Solihull Moors Women can confirm that Manager, Joe Kirkland and Assistant Manager, Trevor Sutcliffe, will leave the club at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. 

Since taking charge, Joe and Trevor have played an instrumental role in the development and progression of the team, helping to strengthen the squad, build a competitive identity, and develop a positive culture within the club. 

Following the decision, Women’s Development Manager, Dave Lawrence said:

“I’m personally disappointed to be losing Joe and Trev, but they go having done a great job for the Club since arriving in very difficult circumstances. They’ve brought a sense of professionalism and high standards which has been responded to well by the players they’ve brought in. I wish them the best of luck in their futures.”

Joe Kirkland commented: 

“We walked in during Nov 2024 and found a broken team, the team’s average age was 19, with most not playing senior football before. 

We’ve tried to develop professional standards throughout, changing the dynamics both on and off the pitch.

From players having access to a fantastic sports psychologist each week, to a phenomenal partnership with one NIVEA, but ultimately just trying to make sure that the team operates in a professional manner, and a place where people believe that they feel apart of something special. 

Last season the job was to keep the team alive, whilst believing that a full-scale rebuild in the summer could lead to success the following season. This year, we’ve signed more than 30 players, something that was needed, but also something that has proved challenging.

An FA cup first round proper, a league cup semi-final, and a period where we were challenging for the league title is something that we look back on fondly. Something quite the contrast from when we first walked in.

I want to thank my assistant manager Trevor who will also be departing, as well as all the players and staff we have had the pleasure of working with during this period. I have always appreciated the trust and belief shown in me by players and staff.

We will maintain standards until the end of the season to ensure that the platform is there to allow the club to be even stronger under new management next year. I wish Solihull Moors Football Club all the best for the future”

Everyone at Solihull Moors Women and Solihull Moors Foundation would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Joe and Trevor for their commitment, professionalism and passion throughout their time with the club. 

Both Joe and Trevor will remain fully focused on their roles for the remainder of the season, as the team looks to finish the 2025/26 campaign strongly.