STEVE Sheehan is back to enjoying his football despite East Thurrock United’s struggles in the National League South.

Although Rocks picked up a point thanks to the goalless draw with Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday, the club remains in the relegation places.

But Sheehan remains confident that East Thurrock will climb out of the drop zone and be playing football in the second tier of non-league football next season.

“We need to start turning the draws into wins and losses into draws,” said the central defender.

“We have got 15 fixtures left but we still haven’t put a run of wins together in the league this season.

“It’s important that we go on an unbeaten run because that will improve our chances of staying in the division, but the mental strength of the squad and the quality that has come in has helped a lot.

“I’m not worried about relegation because I’m confident that we will stay up.”

Sheehan is enjoying his second spell at Rookery Hill having been brought back to the club by manager John Coventry in October.

The 28-year-old made the move from Isthmian North side Canvey Island, where he reached the play-off final last term.

However, Sheehan felt he could not turn down the opportunity to return to East Thurrock.

“After I jumped around from club to club a few years ago, I went to Canvey,” added Sheehan.

“Having spent a couple of seasons there, I was settled and comfortable at the club.

“It was easy for me to stay there and I couldn’t see myself leaving, but I had played under Covo before and my best mate Higgo (Sam Higgins) is at the club and that was a big factor in me coming back to East Thurrock.

“I had never played in the National League South before and so I felt that, at 28, I couldn’t turn that down.

“For Covo to put his trust in me is great and it makes you want to give your all.

“I am pushing myself and I have got my hunger for football back.

“I’m not saying that I fell out of love with football, but I am enjoying it a lot more now.”

Rocks head to Eastbourne Borough this weekend having suffered just one defeat since the turn of the year.

But Sheehan was confident the tide would turn after the 2-0 win over rivals Chelmsford City last month.

“There were signs just before Christmas that our form was going to improve,” admitted Sheehan.

“We did really well in the Chelmsford City game, but then we’ve had problems with injuries and suspensions.

“That has resulted in Covo not being able to pick a settled side but he has brought in a couple of new faces.

“They have brought more quality and also desire, which I think is the most important thing when you are struggling.

“I think the Chelmsford game was the turning point for us.”