EAST Thurrock United manager John Coventry says he feels his squad is in a much better place heading into the new season after he unveiled a number of new faces.

The Rocks chief has added former Rookery Hill players Kris Newby and Rickie Hayles to his squad, as well as former Billericay Town defender Ryan Scott and Witham winger Tom Wraight.

Three other players – Aveley’s Sammy Knott, ex-West Ham reserves goalkeeper David Blackmore and former Cambridge United defender Macauley Joynes have also linked up for pre-season training, with a view to signing.

Coventry says he ran up a £400 phone bill while on holiday recently, after the departures of captain Tom Stephen (to Concord Rangers), David Hughes (to Enfield Town), Paul Goodacre (to Bishop’s Stortford) and Connor Witherspoon (to Maldon & Tiptree) left him needing re-enforcements.

And the Rocks chief says he feels the additions have left the team in a good place, with more signings expected in the coming week.

“At the end of the season I knew I was going to lose a couple of players,” he said. “But then a couple turned into four so I had to make some calls.

“I believe we have got some really good players. Kris Newby has signed a contract and will offer us depth in forward areas as well as goals. Tom (Wraight) is another who will prove important. He was the best player for Witham when they were promoted to this league in 2013-14 and he had a good season last year too.

“Rickie Hayles is a real leader and will provide a real presence in the dressing room which I think this team has been missing in recent times.”

Hayles, 31, spent a brief stint at the club four years ago, since playing in the Conference South for Lewstoft and Bishop’s Stortford while Newby, 27, is another familiar face at the club.

He had verbally agreed to join the club last summer before a late switch to AFC Sudbury, but has now signed forms at Rookery Hill.

Scott, 21, left Billericay after a dispute with the management and Wraight, 20, has previously trialled with Ipswich Town.

Coventry admitted he was disappointed to see players leave, although has bid them well for the future.

“I was disappointed to see them leave,” he admitted. “Connor left as Maldon offered him a good deal although I was surprised he chose to drop down a level considering the progress he has made with us.

“I wasn’t totally happy with the progress David was making as he didn’t have his best season so maybe this move is a good one for him.

“And no-one wants to see their captain leave but Tom was stagnating a bit for us and I don’t think it is a bad move for him. He is a lovely lad and I wish him all the best.”

Coventry admitted he was in talks with a number of players, including a goalkeeper who has played at Conference level, ahead of a return to pre-season on Saturday, July 4.