Hi there, Would be grateful if anyone could point me in the right direction.

I have a W reg escort van 1.8 TD, it has taken a long time to start for over a year, however after the recent mot it got worse and eventually I had to get the AA out to start it for me. I was told to start by replacing the starter motor as it was very slow. I got one sent out to me from a breakers which I fitted. On turning the key, nothing. I took it out again and checked it in the house, works fine. My question is, has something stopped the relay from sending current to the solonoid switch (I do not understand relays)?

Thanks for reading.