Thurrock name Greg Lincoln as their new manager

Lincoln started his career as an Arsenal trainee in 1998

Blue Square Bet South outfit Thurrock have named ex-Northampton Town player Greg Lincoln as their new manager.

It is the 30-year-old's first managerial position, after a playing career that included a two-year spell with Thurrock as a midfielder.

He told BBC Essex: "I played at that level for six years so I feel I know the league very well.

"My job is to get the best out of the players and to get them pulling in the same direction."

Chairman Tommy South added: "He's Thurrock through and through, he's a good lad who's young and has a lot of bright ideas.

"He's enthusiastic and I just hope the players respond to him."

Lincoln, who began his career as a trainee at Arsenal in 1998, played 19 games at Northampton after joining the Cobblers in 2002 before moving into non-league football.

He first joined Thurrock as a player in 2007, before moving on to Aveley just 10 months ago.

He has named Grant Gordon as assistant manager and Jason Broom as first-team coach, ahead of Saturday's league trip to Braintree.

Previous boss Hakan Hayrettin left the club on Tuesday after a winless start to the league campaign.

Meanwhile, Joao Miguel Martins Pais De Carlos has joined from non-league neighbours Brentwood Town.

The Portuguese winger made one appearance in League One last season for Dagenham & Redbridge.