EAST Thurrock United manager John Coventry says he is not far from completing his squad for their debut season in the National League South after agreeing terms with a number of his star players.

Captain and 45-goal Sam Higgins, play-off hero Rickie Hayles and the talented Tom Wraight are just three who have agreed to remain at Rookery Hill, after helping Rocks to promotion via the Ryman Premier League play-offs.

There are also new deals for goalkeeper Lucas Lidakevicius, Ryan Sammons, Sammy Knott, Joe Ellul, Ben Wood, Ben Marlow, George Craddock, James Walker, Kye Ruel and Harry Honesty.

However, notable absentees include Simon Peddie, Kris Newby and Daryl Robson with Coventry explaining the reason behind his choices.

“I have kept on 13 players and am really pleased to have sorted that out in readiness for next season,” he said. “I have spoken to all the players in the last four days and it is good to get it done.

“Simon Peddie is a cracking lad and will always be welcome back here but he has issues with work commitments and there will be more travelling next season. Kris Newby is another with work commitments so he will not return, and Daryl Robson has been invited back to training but has not been offered terms. That is also the case for Connor Hogan.

“But I am very pleased with the group that will be staying. Harry (Honesty) has agreed to stay and that is great news as he provides something different. He was playing with Wadham Lodge in the Olympian League after leaving us last year but he came back for the play-offs and really enjoyed it.“

Coventry is in the process of adding to his squad but says he is not far away from finishing his squad, with three or four more targets in mind ahead of the new campaign.

“I have the players I want in mind and I am looking to get things moving as I go on holiday soon and don’t want to end up with a £600 phone bill like last time as I try and finalise deals!

“But I am feeling good about what we have done so far.”