Enjoying his time at Hornchurch – Daryl McMahon (Image: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo)

Hornchurch manager Daryl McMahon believes there is still a desire to improve amongst his players, despite flying high in the Isthmian Premier Division. 

The Urchins have taken the Isthmian Premier Division by storm this term having sat top of the table for large parts of the campaign and only losing on one occasion.

McMahon replaced Steve Morison, who joined Sky Bet League Two outfit Sutton United, and has overseen five consecutive wins in his first five games in charge.

The 40-year-old has enjoyed life at Bridge Avenue so far.

“The first couple of months here have been very enjoyable,” he said.

“Coming into a new group mid-season is never easy but the players, staff and everyone connected with the club have been really welcoming and both Steve Gritt (Assistant Manager) and myself are enjoying being at Hornchurch.”

Arriving at the end of January, McMahon had big shoes to fill after ex-Cardiff City boss Morison had excelled during his time in East London.

McMahon thinks it was important to continue the winning formula that had served them so well.

“Coming into a group that has been winning, it’s important that I got a grasp very quickly of what the working environment looked like,” he believes.

“Also to how the players had been used to preparing, training and travelling and keep using the bits the players had  enjoyed and also asking them questions if they thought there were bits we could get better at and how we could do that moving forward.

“The desire to improve is very evident when you speak with our players and everyone involved at the club.”

Hornchurch sealed a last-gasp 2-1 victory at Bognor Regis Town on Saturday with goals coming from Liam Nash and Lewis Manor in the fifth and ninth minute of additional time respectively.

McMahon thinks that emphasised their winning mentality.

“It was an excellent win in the end at Bognor,” he stated.

“Credit to Bognor who were very good in the first half and made the game very difficult for us.

“We made some changes at half-time and in the second half, the players were excellent in turning the game around.

“The togetherness of the squad is very apparent and everyone plays their part.

“Our substitutes came on and all had a big impact on the performance and the result and Bognor is a very difficult place to go as that was the first time they had lost at home this season.”

Before joining the Urchins, McMahon had a three-year spell at Dagenham & Redbridge which came to an end in February 2023.

The former Ebbsfleet United and Macclesfield Town manager summarises his time at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.

“I really enjoyed my time and work at Dagenham,” he said.

“When I went to the club, they were in a relegation battle and over the years we overhauled the squad, improved the playing style and became a side competing to get into the play-offs.

“During my time there, five players left to join Football League clubs which helped to generate some good money for the club.

“It’s a nice club and I will always wish them well for the future.”

As we approach the business end of the season, Hornchurch look to be heading to the Vanarama National League South having missed out in the play-off final in the last two seasons.

McMahon is still looking to take one game at a time as they host fellow promotion hopefuls Billericay Town on Saturday.

“At the moment we are fully focused on what we are doing now and not looking too far ahead,” he claimed.

“Our full focus is on the next game and we know it’s going to be a tough game and one we have to be fully prepared for.”