Steve Morison Takes on a Fascinating Challenge as New Boss of Hornchurch FC
- The former Cardiff City manager joins English Isthmian League side Hornchurch FC, who finished second in the table last season
Steve Morison has taken on a fascinating challenge as the new boss of English Isthmian League side Hornchurch FC.
The 39-year-old Football Careers client and former Cardiff City manager has shown his class as a coach at the turbulent Welsh club both as Under-23s Head Coach and top team gaffer since he hung up his boots.
It’s a sign of the volatile nature of life at Cardiff that Steve — hastily sacked by owner Vincent Tan in September 2022 — was being touted for a return to the Bluebirds before they announced former Fenerbahce coach Erol Bulut as their new gaffer.
The summer, though, now brings a fresh opportunity for Morison, who was a legend up front in his playing days for the likes of Stevenage Borough and Millwall.
Steve takes over a Hornchurch side that finished second in the Isthmian League, the seventh tier of the English game, last time out. His goal will be to go one step better and win promotion and he said:
“I am thrilled and honoured to take on the role of First Team Manager of Hornchurch FC. Myself and my assistant Anthony Fenton are excited to take on this new challenge and to lead the team to new heights both on and off the football pitch.”
There is a sense after life in what can be a chaotic environment at Cardiff that Steve craves a chance to keep honing his craft as a coach in a place where he will clearly be valued. Morison stressed:
“As we embark on this new season, I want to assure you that I am committed to bringing success to Hornchurch FC. I will work tirelessly with our players, coaching staff and management to ensure that we perform at our best and achieve our goals.
“I am passionate about football and believe that together, we can build a strong and successful team. I am excited to work with the existing players and the wider Hornchurch FC community to create a culture of excellence both on and off the pitch.”
Revered at Stevenage and loved at Millwall in a playing career that brought 20 Welsh caps, 697 professional games, and 242 goals, Steve has told his new employers that dropping down the leagues doesn’t faze him.
The project has clearly lit a fire within Morison and Hornchurch chairman Alex Sharp revealed:
“From the first time I spoke with Steve I knew we had found our next manager. I was drawn in by the Millwall connection but then so impressed by his experience, professionalism and how driven he is.
“I have loved listening to his plans of how he intends to take the club forward and I love the fact that he thinks nothing of dropping down to non-league to create opportunities going forward. I’m excited at the thought of the players that Steve and Anthony will have access to and can bring to Hornchurch FC.
“We have a great squad at the club and the players are very excited to meet Steve and to see how he will help develop their careers.”
