EAST Thurrock United manager says the signing of Max Cornhill ‘makes a lot of sense’ after his return to Rookery Hill.

The 30-year-old rejoined the club last week as Coventry continued to bolster his squad in the off season.

He knows Rookery Hill well, having enjoyed several stints at the club in the past.

And Coventry said he provides quality in central midfield, following the addition of James White from Concord Rangers - a former team-mate of Cornhill.

“It makes a lot of sense,” he said. “I tried to sign Max this time last year and he had other irons in the fire. He knows this club and we know him and what he brings.

“The opportunity to sign him arose after I went away but we have got it done.

“I have named a retained squad although, at this stage of the season, that can change.

“Max wants to come here and it was too good an opportunity to turn down.”

Cornhill formed a formidable pairing with White in the middle of the Concord midfield, although Coventry wouldn’t say if that was the partnership he saw at this time.

“I don’t see any pairings at this point as we still have pre-season ahead,” he said.

“We need guys to make a claim but Max offers a lot.

“We have strength in depth and we have learned that you play against a lot of big and powerful sides in the National League South.

“We were not been blessed with that last season. Now, we are a lot bigger and defending set plays should be easier now.

“Max, like George Allen and James White, is a big lad but he can also play.

“I look at people that can play our way and he fits that mould.”

Rocks have also announced that Lukas Lidakevicius, Ryan Sammons, Sammy Knott, Simon Peddie, Marvin Ekpiteta, Lee Burns, Ben Marlow, Reece Harris, Kye Ruel and Harry Honesty have also agreed to remain at Rookery Hill - following the signings of White, Allen and Brad Warner.

And Coventry is pleased with the work he has done.

“If nothing changes in terms of departures then I don’t need to do anything,” he said. “You announce a retained list but you have no real hold until they sign a form on July 1 unless they are on contract.

“But I am hopeful.”