Solihull Moors have bolstered their first-team ranks with three new arrivals ahead of their opening pre-season fixture against local rivals Knowle. Goalkeeper Nathaniel Ford, midfielder Rio Shipston and defender Jevon Mills have all signed for the National League side, with Mills returning for a second spell at Damson Park. All three players are expected to feature when Moors kick off their pre-season campaign against Knowle on Saturday - a match that arrives with the club sitting 14th in the England National League, 56 points from 46 games and on a two-game winning run.
What did Solihull Moors sign and who are the new players?
The Moors have added three young talents to their squad, each bringing distinct strengths to Chris Millington’s group. Nathaniel Ford arrives from National League rivals Halifax Town after spending last season with the Shaymen. The 21-year-old shot-stopper came through Rotherham United’s academy and turned professional with the Millers in 2023.
Midfielder Rio Shipston joins from Sheffield Wednesday, where he logged four Championship appearances last season. The 21-year-old arrives at Damson Park with Championship experience under his belt and technical quality Millington believes can help control possession. Defender Jevon Mills returns to Solihull after a brief spell at Halifax in 2022/23, where he made nine appearances. The 22-year-old, a Hull City academy graduate, also scored once in 24 National League outings for Halifax last season.
Why these signings matter for Solihull Moors
Millington framed the arrivals as moves to strengthen both depth and quality in key areas. Ford’s shot-stopping and command of his box come at a premium in the National League, where clean sheets are hard to come by - Moors have conceded 72 goals this season and sit just one behind on goal difference. Shipston’s ability to break lines and dictate tempo offers a creative spark in midfield, while Mills’ return provides defensive cover and familiarity with the club’s system.
The boss highlighted Ford’s attitude and potential, calling him a "talented young keeper" with the traits to become the club’s number one. Shipston’s risk-taking in possession and Mills’ all-round attributes at centre-back were also praised, with Millington stressing their development potential in a Moors shirt. With the club still 52 points adrift of league leaders York, every new signing must contribute immediately if Solihull are to climb the table.
When will the new signings make their debuts?
All three players are in contention for Moors’ pre-season opener against Knowle, a local derby that serves as the first competitive test of the summer. The clash comes as Solihull sit 14th in the National League with a recent run of two wins and two losses in their last four games. The match also follows their last competitive outing - a 4-1 away win at Yeovil Town on April 25, 2026 - which saw them score four goals for the second time in three games.
Millington’s squad now includes Ford, Shipston and Mills as the club looks to build momentum before the league campaign resumes. The trio will train with the first team this week and could feature in Saturday’s friendly, giving Millington early sight of their fitness and chemistry ahead of the National League curtain-raiser.
What’s next for Solihull Moors?
The pre-season opener against Knowle is the first real step in Moors’ summer rebuild. Millington will use the next fortnight to assess his new recruits in match conditions before finalising his 22-man squad for the league opener. With 71 goals scored and 72 conceded this season, the emphasis remains on defensive solidity and sharper transitions.
The club’s recent form - two wins, one draw and two losses in the last five - shows Moors can grind out results, but consistency is still the missing piece. If Ford, Shipston and Mills can hit the ground running, they’ll give Millington the options he needs to tighten the backline and add creativity in midfield as the club eyes a push up the table.
