FORMER Blackburn Rovers keeper Tim Flowers has left his post as manager of Solihull Moors by mutual consent.

Flowers, who helped Rovers win the Premiership title in 1994-95, joined Solihull as assistant manager in November 2017 and together with manager, Mark Yates, oversaw Moors ‘Great Escape’ that season.

In the summer of 2018, Flowers was appointed manager and led Moors to their highest ever league finish, coming second in the National League with 86 points and to the second round of the FA Cup - where they unluckily lost in a replay to League One Blackpool.

“It is with immense pride that I leave Solihull Moors Football Club," said Flowers who played 177 times for Rovers and was capped 11 times by England. "The journey that we’ve been on in the last two years or so has been quite remarkable.

"Firstly, the great escape when Mark Yates, myself, Gary Whild and Darren Acton managed to somehow maintain our National League status against all the odds.

"To back that up with the season we had last year, finishing runners-up and taking it all the way to the final day of the season was a monumental achievement by all involved.

"We had two appearances in the second round of the FA Cup giving two League One sides a real scare, showcasing the club in front of the nation on live television. Not forgetting a quarter-final appearance in the FA Trophy."

Flowers, who was was the most expensive keeper in Britain when Rovers paid Southampton £2.4million back in November 93, added: "I leave the club in ninth position, three points off fifth and with two games in hand. With just under a third of the season left there is good scope for a very talented squad to once again have an assault on the play-offs or beyond.

"I would like to thank my staff - Gary Whild, James Quinn, Darren Acton, Craig Cope, Steve Hensel, Mick Kemp and Ian Hutton for their tireless effort, help and support throughout this journey.

"I’d like to thank Darryl who has been a great source of support and also a good friend. Also, the entire board of directors who have helped me over those two years.

"I wish the club all the very best in their quest for Football League status and I will remain an avid watcher and fan.

"Finally, to the ever-growing Solihull Moors fanbase for their support at home and away. Their backing has been a huge help in us picking up points, making our stadium an incredibly difficult place to come and the band that follow us away from home have been key in getting us over the line in a number a games.”

Darryl Eales, Chairman, said: “Tim has made an invaluable contribution to the development of Moors and his legacy will be enshrined in Moors history forever. He has been an absolute pleasure to work with and he has done a magnificent job for the club. Our progress under his stewardship has been fantastic and he leaves a great foundation for future success.

"On behalf of the Board, all staff and I am sure all fans, I’d like to thank Tim for everything. He leaves the club with our best wishes for the future and will always be sure of the warmest of welcome at Damson Parkway.”

Gary Whild and James Quinn will be in charge of the team on an interim basis, starting with tonight’s home game against Barrow AFC, while the club undertakes a formal recruitment process.