JOHN Coventry has heaped praise on Jack Giddens and Ryan Scott after the duo turned down moves away from East Thurrock United.

Both players have been approached by clubs without officially lodging an interest.

And Rocks boss Coventry is appreciative of goalkeeper Giddens and captain Scott showing loyalty by insisting they want to remain at the Grayers Graphics Stadium.

“Clubs have made contact with Gidds and Scotty without officially going through the club,” said Coventry.

“It seems to happen more regularly now where clubs don’t go about transfers the right way and something needs to be done about it, but I’m lucky that I have honest players in my squad.

“Both Gidds and Scotty have told me straightaway when a club has approached them and they have insisted on staying with us.

“It’s great to have that trust and know that they will be honest with you when things like that happen.

“I want to show my appreciation to Gidds and Scotty for staying with us.”

Meanwhile, Coventry has strengthened his squad with the signing of Michael Tweed.

Tweed came through the ranks at Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers and counts Grantham Town and Nuneaton Borough among his former clubs.

The holding midfielder made his debut as a second half substitute in East Thurrock’s goalless draw with Worthing last weekend.

And Coventry, whose side visit Margate for an Isthmian Premier League clash tomorrow, is looking forward to seeing more of Tweed.

“We have had a small squad all along and I’ve been juggling with loan players and others being unavailable over the Christmas period,” added Coventry.

“Having been short of players, I found an email from Michael and - after doing some research - I got in contact with him.

“He was playing in the National League North last year, so having that pedigree let me know what I would be getting.

“Michael came through at QPR and showed he is a dedicated young player by travelling from London to Nuneaton for training and games.

“I could see on his debut that he knows what he is doing and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

Rocks are four points off the Isthmian Premier League play-off places and Coventry wants his side to replicate their second half performance against Worthing when they head to 12th-placed Margate this weekend.

“We changed our mentality at half-time and were more aggressive,” admitted Coventry.

“I was pleased with the way we changed our style and attitude.

“In all honesty, I think playing like that is our best bet of enjoying success.”