Steve Morison retires – former Millwall striker takes on first coaching role at Northampton Town

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Former Millwall striker Steve Morison has announced his retirement – taking up a role as professional development phase assistant coach at Northampton Town.

The 36-year-old initially joined Shrewsbury Town on a season-long loan from the Lions this summer. That was then turned into a permanent transfer so the League One club could open up another loan slot in their squad.

But Morison has decided to end his playing days and take on a new role with the Cobblers.

He said: “I’ve spent an amazing two decades as a professional footballer and have so many wonderful memories, but I feel the time is right to move on to the next stage of my career – and I couldn’t be more excited.

“I learned so much while playing for my country and some great clubs, alongside and under so many fantastic players and managers, that I can’t wait to put it all into practice as a manager and coach in my own right.

“Coaching at Northampton, the club I started at as an 18-year-old and continue to live nearby, is going back to where it all started for me as a player.

“As such it feels like a good place for me to start my coaching career and hopefully that can follow a similar path to the top as I experienced while playing. It was an offer I couldn’t turn down.”

Northampton chief executive James Whiting said: “Steve is another excellent appointment for us.

“He is our new professional development phase assistant coach and will be assistant to Jon Brady with our U18 squad.

“We have a very dedicated and talented team of coaches and staff within the academy and between them we believe we have an excellent blend of local knowledge, coaching expertise and a lot of professional game experience which gives our young players the best possible support and guidance.”

Morison scored 92 goals in 336 matches for Millwall.

PICTURE BY BRIAN TONKS