Heading to Sutton United – Hornchurch manager Steve Morison (Image: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo)

Hornchurch manager Steve Morison has joined Sky Bet League Two strugglers Sutton United to replace Matt Gray.

The news comes hours after the Urchins’ 1-1 draw with Horsham in the Isthmian Premier Division and is a blow to their title aspirations.

Sutton are rooted to the bottom of the League Two table and bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup this afternoon after a 3-1 defeat at Plymouth.

They currently sit top having only lost once in the league this season and are seven points ahead of second-placed Chatham Town.

Morison arrived at Bridge Avenue in the summer to replace Mark Stimson and oversaw a formidable Hornchurch side in the opening months of the campaign that is in pole position to seal promotion to the Vanarama National League South.

Before his spell in Essex, the ex-Milwall striker was manager of Sky Bet Championship side Cardiff City and spent just under a year in the Welsh capital and it appeared a major coup when he joined Hornchurch in June.

Hornchurch chairman Alex Sharp said the following on the club’s website: “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.”

Hornchurch next make the trip to Carshalton Athletic next Saturday.