EAST Thurrock United have announced their new manager following the departure of Marc Harrison and Liam Wallace last weekend.

New man in the Rocks hot seat is former Romford and Great Wakering manager Steve Butterworth, who will be assisted as first team coach by Darren Blewitt.

They will be in charge for tomorrow's home Isthmian North match at Rookery Hill against Wroxham.

The appointment follows a message from the club's chairman, Steve Wiseman, who has thanked supporters for their support over recent months.

And he also asked critics to get of the back of club owner, millionaire businessman Alfie Best.

Darren Blewitt.

The appointment of Butterworth follows his recent departure from Essex Senior League Romford who he led to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup and the last 16 of the FA Vase.

As a player, Butterworth was a free-scoring wide attacker and enjoyed time with Newport County, Hornchurch, Carshalton, Harrow Borough, Dartford, Kingstonian, and Brentwood, before finishing his playing career at Great Wakering Rovers.

He was asked to take over as interim player manager of the Rovers in January 2019, following the departure of Garry Kimble, and was subsequently offered the job on a permanent basis in the April.

The following 2019-20 season was Wakering's best for many years as Butterworth led them to the cusp of the play offs, and they lay seventh when the season was curtailed in March due to the covid pandemic.

He left Wakering the following 2020-21 season when covid also brought that season to a premature halt, with Rovers having played just seven league games.

Speaking earlier today (Friday, 10 March), he said: "I'm delighted to have been given the opportunity to manage the club.

"East Thurrock is a club I've always held in high regard, and I can't wait to get started.

"I know you've got a strong and loyal fan base, and I'm looking forward to meeting up with you all.

"I'm hopeful that we can keep the nucleus of the current squad together. "Those guys have worked hard to get the club where they are at the moment, and they deserve the opportunity to go on and finish the job.

"With just eight games remaining, there's a bit of a gap to make up if we are to reach the playoffs, but I guarantee we will be giving it our best shot. "It ain't over 'till it's over.

We are working hard behind the scenes, and we already have some new signings coming in, which will definitely enhance the squad. Watch this space for details once the paperwork has been completed. I'm confident you will all be suitably impressed.

"I'm asking our supporters to keep the faith, and get behind the boys for one last push, and we can still finish the season on a high."

Joining Butterworth as first team coach is Darren Blewitt who graduated through the West Ham United youth set-up. He represented the Hammers at all youth levels, and captained their reserve side, but was unable to break into the senior squad.

After spells with Southend United and Hereford United, Blewitt moved into non-league with Billericay Town, then played at Aveley and Brentwood before joining Harlow Town where he eventually moved into a coaching role.

Meanwhile supporters have been digesting the message from Steve Wiseman.

East Thurrock United chairman Steve Wiseman.

He said: "There's been a lot going on at the club recently, and particularly over the past week or so, and I feel that it's important that our supporters know where we all currently stand.

"Most of you will be aware that after I'd had a discussion last week with first team manager Marc Harrison at which the club's financial position, and playing budget were discussed at some length, Marc and his backroom team decided to leave the club.

"I updated Marc on the difficult financial circumstances the club was currently operating under, saying that in all honesty, I was not in a position there and then to make any firm promises for next season.

"I would point out however, that I had guaranteed to Marc that he would still have his current budget to work with for the remaining eight games of the current season.

"No one, least of all me would have wanted this to happen. Marc, Liam, Ben, Drew and Chris in particular have been brilliant for the club over the past year or so, and have made many good friends (myself included) during their time with us. I wish them nothing but every success in the future.

"The club now has to move on.

"Supporters close to the club will know that since Alfie Best stepped in to take the club over some two and a half years ago, we have been working hard behind the scenes to get the club operating on a self-financing and debt-free basis.

"I know the odd supporter, out of frustration occasionally might have a pop at Alfie on social media, but it's not really helping the situation. If he hadn't come along when he did, the club would have almost certainly folded back in the summer of 2020.

"Alfie has gone on record several times, saying that should the Rookery Hill site be developed, he will relocate us to a new stadium in the locality.

"Like any financially astute organisation, East Thurrock United has been working to a budget, but unfortunately it's been blown out of the window as a result of our utility bills going through the roof in recent months.

"Just step back for a moment though, and look at what has been achieved by the club over such a relatively short period of time.

"Yes, there have been some hiccups, but we now have a first team more than capable of holding their own in what is a very competitive step four league.

"Support at games both home and away has increased considerably as more people, of all ages, have realised how enjoyable non-league football can be.

"And, if you look beyond the senior side, consider our brilliant youth section, led by the amazing Faye Ryan and the hardworking youth committee, which now boasts over 25 teams consisting of local boys and girls of all ages, not forgetting of course our very youngest in the Future Rocks.

"Personally, I'm delighted to see the way the youth section continues to grow and how it has become such a big part of the local community. Their hard work has most certainly raised the profile of the whole club to a new level locally.

"While we remain hugely grateful to the various companies who continue to support the club, I am also hopeful that we may soon be in a position to bring some additional backing into the senior squad.

"Last but not least, I'd like to pay tribute to our loyal supporters who come through the gate every week, and give the team such brilliant support.

"We need you now more than ever, so please stick with us."

One player who has not stuck with the Rocks is captain Olly Spooner. He took to social media to announce he has moved on 'to pastures new'.