Coventry says goodbye to the Rocks

Last month we brought you the news that East Thurrock United manager John Coventry was to step down from his role at the end of the season, and yesterday he posted the above image on social media, saying goodbye to an empty Rookery Hill as the season was brought to a premature end.

We'd like to take this opportunity to salute John for the magnificent work he has done for the Rocks over the last thirteen seasons; a period which has seen promotions, relegations, Playoff success and failure, FA Cup runs and Essex Senior Cup victory; success beyond the wildest dreams of those who were following the Rocks when he first took the reins. Much of this work- particularly this season- has been done with very little finance, and the outpouring of appreciation for his efforts from those across the Non-League community should speak volumes about the positive difference he has made not only to the Rocks but to our national game as a whole.

John managed the Rocks- if our maths is correct- for six hundred and sixty six competitive matches, the last being against Leatherhead on March 7th- perhaps an appropriate number because whoever follows him will have a beast of a job filling his shoes! His curtain call should have come against Corinthian-Casuals on April 25th, and would undoubtedly have been followed by a large party. Given that party can't now happen as scheduled, and given he's raising a drink to us above, perhaps we can all raise one back to him from isolation and salute his achievements?

Good luck Covo, and thanks for everything.