Taylor Made! Moors Move For Stones Manager Matt

The 43-year-old leaves the Stones after little over eight months to take the job vacated by Andy Whing, who joined Barrow on Tuesday.

Solihull sit seventh in the National League table, and Taylor will take charge for the first time on Saturday when they host FC Halifax Town.

Chairman Darryl Eales have moved quickly - and says Moors have the right man.

He said: “This week has been bittersweet from a personal perspective and reflects the topsy turvy world of football.

"On the one hand, I’m delighted for Whingy as he is both a top man and an excellent coach. He has left with our best wishes for the future.

"Similarly, I’m absolutely delighted that we have been able to attract Matt to the club. We had many highly respected applicants, but Matt was the outstanding candidate for many reasons.

"He’s intelligent, articulate, principled, knows the league and already has a good understanding of Moors, our ethos and our ambition allied to a real hunger and humility to continue to build on our strong foundations.”

Taylor, the former Portsmouth, Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United player, says the move to the Midlands makes perfect sense.

He said: “It’s a great club with big plans and ambitions, on and off the pitch, and I am really looking forward to playing my part in that.

“I have been made to feel at home straight away and I am absolutely determined to repay the trust that has been placed in me by building a successful team playing good football to entertain the fans.”

Wealdstone have confirmed assistant manager Paul Hughes will remain at the club and will take charge on an interim basis.

Their statement read: “We would like to express our gratitude to Matt for his efforts and contributions during his time with the Stones. Despite facing an unprecedented spate of injuries, Matt demonstrated exceptional effort and professionalism.

“His leadership was instrumental in guiding the team to the second round of the FA Cup for the first time in over 40 years, a remarkable achievement that will long be remembered by everyone associated with the club.

“Whilst we are disappointed to lose Matt, we place on record our heartfelt thanks for his hard work and dedication during his tenure. We wish him every success in his new role at Solihull Moors and in all his future endeavors.”