EAST Thurrock United have been boosted by Darren Foxley committing his long-term future to the club.

Foxley enjoyed a two-and-a-half month loan spell with the Isthmian Premier League outfit but he is now with Rocks on a permanent basis after agreeing to leave St Albans City by mutual consent.

East Thurrock boss John Coventry is pleased to have secured Foxley’s services and profited after the winger was released by National League South side St Albans.

“Darren came in on loan and he has been really good for us,” said Coventry.

“He fits the profile of player I look to bring to the club.

“We exhausted the loan agreement with him because we had renewed it a couple of times, so the only alternative was for Darren to mutually agree to come off his contract at St Albans.

“Darren wanted to stay with us and that’s what we were able to sort out, which is fantastic for all parties.

“We managed to get it over the line and I knew Darren before the loan started earlier in the season.

“He fits into the club well and is a good player who has done well for us so far, so it’s great to have him with us permanently.”

Foxley, 22, has been a key member of Rocks’ side since initially joining on loan in November.

And, following discussions with St Albans, the winger has been able to switch to East Thurrock on a permanent deal.

Foxley has made 14 competitive appearances for Rocks and found the back of the net on five occasions.

While Foxley has committed his future to the Isthmian Premier League club, Matt Price’s brief spell with East Thurrock has ended.

The frontman joined Rocks from Isthmian North high-flyers Heybridge Swifts in November.

But, after scoring one goal in seven outings, Price has sealed his return to Heybridge.

And Coventry concedes Price’s move to the Grayers Graphics Stadium did not work out as he had hoped.

“Matt is a good lad and I like how he has worked with us,” added Coventry.

“I have no problem with how Matt’s move back to Heybridge was dealt with.

“Matt wanted to play football, like every player does and should want to do, but he found it difficult to nail down a regular spot in the team.

“When we played Matt alongside Frankie Merrifield in a 4-4-2 formation, it didn’t suit us.

“We only claimed four points from games they started together, whereas we had a better return when we went back to our preferred 4-5-1 formation.”