EAST Thurrock United has announced four new appointments as the club restructures following the departure of long-serving manager John Coventry and the entire club administrative team.

Coventry announced he was leaving prior to the coronavirus outbreak citing the 'horrendous' financial situation at the club and the turmoil about its future following the death of Ben Bennett, whose daughter owns the club and ground.

As reported exclusively by Thurrock Nub News last week former Rocks player Steve Wiseman is the new chairman.

He was a key member of Roger Bond's side which gained promotion to the Isthmian League by finishing joint top of the Essex Senior League in 1991-92.

An uncompromising defender who also scored more than his fair share of goals, Steve also featured for Canvey Island, Dagenham and Basildon United. Since retiring from the game, Steve has remained close the club, and was particularly supportive when the club had to make ground improvements to meet National League ground grading standards.

Joining Wiseman at the helm is Steve Robinson (pictured right). Steve is the Rocks new vice-chairman and secretary.

Steve has many years admin experience at non-league level, and will be best known as a long-serving former chairman, secretary and owner of Southend Manor FC. After leaving Manor, Steve had a spell as secretary of National South side Billericay Town.

A statement from the club, which has not announced at which level it will resume playing after announcing it was considering dropping down the non-League system - said: "We hope to bring you messages from the two Steves over the next week or so, as they look to stabilise the club in preparation for the return of competitive football, whenever that may be.

"Also joining our admin team is Jean Walker who becomes club treasurer. Jean is the wife of former Rocks player Brian.

"A fourth new face around the club, but no stranger to us is former goalkeeper and manager Glen Case. Glen who still holds the Rocks all time first team appearance record, having amassed 642 games for the club. Glen will be looking after the maintainance of the pitches at the Grayers Graphics Stadium.

"As stated previously, we have the contact details for everyone else who volunteered their services at the recent open meeting. We haven't forgotten you, and will be in touch in due course. You are very much still needed.

"At this time, it would be remiss of us not to express our sincere thanks to retiring chairman Brian Mansbridge, secretary Linda Pegram, and treasurer Christine Coventry. along with Mick and Margaret Stevens who have done so much between them to help John Coventry keep the club running.

"Very few people really understand or appreciate the commitment this special group of people have given to the club over the years.

"East Thurrock United will continue and hopefully prosper, but the place will never be quite the same without these people around."