Hornchurch have confirmed that Mark Stimson has left his position as first-team manager at the Isthmian League Premier Division club.

Stimson led the club to the arguably the biggest achievement in their history when guiding them to FA Trophy success in May 2021, when they beat Hereford 3-1 at Wembley Stadium after a memorable run to the final.

It was Stimson's fifth success in the competition - after earlier triumphs with Canvey, Grays and Stevenage - and he also saw Hornchurch reach the play-off final in successive seasons, only to lose out on home turf to Cheshunt last summer and Aveley earlier this month in their bid to earn promotion to National League South.

But despite signing a new two-year contract with Urchins not that long ago, Stimson has now deparated Bridge Avenue.

“It is with real regret that this difficult decision has been made," said chairman Alex Sharp.

"Mark has delivered the biggest achievement in the club’s history with the 2021 FA Trophy Final victory at Wembley Stadium and has taken us to two play-off finals in 2022 and 2023, ultimately ending in defeat but delivering some memorable wins along the way.

"The Board felt it was time for a change in direction as we continue our quest for promotion to the National League South.

"I would like to place on record our thanks to Mark for the success he has brought to the club and we wish him and his team every success for the future.

"On a personal note, I feel very fortunate to class Mark as a friend and this was one of the hardest conversations I ever had to have. Mark will be guaranteed a very warm welcome whenever he returns to Bridge Avenue and his name will forever be written into the history of our club."

The club will now commence their search for a new manager to take charge for the 2023-24 season and applications should be sent to Sharp and club secretary Norman Posner.