EAST Thurrock United have announced that former Thurrock FC owner Tommy South has joined the Rocks.

The club will go into the news season with a completely new backroom structure – and with a virtual new team on the pitch, following the departure earlier this year of long-serving manager John Coventry and the decision by members of the club's backroom team to stand down.

New manager Paul Martin will be supported by a new board under new chairman Steve Wiseman and new officials include secretary Steve Robinson, general manager Phil Crowe who has pledged to be a driving force in "turning the Rocks into a genuine community club", treasurer Jean Walker and committee member and former player Cliff Banyard. Another former player, Glen Case, is now groundsman and he has been very busy over recent weeks as the ground has been reseeded, weeded and maintained.

Now Mr South, who folded Thurrock two years ago after failing to find a buyer for the club he founded, has joined as President.

His arrival comes at a time when the club are forging ahead with plans for a new ground after it appears the long and protracted sale of Rookery Hill has been completed. The club is hopeful of a move to a new 'state of the art' facility in the region.

Mr Wiseman said: "Like everyone at the club, I'm delighted to welcome Tommy on board. Apart from being a great guy to have around, his vast experience and non-league knowledge will be invaluable as the club moves positively forward into a new era."

Mr South says: "I would just like to say that I'm chuffed to have been invited to become president of the Rocks. I have many good friends among the new and previous management at the club, as well as supporters and past players. I have always been made very welcome when attending games at Rookery Hill.

"Hopefully, the experience I have gained in non-league football can now play a part in helping the club move forward, as we look forward to an exciting new chapter in the club's history.