JOHN Coventry says he is finding it hard to add players to his East Thurrock United squad for next season due to increased wage demands.

The Rocks chief currently has 10 players on his books for next campaign.

But he says he has failed to secure further signatures due to the ‘ridiculous’ requests of some players.

“I am making loads of phone calls ahead of next season but it is proving difficult,” said Coventry.

“But I am finding out that the financial demands of some players are proving very problematic.

“These are players in the Isthmian Premier League and Isthmian North and I can’t even get near some of their demands. It is ridiculous.

“I don’t know where we will be come the beginning of August but it is a sign of the times and the individual.

“We are where we are and we are what we are but I am struggling at the moment. It may be a case of waiting until professional clubs release some of their players and trying to secure some long-term loans.

“Of the current squad, I said to all after our last game of the season that they are all free agents and I appreciate they will get offers. I left it at that.”

Coventry has tied down last season’s National League South top scorer and captain Sam Higgins to a new deal while Lee Burns, Ryan Scott, Sammy Knott and Ben Marlow have also agreed to return to play at Rookery Hill.

Among those joining the quintet are former Billericay Town goalkeeper Jack Giddens and ex-Concord Rangers midfielder Harry Lee.

Danny Harris links up with former Dartford team-mate Burns, bringing an end to his nine-year stint at the Kent club.

And former captain Tom Stephen, recovering from a long-term injury sustained at Concord Rangers, and ex-Canvey Island winger Jack Simmons also make the move.

But Coventry is determined to add to that number.

“I am pleased to have them coming in and, while the number is currently small, the quality is very high.

“That is what I will aim to keep doing, but I am realistic as I have been turned down by five players already.”

One player who will not be making the return is winger Lewis Smith.

Smith returned to the East Thurrock team at the start of last season following an enforced ban from football after he was found guilty of betting offences.

He links up with former East Thurrock assistant Joe Keith at Tilbury.

And Coventry wished his ‘good friend’ Smith - who he has known since he was a boy - all the best.

He said: “I am a good friend of Lewis and I was in the loop from the start. Lewis can no longer commit to our level because of his job. He has just had a second child and moved house. He just can’t commit and he did it by inviting me round his house for dinner, which was nice of him.”