Duo return to Hornchurch ranks to boost new boss Morison

New Hornchurch boss Steve Morison has made his first signings since taking the Bridge Avenue hotseat.

George Saunders has agreed a return to the club from National League side Dagenham & Redbridge, who he joined in July 2020, with Jack Munns also coming back after being released midway through last season.

Morison said: “I am thrilled that George has chosen to come back to Hornchurch and I have no doubt he will quickly establish himself as a key player in our team. 

“His experiences at Dagenham & Redbridge will be invaluable both on and off the pitch and I’m confident he will make a huge contribution for us this season.

“George is a natural talent and his speed, agility and quality in the final third make him a real threat. As a club, we are committed to developing and nurturing talent, and George is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. 

“I am excited to see him back with us and I am sure he will again be a fan favourite.

“I would like to thank Alex [Sharp] and Colin [McBride] for getting this deal done and it shows the commitment they are putting in to make sure this season is a real success both on and off the pitch. We should all look forward to seeing him in action.”

Saunders made 84 appearances for Hornchurch in his first spell at the club before joining Dagenham & Redbridge and scoring five times in 66 appearances.

He said: “I’m delighted to be back at Hornchurch. It’s a very special club that means a lot to me and one that is surrounded with fantastic people who are hungry for success. I can’t wait to be back playing again and to help the club achieve what it deserves”

Munns played 23 times for Urchins last season, before joining Concord Rangers in February and making 11 appearances for them.

Described as an exciting, attacking player who will give Morison options in the middle of the park, he said: “I’m delighted to be back, part of the exciting project that is going on at Hornchurch.

“It’s a special club for me and I can’t wait to play for Steve Morison and make this a successful season for all concerned.”

Rickie Hayles, Chris Dickson and Jamie Mascoll have all left the Isthmian League Premier Division club and were praised by chairman Alex Sharp for their contributions.

“The term club legend is often overused in football, but in the case of Rickie Hayles and Chris Dickson, it is certainly true,” said Sharp.

“Both have played a massive part in helping the club get to where it is today and were integral to the FA Trophy-winning team of 2021. 

“Rickie has made 283 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals, and has been a rock in our defence since his return in 2019. 

“Chris also joined the club in 2019, making 83 appearances, scoring 38 goals. His character and personality on and off the pitch are infectious and none of us could ever forget the impact his substitution had in the FA Trophy final. 

“We can’t thank Rickie and Chris enough for everything they have done for Hornchurch over the past four years and will be forever welcome at the club and will be guaranteed a heroes welcome!

“Jamie will also be leaving as it was felt with the signing of Nathan Green and Remi Sutton due to return from injury in August, Jamie’s opportunities would be limited.

“Steve wanted to give Jamie the best opportunity to find another club. We would like to thank Jamie for his time at the club and wish him well for the future.”

Joe Wright, Ellis Brown, Remi Sutton, Jordan Clark, Nathan Bertram-Cooper, Lewwis Spence, Ollie Muldoon, Tom Wraight, Joe Christou, Sam Higgins, Ade Yusuff and Liam Nash have all been retained, while Charlie Stimson and Lamar Joseph-Johnson have also left the club.