EAST Thurrock United manager John Coventry has backed the club’s young players to help propel them towards Ryman Premier League success next season.

The Rocks chief has scrapped the club’s reserves team ahead of the new campaign as he believes many of the players are ready for first team football – either at Rookery Hill or elsewhere in the Ryman leagues.

He has backed youngsters Tom Anderson, Joe Paxman and Ryan Boswell as the club’s three shining lights for the future although says seven from the reserves have been kept on.

And Coventry says this pre-season will be a great chance for those players to force their way into the first-team set-up, after the departure of experienced midfielder Nicky Symons.

The 29-year-old is set to join Ryman Premier League newcomers Brentwood Town after two years at Rookery Hill.

“We have had a few players leave but I am positive that when the start of the season comes we will be ready to go,” said Coventry. “I have no doubt I will be able to strengthen but I have a lot of faith in the young talent we already have.

“I have scrapped the reserve side because I think the young players can play first-team next season. But a lot depends on them. I have set up a lot of pre-season friendlies with Ryman One North sides to see how they handle it and it will be a chance for them to prove to me what they can do.

“Tom Anderson and Ryan Boswell made progress at Burnham last year in difficult circumstances and that bodes well.”

Rocks take on Witham Town, Cheshunt and Tilbury in their pre-season schedule, with Coventry choosing opponents he believes will prove whether his young talents can stand up to the pressure of Ryman Premier League football.

He added he was disappointed Symons had chosen to leave the club but said he had to accept the decision.

“I know Brentwood is a bit closer to where Simmo lives and he has spoken with Dean Holdsworth (manager) and looks set to make the move.”