FORMER East Thurrock United manager John Coventry has been announced as the new manager of Tilbury FC, and will take over the Isthmian North side in the summer prior to the 2022-23 campaign.

Over recent weeks Tilbury have been managed on a caretaker basis by Eljay Worrell following the departure of Keith Rowland in February.

Coventry, who has spent a season working with Rowland at Aveley following his decision to leave East Thurrock,  has recently been managing another Isthmian North side, Great Wakering Rovers, taking over in mid-season and charged with ensuring their safety in the division. With three matches left Coventry has parted company with Rovers, who will be guided to the end of the season by former manager Iain O'Connell and veteran striker Martin Tuohy.

Though not yet confirmed safe, Rovers sit seven points above the automatic drop zone and four points clear of Witham Town who occupy the third-from-bottom spot which will invite comparison with other teams at tier four at the season's end.

Soon after the parting of the ways with Rovers came about, Coventry has been confirmed as the new boss at Tilbury, who made the following statement: "Tilbury FC are pleased to announce the appointment of John Coventry as first team manager from the start of the 2022/23 season. 

"John brings to the club a wealth of knowledge and experience that we hope will take us to level the club aspires." 

Dockers chairman Danny Nash added: "On behalf of the club committee and myself we welcome John to the club and look forward to working together to bring success to the club. 

"We wanted to bring in someone with experience to take us forward. I would however like to thank Eljay and Remi Nelson for everything they have done and for securing our place in the Isthmian North.'

Coventry said: "I am very much looking forward to managing Tilbury. It's obviously a club I know very well having been brought up and going to school in Tilbury. 

"When my time at East Thurrock FC came to an end if given an opportunity to manage again the only job that really interested me was the possibility of managing Tilbury. 

"I would like to thank the Chairman Daniel Nash for giving me the opportunity especially as I know the importance and ambition of the club."

While at East Thurrock a degree of animosity emerged between a section of the Dockers supporters and Coventry – something with the manager has previously felt might inhibit his opportunity to take over at Chadfields, but now he hopes old hatchets can be buried.

He said: ""For years I've managed a local rival club, but hopefully the supporters accept my management team and myself.  The one thing I can guarantee is the effort and work rate from us to help Tilbury FC challenge next season. 

"I am very aware since losing the previous management the team has been looked after by Eljay Worrell who I recognise has done a brilliant Job. 

"I have not yet had the chance to speak to Eljay but as soon as I do I will be giving him the opportunity to stay at the club as part of my management set up. 

"If I am going to be a success I will need good people around me, I already have my son John and Kev Scott and I will be finalising the remainder of the backroom staff ASAP. 

"Until then I will be watching the last few league games and communicating with club secretary Lee Upton regarding pre-season start dates and potential fixtures. 

"Finally, regarding players, I thought the performance at Bury Town last Saturday was good and I intend speaking to some current players with a view to remain at the club for next season. 

"Continuity in non-League is often not the way but anyone that followed my time at East Thurrock will know I am strong believer in continuity. Also I am fully aware of a strong and loyal fan base which is great. As soon as it is possible I would like to make myself available for any questions anyone might have over a beer in the clubhouse."