Stimson appointed new Thurrock manager

The former Southend United, Canvey Island and Grays Athletic man agreed terms with South to take over at Ship Lane on Tuesday night.

Thurrock’s press officer Tony Flood said: “We are very happy because we think we have got the right person in here.

“Tommy thinks Mark will win the league for us - but to be fair he does say that every year!

“I hope we can at perhaps challenge for the play-offs, but it is a tough division so we will see.”

Flood said Stimson is likely to have a budget of 30 per cent less than they had during last season’s relegation for the Conference South.

He said Stimson will manage the first team and also be heavily involved in Fleet’s successful youth team set-up.

He said Stimson has already given South a list of the current squad he wants to retain for next season’s Ryman Premier campaign.

Stimson’s previously managed Barnet, Gillingham and Stevenage, and his last job was at cash-strapped Kettering Town, a position he left in January.

He replaces Lee Godwin, who left a fortnight ago following the club’s relegation, and the role at Ship Lane will be a much easier commute for 44-year-old Stimson, who lives in Hornchurch.

Stimson famously managed Grays to promotion to the Conference National and two FA Trophy wins with a side which spawned the likes of league stars such as Celtic’s Gary Hooper, Hull’s Aaron McLean and Wolves’ Michael Kightly.

His arrival at Thurrock will also see him reignited with former Grays skipper Stuart Thurgood, if the club can convince their current player of the year to stay for another campaign.

But Flood says that despite his strong affinity with rivals Grays, Stimson will be welcomed with open arms at Ship Lane.

Flood said: “I think the fact that he has been so successful and is a natural winner will go down well with our fans.

“And what this appointment has done is brought back some positivity to the club, which had gone a bit following our relegation.”