Tommy South unsure of Thurrock FC future if buyer can’t be found

(Picture: Andy Nunn)
By Sam Elliott
THURROCK are up for sale – and long-serving owner Tommy South confesses he doesn’t know what will happen to his beloved club if they can’t find a buyer.
South is recovering from cancer and says the time is right for him to move away from football altogether after dedicating more than 50 years of his life to the game.
The 71-year-old co-founded Purfleet 32 years ago, before they changed their name to Thurrock in 2003.
But he will cease all involvement at the end of the season, or sooner if someone comes in to take the Bostik League Fleet off his hands.
South told The NLP: “There comes a point where you just have to let go. I’ll be seeing the season out regardless, and I’ll miss the place like you wouldn’t believe.
“It’s been such a massive part of my life and I would love someone to take it forward and keep things going. If they don’t? I really don’t know I’m afraid. I couldn’t predict what will happen.
“The ground is on a 17-acre site, but my brother Harry will be looking after that side of things.
“The club’s up for sale and it would be great if a new owner could come in and keep things moving. It’s a great place to be involved in, and I’ve met some wonderful people.
“But my health has got to come first. I’ve had a tough time and having spent nearly 32 years doing it, it’s someone else’s turn to have a go now.
“It’s very sad personally of course, but I’m not really in a place where I can carry on as I am. It’s time to give more to my family, and to look after myself the best I can.
“I have just finished chemo and I’ve got to look after myself as I continue my recovery. It’s a bit up in the air what happens next but hopefully the club can carry on.”
Mark Stimson’s side won promotion via the Ryman Division One North play-offs last May and the former Stevenage Borough and Grays manager will no doubt be inundated with offers should a sale drag on and the future remain unclear.
The three-time FA Trophy winner, the first manager to win a competitive game at the new Wembley stadium, has been fiercely loyal to close friend South since agreeing to help him back in 2012.
“Stimmo is a great manager and he’s done wonders for this club,” the chairman added. “Taking us up last season at Maldon & Tiptree was such a proud and happy day.”