JOE Ellul said the lure of playing for John Coventry couldn’t be ignored, after swapping Billericay Town for East Thurrock United.

Ellul, 27, was released by Town at the end of January after a breakdown in his relationship with the club, and sealed a move to Rookery Hill just days later.

And he has made a positive start to life at East Thurrock, helping them to two wins, although they did lose on Saturday, as well as getting a goal on just his second appearance for the club.

Ellul revealed he was speaking with National League South side Concord Rangers after he was released, but his preference was to work with Coventry.

“I could have joined East Thurrock in the summer when I left Enfield Town,” he said. “I remember a few people saying I wouldn’t play for a better manager than Covo but I decided to join Billericay.

“I have known Frankie Curley (Billericay captain) most of my life and he convinced me to go there but I am pleased I have ended up here now.

“I was speaking with Concord after leaving Billericay but what people said about Covo stuck in my head so I made the move, and I want to be here for quite a while.”

Town manager Craig Edwards has played down Ellul’s departure, after the defender pulled out of the squad to face Harrow Borough on January 23 having suffered a blow to the head in training.

Ellul was given a doctor’s note, detailing post-concussion syndrome and advising him to sit out for two weeks.

However he started for East Thurrock within 48 hours of signing for the club, although he played down its significance.

“It wasn’t really working out for me at Billericay so I think this move is for the best,” said Ellul.

“I was given a doctor’s note after I was knocked out heading a ball in training before the Harrow game and was advised to have two weeks off.

“But I went back to the doctor and said I felt fine, which I did, and was given the all clear to play. And I am glad I did as the team kept a clean sheet and we got the three points.”

Ellul says he has been made to feel welcome by everyone at the club, and added there is a good balance in the side as they continue to climb the Ryman Premier League table.

“It is very calm at East Thurrock and everyone is very focused,” he said. “It is a really good move for me.

“I am still finding my feet here but I am surrounded by the right people to help me settle in. I am playing alongside Rickie (Hayles) and having someone like Woody (Ben Wood) in front of you mopping up the loose balls is important.

“It helps when you have someone like Higgo (Sam Higgins) in your team. I don’t think I have ever played with anyone who is so clinical.

“He brings a lot more to the team as well, his work rate is immense and that cannot be under-estimated.

“We try not to look beyond the next game.

“We know things are going well but we don’t want to talk too much…we will do that on the pitch.”