Fans braced for week that will 'never happen again'

Dean Smith described double dreamland for Solihull Moors

They have never played at the national stadium, but Solihull Moors are preparing to visit Wembley twice in six days. With the prospect of silverware, promotion or potentially both on the horizon, the BBC caught up with supporters and locals.

Last month, football fan Dean Smith used the word "dreamland" to describe the prospect of Solihull Moors reaching Wembley Stadium for the first time.

The Moors season ticket holder spoke as his beloved non-league side booked their spot in the FA Trophy final against Gateshead on 11 May.

But despite what he dubbed an incredible season, even he didn't expect what happened next.

Against the odds Moors - founded in 2007 - produced two outstanding results in what were supposed to be tricky games just three days apart.

Eight goals against Halifax Town and Barnet saw the fifth-ranked National League club clinch a place in Sunday's play-off final.

It means Mr Smith will be visiting Wembley twice in the space of a week.

He could even be watching his side compete in the English Football League next season if they can edge past Bromley in the battle for promotion.

Mr Smith will be visiting Wembley twice in the space in a week

"It's beyond our wildest dreams," he said. "It feels like once in a lifetime.

"This will never happen again. Success can be short and you've got to enjoy it while you can."

The 44-year-old, who also has a Birmingham City season ticket, once saw Moors as his second team.

But he fell in love with the non-league outfit about three years ago and believes it will soon be a League Two club.

"We've flown under the radar all season," Mr Smith added.

"I think teams underestimate us. We've proven we can beat the best in the league."

Celebrations when Solihull Moors reached the play off final in 2022

The club was formed when Moor Green merged with Solihull Borough in July 2007 and has punched above its weight for a number of years.

After making it to the fifth tier in 2016, there was pride and heartbreak two years ago as Moors suffered a play-off final defeat to Grimsby Town at West Ham's London Stadium.

Moors will play at Wembley twice in six days

But as the club grows, so to will questions over how bosses can keep locals on side.

One resident, who lives near Moors' ARMCO Arena but didn't want to give his name, said the club's ascent was "the worst thing that had happened", because his road becomes a car park on match days.

Hairdresser Leanne Hughes wished the team the best

Leanne Hughes, 50, who works as a hairdresser about 10 minutes away, said she had also heard people vent over traffic, parking and how busy the area can get.

She urged the club to "go and smash it", but agreed it needed to keep its neighbours in mind.

"I see a lot of people on match days walking past in crowds," Ms Hughes said.

"It's a nice community feeling when something is doing well in your area."

Alex Manners has been a fan since the club was formed

Alex Manners, a Moors fan since the club was established, explained he thought the infrastructure was in place for it to take the next step.

"To go to Wembley once is amazing enough, but to go twice in the space of a week is just unbelievable," he said.

"Two years ago, I wouldn't have said the ground is ready but now I think it's definitely ready for League Two football."

The 27-year-old said the area would be proud of the club and players regardless of results in London.

"It means so much to the fans," he said. "We know whatever happens they have tried their hardest."