evaded us on both days it was very special to see a club of our size compete in such an iconic football stadium. The connection between the club, our fans and the community was clearly evident, and it was something to be proud of.
“I will always have a strong connection with the club, and I will be watching on with keen interest as Matt, the staff and his team start the season. Let’s get behind them all and with your support let’s hope that they can achieve what the fans deserve: a successful Solihull team playing in the EFL”.
