Two leading local Essex Senior League teams have appointed new managers.

Taking over the reins at Canvey-based Concord Rangers is Ben Embery, while Mark Jenkins, who resigned as Southend Manor boss at the end of last season, has been installed at Basildon United.

Embery started his managerial career at Canvey Island FC and went on to take charge of Great Wakering Rovers, Maldon Town and Braintree Town.

Both he and assistant Steve Jackson -- the pair have teamed up for more than 20 years now -- live on Canvey and Embery admitted: "It's something of a homecoming for us."

Embery replaces Brian Horne, the former Millwall goalkeeper who has moved on to Ryman Division One North Aveley after taking Rangers to runners-up spot last season.

Ironically Jenkins, who had five outstanding years at Manor, was a candidate for the Aveley post and indeed a hoax call to a local radio station led to it wrongfully being announced he'd been appointed.

He is joining Basildon, where former Billericay Town team-mate Mark Keune is moving "upstairs" to a more promotional role due to work and family commitments.

Published Friday, June 6, 2003

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