Sutton United have parted company with head coach Steve Morison after a disappointing start to their National League campaign left the club languishing near the relegation zone.
The former Premier League striker, 42, took charge at Gander Green Lane in January 2024, inheriting a side deep in League Two trouble.
An eight-match unbeaten run gave Sutton hope of survival and took the fight to the final day, but a dramatic 4-4 draw with MK Dons ultimately sealed their relegation from the Football League.
Morison oversaw a major squad rebuild last summer and guided the club to a respectable 12th-place finish in their first season back in the National League.
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However, this term has begun in disastrous fashion, with Sutton sitting 22nd after winning just one of their opening nine fixtures.
Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Tamworth proved to be Morison’s final league game in charge, and Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to Brighton Under-21s in the National League Cup confirmed the decision.
In a statement, Sutton United said: “Sutton United Football Club can confirm the departure of Steve Morison as Head Coach by mutual consent.
Steve Morison's Sutton United won just one of their first nine league games this season
|PA
“Morison came in from Hornchurch to replace Matt Gray in January 2024 and stabilised performances at the backend of the 2023/24 campaign, having taken over with the U’s in the League Two relegation zone.
“Under his guidance, Sutton then took their relegation fight to the final day with an eight-game unbeaten run to end the campaign, but were condemned to the drop after a 4-4 draw with MK Dons.
“He subsequently took charge of a massive overhaul on the pitch the following summer which led to a 12th place finish in the National League last term, before a difficult start to the current campaign.
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Steve Morison guided Sutton United to a ninth-placed finish last term
|PA
“The club wishes to place on record its thanks to Steve for his service during his 21-month spell at Gander Green Lane.
“His energy, passion and dedication have been infectious to all, and his tireless work off the pitch in helping reshape the club as a more professional organisation has been invaluable. We wish him all the best for the future.”
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Steve Morison previously featured for Norwich City during his days in the Premier League
|PA
First-team coach Jon Meeney has been placed in interim charge while Sutton begin the search for a permanent replacement.
Morison made 53 Premier League appearances for Norwich City during his playing career, scoring 10 goals, and won 20 caps for Wales. Since retiring, he has coached Cardiff City’s Under-23s, managed their senior team for 45 matches, and enjoyed a successful stint at Hornchurch before being appointed at Sutton.
He leaves Gander Green Lane with a record of 21 wins, 26 draws and 30 defeats.
Sutton are next in action on Saturday when they travel to Brackley Town, hoping for a response to a difficult week both on and off the pitch.