Thurgood moves to Rocks

FA Trophy double winner Stuart Thurgood has left Ryman North Thurrock by mutual consent and signed for top flight neighbours East Thurrock United.

Thurgood, pictured, who twice lifted the trophy with the Gravelmen, and also skippered them to the Conference South title in 2005, switched clubs on Wednesday after signing on at Ship Lane at the end of 2011.

Now 31, the midfielder started out as a trainee at Tottenham Hotspur before being released in 1999. At 19-years old, he left England and joined Shimizu S-Pulse in Japan, where he spent five months. On his return to England, he joined Southend United where he went on to make eighty-nine appearances in total.

He rejected a new contract with the Shrimpers at the end of the 2002-03 season to start his trophy laden stay at Grays and after that enjoyed spells at Gillingham and Dagenham & Redbridge.

In a statement on their website, the Rocks welcomed Thurgood to Rookery Hill and confirmed he could feature for John Coventry's side on Saturday against his former club Grays.

"Stuart joins us and will be an integral part of the team as we continue to rebuild and develop the squad this season," said the Rocks.

"Stuart is a competitive player who will bring a great deal of experience and talent to the midfield ranks. Along with Lea Dawson, he will feature in Saturday's match versus Grays Athletic."