League Two outfit Grimsby Town are keen to appoint the former Leeds United and Millwall striker Steve Morison as the club’s newest head coach, according to reports.
A 1-0 defeat away at Doncaster Rovers at the end of October signalled the end of Paul Hurst’s time in charge of the Mariners. A late Joe Ironside penalty sealed Hurst’s faith, while the result left Grimsby 21st in the table.
First-team coaches Ben Davies and Shaun Pearson were handed the reins collectively and managed to pick up four points from a possible six in the fourth tier, although Grimsby have remained put in 21st place.
Despite reaching the next round of the FA Cup, following a 7-2 replay victory over Slough Town, Grimsby Town have identified ex-Cardiff City manager Steve Morison as the man to lead the East Lincolnshire side forward, according to journalist Darren Witcoop.
Writing on Twitter/X on Saturday afternoon, Witcoop issued an update on Grimsby’s pursuit of a new head coach, admitting that both parties were wide of the mark during negotiations.
Grimsby Town are keen to appoint former Cardiff boss Steve Morison to succeed Paul Hurst in the Blundell Park hot-seat. But currently both parties remain wide apart in negotiations. #GTFC #grimsbytown
— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) November 18, 2023
Morison took charge of Hornchurch FC in the Isthmian Premier Division during the summer but could be set for a return to the English Football League, having spent merely a few months with the non-league outfit.
The ex-Norwich City player’s only experience as a manager prior to taking up his post at Hornchurch FC was at Cardiff City. Across 45 games in charge, Morison held a 35.56% win ratio with the Bluebirds before being sacked near the start of last season.
Writer’s View
Morison has had a really interesting career so far. After being sacked at Championship side Cardiff City, he dropped down five levels to take up the head coach position at Hornchurch and now could come back to manage in the fourth division.
Nevertheless, this could be an excellent move for Morison’s career, particularly if he gets Grimsby Town out of the relegation battle they find themselves in.