DANNY Cowley says he still keeps an eye on the progress of Essex’s local sides since taking over at Lincoln City.

Cowley had spent his entire management career in the county until departing for Lincolnshire last May, having managed Concord Rangers and Braintree Town.

He played against the majority of Essex’s non-league outfits and Cowley, who lives in Chelmsford, said he still looks at how other local sides are getting on.

Since Cowley left Concord in April 2015, East Thurrock have won promotion to the National League South, Bowers & Pitsea have won promotion to the Isthmian North and Billericay Town have been taken over by millionaire steel magnate Glenn Tamplin.

“It is a great place to play and watch non-league football,” he said.

“I have so many fond memories of playing with Concord at a number of these grounds and the teams seem to be doing very well.

“It is great to see Bowers doing so well under Rob Small, who was a player at Concord Rangers.

“John Coventry is a very experienced manager and is doing great things at East Thurrock United.

“And it all seems to be happening at Billericay.

“It is certainly going to be a rollercoaster at Billericay,” he added. “He (Tamplin) has put together an impressive squad since he has been there.

“Only time will tell whether what he wants to achieve is attainable. But we wish them all the best, as we do all Essex’s non-league clubs.”