FORMER East Thurrock Inited manager John Coventry has returned to the game as the new manager of Isthmian North Great Wakering Rovers.

After leaving East Thurrock, where he was manager for more than a decade, Coventry spent a couple of seasons as coach at Aveley but left at the end of last season.

A statement from Great Wakering says: "We are delighted to welcome John to Rovers. He has a wealth of experience having served at East Thurrock United FC for 18 years as a Coach and Manager.

"John achieved promotion from the Isthmian Premier Division to the Conference South, serving over 700 games.

"We look forward to the breadth of experience John will bring to the club over the coming seasons."