JOHN Coventry feels Danny Cossington has a big role to play after joining East Thurrock United.

Cossington has made the switch to Rocks after leaving Romford following former Billericay Town owner Glenn Tamplin’s takeover of the Isthmian North club.

And Coventry admits he initially tried to sign Cossington in the summer, but ex-Romford boss Paul Martin did not want to allow the defensive midfielder to leave.

The East Thurrock chief said: “I’m good friends with Magic and, before the takeover at Romford, I spoke to him in the summer.

“I wanted to know if there was any chance of me being able to get him in but Magic didn’t want Cosso to leave.

“But then the situation changed and Magic left Romford after the takeover, so it was a no-brainer.

“Cosso came in but was injured to start with, so I had to wait a couple of weeks to get him fit and work him in.

“He does the simple stuff, is brave and does the ugly stuff. The great thing is he also doesn’t give the ball away and keeps the ball moving.

“That is exactly what you want from a player in that position.

“He suits the way we are trying to play as well, so it’s a shame he wasn’t fitter earlier.”

Cossington made his Rocks debut in the 4-2 victory over Haringey Borough on Saturday.

And Coventry was pleased with how the new recruit performed.

“Cosso came in and was immense,” added Coventry.

“He did the job that I have been trying to get some of my midfield players to do and it hasn’t always worked.

“But he came in and he did exactly what I wanted.

“We weren’t good at Bishop’s Stortford last Tuesday and that always gives you an opportunity to make changes.”

East Thurrock will do battle with Bishop’s Stortford for the second time in seven days when they clash in the Isthmian League Cup at the Grayers Graphics Stadium tonight.

Veteran striker Jamie Cureton, who is Bishop’s Stortford’s player-manager, scored the only goal deep in injury time from the penalty spot last week.