JOHN Coventry admits he is no closer to welcoming any new signings to East Thurrock United.

Coventry is looking to bolster his options after seeing striker Andy Pugh and Billy Crook, the experienced midfielder, return to Dartford earlier this month.

But the Rocks boss is finding it difficult to attract new arrivals.

“We’re not getting any closer to bringing anyone in really,” said Coventry.

“I’m still asking the questions, but we’re either being turned down or people aren’t getting back to me at all.

“It’s even more frustrating when they don’t get back to me because I’d rather them just tell me their decision so that I can move onto another possible transfer target.

“I would prefer to bring in non-league players because I am more likely to know what they can offer us.

“But I may have to end up going down the loan route from Football League clubs, which wouldn’t necessarily be ideal because I won’t know them too well and I would just have to hope they improve us in some way.”

Rocks dropped out of the Isthmian Premier League play-off places after suffering a 4-1 defeat at table-topping Folkestone Invicta.

Ronnie Dolan gave Folkestone a first half lead.

And Jerson dos Santos doubled the home side’s advantage five minutes after the interval.

However, central defender Steve Sheehan halved Rocks’ deficit with a looping header two minutes later.

But further goals from Ira Jackson and Finn O’Mara ensured East Thurrock could not stage a fightback.

Despite the defeat, Coventry remained in positive spirits.

“We were already depleted going into the game because one of the players called me to say they would not be able to make it,” added Coventry.

“That left me with just 12 senior players and my grandson, who was on the bench.

“I set us up in a way where I felt we could get something out of the game and their goalkeeper put in a man of the match performance.

“He pulled off a lot of good saves and we had so many chances because the pitch is so big, which meant it was an open game.

“The difference was they took their chances when they had them, whereas we didn’t.

“After the game, their manager said we were the best team they have played this season, which is nice to hear.

“But I would rather have taken the three points.

“Having said that, we played well and the score flattered them, so we were in a positive mood after the game.”