JOHN Coventry has admitted he is disappointed with the timing of Brad Warner’s decision to snub East Thurrock United in favour of AFC Hornchurch.

The striker, who scored 34 goals for Bowers & Pitsea in the Isthmian North last season, had agreed in principle to join Rocks in the National League South next term.

But he has now joined the Urchins - who play two divisions below East Thurrock.

And manager Coventry says he is now looking forward.

“All I will say is we shook hands at the end of April on him joining the club, after I had spoken to the Bowers manager (Rob Small) and got his permission,” he said.

“But things have changed and he joined Hornchurch last week.

“It happened with Jay Leader (who agreed to join Rocks in 2014 only to then join Grays Athletic).

“It’s not ideal as you plan ahead and think you are OK but then things happen and you need to look at things again.

“For me the most disappointing thing is the timing. I can replace the player no problem - and he was untried at this level so there was that element to take into consideration as well.

“But I knew what the situation was when I signed him.

“When you think the squad is done you turn down some other players who you now know could have been valuable.

“I just want people to be straight but I don’t want to go on about it.”

Warner told the club website: “I spoke to Alex (Sharp - chairman) and Jimmy (McFarlane - manager) and got a good feel about the club straight away.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing against Hornchurch and I’m looking forward to getting goals for the fans and helping the club this season.”

Coventry is now keen to bolster his squad, with just 15 players currently on the roster after the departure of Tom Wraight to Maidstone United.

“If you look at the list of players, I think I have players that can do an excellent job in that role,” he said.

“I have Reece Harris and Lewis Smith who can operate on the left and they have probably played 200 games at this level.

“It is about bodies in the main.”

Coventry also revealed midfielder Ben Marlow was currently on trial with Championship side Queens Park Rangers.

It follows a week-long trial at Jamie Vardy’s V9 Academy in Manchester, as the former West Ham United scholar bids to win a professional contract.

And Coventry had high praise for the hard-working Marlow.

“Ben has spent the last week at QPR,” said Coventry.

“He will be there for between 10 and 14 days unless they terminate the deal early.

“I will add that I would be three times as gutted to lose Ben Marlow as I was to lose Brad Warner.

“He is everything this club is about and a good player to match.

“But I would love him to get that deal of course.”