Steve Morison has sunned Hornchurch by leaving the runaway Isthmian League Premier Division leaders - but the club totally understand the reason why as he has been revealed as the new manager of League Two Sutton United.
Morison announced the news to shocked Urchins fans in the clubhouse following the home game with Horsham, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
He starts his new job in south London on Monday, replacing Matt Gray who left the struggling League Two side last month.
His record at Hornchurch this season was something special, 53 points from 22 games with 16 wins, five draws and just the one loss.
Hornchurch chairman Alex Sharp said: "I’m disappointed to confirm that Steve will be leaving us after six 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 I 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.
"Best of luck to Steve and Ant for the future, it has been great getting to know you and your families and we can guarantee you a very warm welcome whenever you return to the club.
"We will take our time now making sure we get the right replacement for Steve and will keep you all posted of our progress."
Sutton's statement read: "Steve leaves the Essex club seven points clear at the top of the Premier Division.
"He previously spent just under a year as manager of Championship side Cardiff City, steering them clear of the relegation zone on the 2021-22 season, having previously been head coach of their U23s.
"Steve's playing career as a striker saw him make nearly 700 senior appearances, half of which were for Millwall in three spells, and score nearly 250 goals.
"He also played for Northampton Town, Bishop's Stortford, Stevenage, for whom he scored the winner in the 2007 FA Trophy final, Norwich City, Leeds United and Shrewsbury Town.
"He was capped 20 times by Wales.
"We offer Steve a warm welcome and our best wishes for his time as Sutton United manager.
"We would also like to thank Jason Goodliffe for taking interim charge of the team in the five games since Matt's departure."
Morison's final game at saw Liam Nash put them into a first-half lead before Harvey Sparks levelled on 49 minutes.
Horsham skipper Jack Brivo was then sent off for two yellow cards with eight minutes remaining but the 10-men kept Hornchurch out.
Hornchurch are next in action on Saturday when they go to Carshalton Athletic.
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