EAST Thurrock United manager John Coventry says patience has been key in building his new squad after three more new faces linked up with the National League South newcomers.

Following the addition of defender Lee Burns from Dartford last week, Coventry has now signed former Concord Rangers attacker Joe Gardner and Billericay’s Teddy Nesbitt in preparation for the new campaign.

They follow former Rocks man Reece Harris as new recruits, with the Rocks boss admitting he is now close to completing his squad ahead of the new season, which begins on Saturday, August 6.

But he said patience has been key in bringing in the new players, while admitting he is excited at their prospects.

“I have had to be patient,” he said. “I could put a strong XI out tomorrow but the players won’t sign forms until July so things might change, although I hope they don’t.

“Teddy did really well further forward last year so he is a player that will be versatile and that is important when you can carry a small squad.

“In my mind he is a left back but you never know and it is a move that makes sense. I saw him at Aveley and Billericay but one thing you will get is 100 per cent wherever he plays.

“Joe is someone I have spoken to on and off since he left Concord but he was always very highly rated by (former Concord manager) Danny Cowley and that was good enough for me.

“He played now and again for Braintree last year but with Danny going (to Lincoln City) the situation changes and Joe had some things to think about and he made his decision without pressure.

“He is another player that isn’t tied down to one position but he thinks he is best around the centre forward, and I always listen to my players. He fits the bill.”

Nesbitt, 22, scored 11 times from left midfield last season, with Gardner also netting 11 times in his 72 appearances with Concord.

And they join 33-year-old Burns in making the switch, with the midfielder 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 playing for Braintree and Dartford, where he has spent the last seven years clocking up 272 appearances.

The experienced centre-back will fill the void left by Rickie Hayles, who joined Welling United last week.

“Lee didn’t have the best season last year because of injuries so he was always playing catch up in some regard,” added Coventry. “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. 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.”