Over the past couple of weeks a number of key people have left Thurrock football club.

Chairman, Grant Beglan has decided to leave Thurrock to spend more time with his family and concentrate on work commitments.

Grant Joined Purfleet in 1997, after making the switch from Essex Senior leaguers Concord Rangers where he held a similar post. His business skills and contact have help make Purfleet/Thurrock into a consistent top 5 Conference South side.

Colin McBride has also been told by Thurrock FC that his services will not be required for next season.

Colin played in Purfleet's first ever game back in 1985 before going on to play 227 times before leaving to take up the managers job at Aveley. Colin was brought back in 1997 as manager, over seeing 524 games. Read more on Colin's 500 games in charge here

John  Purdie informed the club after the Newport County game that he would not be returning for the 2006-07 season saying that he wanted a fresh challenge.

Purdie made his debut in 1997 as one of Colin McBride's first signings and probably his best. Purdie never managed to scored in his 378 appearances, and only ever had 2 shots. During his time at the club he partnered Jimmy McFarlane on 319 occasions.

Jimmy McFarlane has also followed Colin McBride out of Thurrock.

Jimmy originally joined Purfleet in 1991 before being released by then manager Gary Calder in 1996. Colin McBride brought him back to Purfleet in 1997 where he formed half of the centre back partnership with John Purdie that most of our success was based on. During his two spells at Purfleet, Jimmy played 634 times and scored 75 goals - making him Purfleet/Thurrock's highest ever appearance maker. Read more about Jimmy's 600 here

We would like to place on record the fantastic amount of work and commitment that these people have put in to make Thurrock the football club it is today and wish them every success in the future.