Hornchurch sealed promotion to the National League earlier this month after defeating Torquay United, and now their attention can turn to attempting to solidify themselves during their debut campaign.
Daryl McMahon’s side kicked off the 2025/26 campaign by going 16 matches unbeaten in the National League South but a slip in form in February saw their title aspirations slowly fade away.
However, Hornchurch ended the campaign strongly, losing out on the title on the final day but securing promotion via the play-offs to seal their place in the fifth tier for the first ever time.
Goals from Dominic Poleon, Henry Hearn and Sam Ling secured a historic triumph for the football club.
Hornchurch set for defensive acquisition
With promotion to the National League secured, Hornchurch can begin to prepare for the 2026/27 campaign, and supporters won’t have long to wait to discover who their first signing is going to be.
As reported by journalist Pete O’Rourke, Hornchurch are closing in on a deal to sign experienced defender Tom Dallison from National League South side Ebbsfleet United.
The 30-year-old will be leaving the Fleet this summer, following the expiry of his contract and is set to sign for McMahon’s side on a free transfer, with a three-year deal having been agreed.
Dallison featured 26 times in the National League South for Ebbsfleet last season, scoring twice during matches against Bath City and Dagenham & Redbridge – though injuries limited his minutes over the course of the campaign.
How vital could his experience be for Hornchurch next season?
As stated, next season will be Hornchurch’s first season at National League level and if they want to survive, they’ll likely need experienced individuals who know the division.
Dallison has spent almost his entire career in the EFL, playing for the likes of Crawley Town and Colchester United and registering over 100 appearances. He also featured 30 times for Ebbsfleet in the National League last season.
Hornchurch do possess experienced attackers such as Josh Rees and Dominic Poleon who know the National League all too well, but defensively they don’t have many individuals who have played at that level.
Therefore, the addition of an individual such as Dallison will add experience to their back-line ahead of next season.
However, the 30-year-old has had problems with injury throughout his career, with his 2024/25 appearance total of 33 being the highest of his career.
This adds an element of risk to the transfer, especially with Dallison set to sign a three-year contract with the club.
However, his presence both on and off the pitch as an experienced defender could play a key part in trying to keep the club in the National League next season.
