Joe Keith leaves East Thurrock to take Canvey Island number two role

The Gulls have moved to bring in Keith after six years at Rocks, aside from a brief six-month stint at Aveley in 2012, to replace former number two Junior Lewis, who is now assistant at National League side Boreham Wood.

Keith will work alongside manager Danny Heale and first-team coach Brad Wellmen at the Frost Financial Stadium.

And the former professional who played for Colchester United, Leyton Orient and Brentford, says it is a good career move for him, after taking his first training session at the club last night.

“It is an exciting challenge and it has come at a good time for me,” he said. “With East Thurrock having just played Saturday and Monday it gives me a full week to work with the players ahead of Saturday’s game against Hampton & Richmond Borough.

“Canvey is a good club to go to and it has a proud history. I am looking forward to it. I know a lot of the Canvey players and think I can help them improve. These nine matches will give me a good idea about what needs to change for next season.”

Keith leaves East Thurrock the night after they climbed to the top of the league, following a 3-0 win at Farnborough. And while he admits it may strike some people as a strange time to depart, he believes it will work for the best.

And he praised Rocks boss John Coventry for the help he has given him over the years.

“The timing might look a bit strange, considering how well East Thurrock are doing, but I think it works as it gives me a chance to see what is happening at Canvey before next season,” he said.

“I now have nine games to see what needs to be done. Scoring goals isn’t a problem but maybe keeping them out at the other end is something we can look at.

“Covo has always known I want to progress in the game, although he wouldn’t have chosen for it to be at this moment.

“I think East Thurrock can win the league,” he added. “They have the best team and I wish them all the best. I really hope they win it.”