Morison moves on!

Hornchurch have announced the departure of manager Steve Morison, following todays draw with Horsham.

Morison took over in the summer, and has steered his side to a commanding lead at the top of the table, as well as taking our Manager of the Month prize repeatedly- but the Urchins will now have to look for a replacement, as their- now former- boss has been offered a Football League opportunity which he has unsurprisingly decided to take.

A club statement from Chair Alex Sharp explains:

“I’m disappointed to confirm that Steve will be leaving us after 6 months, following probably the most impressive first half of a season we have ever seen! Steve has brought a level of professionalism to the club that has lifted us from the disappointment of last season’s play off final defeat and whilst I am sad to see Steve leave from the club’s perspective, I am delighted that he has got an exciting opportunity to return to the Football League so quickly and feel proud that Hornchurch has provided the platform for that return. Steve has been fantastic for the club and the foundation he has put in place sees us top of the league with games in hand and a fantastic goal difference and we will do our best now to close out the season as we have started off. I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Steve and to Ant Fenton who will take up the role of Steve’s assistant from Monday."

Morison was in charge of Championship side Cardiff City as recently as September 2022, and prior to his time at the helm in the Welsh capital had a successful playing career. After coming through the youth ranks at Northampton Town to reach the first team he ended up at Bishop's Stortford, then in Conference South, and helped the Blues to the Semi-Final of the FA Trophy. From there onwards it was up and up for the striker, an FA Trophy triumph with Stevenage coming next, before a move into the Football League with Millwall.

Success at the New Den- and a Welsh international debut- was followed by a move to Norwich City, with Elland Road and Leeds United the next stop. That didn't work out, and it was back to Millwall, first on loan and then permanently, and he was a critical part of the side that made it back to the Championship via the Play Offs, scoring the winning goal at Wembley.

Following his retirement from playing he saw his career go full circle, returning to Northampton Town as a coach, and after spending some time coaching at Millwall became head coach of Cardiff City's Under 23 side in early 2020. His success there eventually earned him the top job in the Autumn of 2021, and he remained in charge of the side before his tenure came to an end.

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