JOHN Coventry has invited a well-known TV and radio personality to East Thurrock United in response to a national newspaper article in which his team was dubbed ‘the biggest club in the world’.

The feature by Colin Murray in the Metro highlighted the argument over ‘who’s better’ in the modern game and, in particular, ‘what constitutes a big club?’

Murray was critical of Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino’s claim that Spurs ‘are the biggest club in England’ after 85,000 watched their Champions League match at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday – the largest attendance for a home match in the country.

He went on to say that each fan’s club is the most important to them, concluding ‘The biggest club in the world? East Thurrock United. To some people.’

And Rocks manager Coventry has now invited Murray to the FutureFuel Stadium, as his team continue to impress in their first season in the National League South.

“I have always thought that East Thurrock was the biggest club in the world anyway and now it has been confirmed,” said Coventry. “But I agree of course with what Mr Murray is saying.

“It is a good point as it is all about you and what matters to you, and East Thurrock is what matters to me.

“My son-in-law works in the city and he saw the story and sent it to my daughter, who showed me.

“Then (goalkeeper) Lukas (Lidakevicius) saw it and sent it to the players Whatsapp group so I have got in there and have had to clarify ‘even though this is the biggest club in the world, you will not be getting paid more money!’

Coventry, who turns his attentions to the FA Cup tomorrow and the visit of Whitehawk in the second qualifying round, has now invited former Match of the Day 2 presenter Murray to the club to sample some match day hospitality.

“I would love Mr Murray to come along and our enjoy our hospitality,” he said. “Mr Murray would be welcome to watch the game, come to our boardroom, and meet our hospitality manageress Margaret.

“He would get tea and biscuits, and pizza and chips after the game.”

To read Murray’s article, click here.