EAST Thurrock United have tied down a host of star names ahead of next season.

Nearly all of the Rocks squad have agreed to stay on at Rookery Hill for the 2015/15 season, after a season that saw them finish in 13th in the Ryman Premier League, nine points off the play-offs.

And manager John Coventry has wasted no time in securing the futures of many of his squad, with 44-goal Sam Higgins one of 16 players to sign.

Goalkeeper David Hughes, who won so many plaudits as East Thurrock made the first round of the FA Cup (losing 2-0 at Hartlepool United), will be staying as will much of the back line.

Captain Tom Stephen, experienced centre-backs Simon Peddie and Ben Wood and also right-back Ryan Sammons.

In midfield Connor Witherspoon, who enjoyed a breakthrough season, will remain as will 10-goal Mitchell Gilbey and defensive shield Ross Parmenter.

Lewis Smith and Dave Bryant have signed along with Kye Ruel and Manny Osei, who was injured for much of last season.

Youngsters Joe Paxman, Tom Anderson and Ryan Boswell are expected to feature more prominently in Coventry’s plans next term.

Coventry says he is aiming to add to his squad over the coming days, with two to three players on his radar, while aiming to retain the futures of several other players from last season.