EAST Thurrock United manager John Coventry says Lee Burns will be a key influence on and off the pitch after returning to the club where he began his career.

Burns made his debut for the Rocks as a 17-year-old in the 1999/2000 season under former manager Lee Patterson, before making the move to Braintree Town in 2007.

Two years later he made the move to Dartford where he has spent the last seven years, clocking up 272 for the Kent side at the highest level of non-league football.

But Burns, 33, has now returned to his home town club to fill the void left by Rickie Hayles, who joined Welling United earlier in the week, and Coventry said he was delighted.

“I was assistant manager to Lee Patterson at the time he was last here but I remember him and am so pleased he has decided to come here,” said Coventry. “He was offered terms to remain at Dartford but fancied a change and he only lives about five minutes from the ground which is another bonus.

“Lee didn’t have the best season last year because of injuries so he was always playing catch up in some regard. He has played there for a long time and did a great job but the fact that he has played here before is another bonus.

“He has great experience at Conference level and that is what we wanted to bring in. We have Reece Harris and now Lee as well so things are looking good.

“I am getting someone who is great on the pitch and off it as well. He will be a key part of what we want to achieve next season.”

Hayles joins National League South side rivals Welling having previously agreed to remain at Rocks, with his three goals in the play-offs crucial in helping them to promotion.

But Coventry said he was looking forward rather than backwards after the move.

“I had spoken to Rickie and shaken his hand regarding him staying next season but he has decided to make that move and we have brought in a replacement,” he added.