Hornchurch chairman Alex Sharp wished Steve Morison well after seeing him leave to join League Two side Sutton United as manager.

The 40-year-old was appointed Urchins boss last June and leaves the Essex club with them seven points clear at the top of the Isthmian League Premier Division.

Morison announced his departure to fans in the clubhouse after their 1-1 draw with Horsham on Saturday and Sharp told the club website: “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 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 both 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."

Morison succeeds Matt Gray, who left Sutton last month after nearly five years in charge.

"We offer Steve a warm welcome and our best wishes for his time as Sutton United manager," read a statement on the club website.

"We would also like to thank Jason Goodliffe for taking interim charge of the team in the five games since Matt's departure."

Sutton, beaten 3-1 by Plymouth in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, are currently bottom of the English Football League.

Former Wales striker Morison left Cardiff in September 2022 after 11 months in charge of the Championship club.