A FORMER East Thurrock United star has swapped the Grayers Graphics Stadium pitch for the boardroom after being appointed the club’s new chairman.

Rocks held crisis talks earlier this month in order to ensure the Isthmian Premier League outfit remained afloat.

Key positions off the field needed to be filled and East Thurrock have confirmed a new chairman, secretary and treasurer have been identified.

A club statement read: “We are all living through difficult and unprecedented times, and we appreciate that you all have more important things than football on your minds at the moment. Please stay safe and follow official guidance.

“This post is to keep everyone up to date on the latest situation regarding the future of East Thurrock United FC.

“First and foremost, the club can confirm that, following the recent open meeting, we now have a chairman, secretary and treasurer lined up and remain confident that we will be ready as and when football eventually returns.

“The new chairman in waiting is a former Rocks player, well known and respected in local footballing circles, while our new secretary has many years’ experience of club administration up to National League South level.

“Both are enthusiastic about the club and are looking forward to working towards securing a bright future for East Thurrock United as a genuine community club.

“Understandably, under the current social distancing requirements, it would not be responsible of us to organise a meeting of all those of you who came forward to volunteer your services at the recent open meeting, but please rest assured that we will be keeping in touch moving forward and will organise a meeting once things return to normality.”

In an exclusive interview with Echosport earlier this week, boss John Coventry confirmed he feels he has managed East Thurrock for the last time.

Coventry announced last month that his 13-season stint in charge of Rocks would finish at the end of the campaign.

But the coronavirus outbreak has resulted in the Isthmian Premier League term being suspended and Coventry does not expect to be at the helm the next time East Thurrock take to the pitch.

Rocks were keen to place on record their thanks to Coventry, who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes as well as in the dugout.

The club statement added: “With regard to the current football season, despite early optimistic statements coming from both the FA and the Isthmian League about restarting the season in the spring, it is now looking like it will be a considerably longer period before a ball is once again kicked in earnest.

“Before the Covid-19 crisis kicked in, we were all working towards completing the season and giving John Coventry, his close-knit group of friends and family and the great bunch of players the send off they all so fully deserved at our final game of the season on April 25.

“Sadly, this cannot now happen and, at this time, the club can only put on record our sincere thanks, appreciation and best wishes to each and every one of you for your contribution to East Thurrock United.”