Solihull Moors defender Finn Howell has joined Banbury United on a long-term loan, the Puritans have confirmed ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Young defender moves for regular football
Howell, 21, who is primarily a left-back but can also operate at centre-half, made eight senior appearances for Solihull Moors and arrives at the Spencer Stadium with previous loan experience in non-league football. His prior temporary spells include time with Redditch United, Bromsgrove Sporting and Oxford City, experience Banbury will be counting on as they look to strengthen their defensive options.
What the move means for both clubs
- For Howell: an opportunity to secure regular competitive minutes and continue his development at senior level.
- For Banbury United: the signing bolsters Kelvin Langmead’s options ahead of a campaign in the Southern League Premier Central.
- For Solihull Moors: loaning a young player to gain experience fits the club’s pathway model while retaining future control of his registration.
Howell became Banbury’s ninth arrival of the summer, joining a group of new additions that also includes Levi Steele, Joey Evans, Oran Jackson, Harrison Mole, Josh Cavallo, Ben Nash, Otis Castle and Rico Patterson. The senior squad at Banbury now stands at 17 players, of whom eight have been retained from last season, indicating a blend of continuity and fresh faces that manager Kelvin Langmead hopes will push the side higher up the table.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Finn Howell |
| Age | 21 |
| Position | Left-back / Centre-half |
| Parent club | Solihull Moors |
| Loan club | Banbury United |
| Previous loan clubs | Redditch United, Bromsgrove Sporting, Oxford City |
| Banbury's next competitive match | Away at Bishop’s Stortford, Saturday 8 August |
Local context and implications
For supporters in Solihull, Howell’s move is emblematic of the route many young professionals take through the non-league and National League systems to gain experience. Solihull Moors have fielded numerous developing players who undertake temporary moves to secure regular first-team football; Howell’s career to date — including eight appearances for the Moors’ senior side — sits within that pattern.
Banbury will be hoping the left-sided defender adds competition and a younger profile to their back line as they chase improved league form after consecutive mid-table finishes. The club opens its league campaign away at Bishop’s Stortford on 8 August, a fixture where new additions such as Howell will be expected to contribute immediately.
There has been no indication from either club of the precise duration of the loan beyond the description of it being long-term, nor of any recall clauses or financial details. Such arrangements are routine at this level and typically focus on guaranteeing playing opportunities for younger squad members while allowing parent clubs to monitor progress.
Howell’s move will be watched with interest by local observers tracking the development of Solihull’s academy and reserve talents as they step into senior roles across the non-league and lower-league pyramid.
