EAST THURROCK UNITED

Ground: Rookery Hill, Corringham, SS17 9LB

Division: National League South

Manager: John Coventry

New arrivals this summer: Joe Gardner, Teddy Nesbitt, Jimmy Nottage, Michael Feiter, Jamie Age, Lee Burns, Reece Harris, Harry Honesty

Departures this summer: Simon Peddie, Daryl Robson, Rickie Hayles, Brandon Scott, Kris Newby

Captain: Sam Higgins

Last season’s finish: Third in Ryman Premier League (promoted through play-offs).

League favourites: Ebbsfleet United

Most looking forward to visiting which grounds: Ebbsfleet United and Concord Rangers (as it is 10 minutes down the road)

Pre-season form: East Thurrock United finished their pre-season schedule with a bang as they eased past Canvey Island with ease on Tuesday night.

Rocks won 3-0, as an own goal and goals from trialist Michael Clarke and midfielder Ben Marlow ensured the victory at the Frost Financial Stadium.

Prior to that East Thurrock had had a largely mixed bag of results and performances as manager John Coventry strived to find the right players to finalise his squad ahead of a debut season in the Ryman Premier League.

Defeats to Great Wakering Rovers and Aveley, now two tiers below them, and victories against Tilbury, Erith & Belvedere and Harlow Town made it four wins from six in total in pre-season.

What does manager JOHN COVENTRY think ahead of the new season?

How pleased are you with the squad ahead of the new season? Do you think you have a stronger squad?

I am very pleased with the squad that we have now and it is much stronger than last season. The players I have brought in will prove valuable assets in the division and I am sure it is the strongest group I have ever worked with.

There is talent running through the team. The midfield area is very exciting and some have played at this level before.

However, some haven’t and if they aren’t use to it they will get used to it as they are good players. They will handle it and prove their quality I am sure of that.

Is the team ready for the start of the season?

I believe we are ready now. We have had some good preparation and I have had opportunities to work out what I want to do and how I want things to work. It is always good starting a new season, especially one we haven’t competed in before.

What would constitute a successful season for you?

It will obviously be tough as it is our first season in the division but we have a strong group. If we could finish around half way we would be over the moon. It is a cliché but it is true.

Will it be tougher this year?

It will be a lot tougher as the teams are better quality but, that said, last season was extremely tough.

We have a stronger squad and I think everyone is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

Echo prediction: 13th. I predicted East Thurrock would narrowly miss out on the top five last year, but not only did they make the play-offs but they won them in imperious style.

This season is another kettle of fish, as they play their first ever season at the second level of non-league football although they have recruited well.

The attacking trio of Joe Gardner, Tom Wraight and Reece Harris supporting Sam Higgins (once fit) is an exciting prospect, while the experienced Lee Burns alongside Joe Ellul is a defensive duo no-one will fancy facing too often.

Rocks may lack great experience in central midfield with Ben Marlow, George Craddock and Michael Freiter, but all are technically gifted players and I expect them to cut their teeth at this level relatively quickly.

Two of Rocks’ first three matches are against fellow newly-promoted teams Hungerford Town and Hampton & Richmond Borough, and these will give a good indication as to where Rocks are at heading into a difficult end of the month.