Sutton United part company with Steve Morison after poor start to National League season

Sutton United have dismissed head coach Steve Morison by mutual consent after a poor start to the National League season left the club near the foot of the table.

The decision, confirmed by the club on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, followed Saturday’s 3-2 home defeat to promoted Tamworth and a run of results that produced just one league win from nine matches. A midweek National League Cup loss to Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21s added to the pressure on Morison.

In a statement the club paid tribute to Morison’s work during a 21-month spell at Gander Green Lane. "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," the statement said.

First-team coach Jon Meeney will assume the role of interim head coach while the club seeks a permanent replacement. Sutton travel to Brackley Town this weekend with Meeney in charge as they attempt to arrest their slide.

Morison, 42, took charge of Sutton in January 2024, replacing Matt Gray. He initially stabilised the club, guiding them through an eight-game unbeaten run and taking their relegation fight in League Two to the final day of the season. Sutton were relegated from League Two at the end of that campaign, and Morison then led a summer overhaul that produced a 12th-place finish in the National League in 2024–25.

This season’s form, however, has been significantly weaker. Sutton registered only one league victory in their opening nine fixtures and suffered the additional setback of the cup defeat to Brighton’s Under-21 side before the loss to Tamworth.

Morison enjoyed a playing career that included 53 Premier League appearances for Norwich City and earned caps for Wales. After retiring, he moved into coaching with Cardiff City’s under-23s and later worked with the first team before dropping into non-league management with Hornchurch, where his work impressed Sutton’s hierarchy and led to his appointment.

The club’s swift move to appoint an interim following Saturday’s defeat reflects the pressure on National League sides to respond quickly in a congested fixture schedule. Sutton, relegated from the Football League last term, will face scrutiny from supporters and the board as they seek to climb the table and stabilise their campaign.

Sutton United did not provide a timetable for appointing a new permanent head coach. Meeney’s immediate task will be to prepare the squad for Sunday’s trip to Brackley Town and to try to secure a first league win of the season under the interim setup.