Where Do We Start?

Maldon & Tiptree F.C. fans it’s been a journey already right? It’s hard to believe it’s only been four and a half months since the takeover. So much has happened in such a short space of time that February already feels like a distant memory.

Back then, let’s be honest, Maldon & Tiptree F.C. was drifting. A team stuck in Step 4, playing at a tired ground with a clubhouse that had no life about it. No energy, no buzz, nothing that made you want to stick around after the final whistle.

Now? It’s a completely different place. Maldon & Tiptree is no longer just a football club. It’s a place the whole community can be proud of. A sports bar, an events venue, a football academy, a home. There’s something here now, something real.

Scott’s Builders Have Been Non Stop

Scott Drewitt-Barlow and his team have been flat out since day one. Over the summer, they’ve added an outdoor pergola bar, a proper medical room, changing rooms that wouldn’t look out of place at a pro club, and a new media suite. There’s more coming too, but I’ll let you see that for yourself when you are next down at Park Drive.

That’s just what you can see. What you can’t see yet is even more exciting, but we’ll keep that under wraps for now.

Mitch & Kev Have Assembled Some Squad

While the place has been getting a facelift, Mitch and Kev have been working just as hard putting together a squad that can win the league. Kev said it himself in a recent interview with the BBC anything less than champions would be disappointing. And when you look at the players coming in, it’s easy to see why he’s thinking like that.

Tom Eastman, Cameron James, Louis Dunne, Tevan Allen, Terrell Egbri and Freddie Sears. All experienced, all with promotions under their belt. Add them to a group including the senior players we have in the squad like Elliot Justham, Skipper Jack Cawley, Anthony Wordsworth & Gary Hooper that finished last season strong, and suddenly we’re looking at a team that could really do something.

It’s not just serious on the pitch either. There’s a proper vibe building off it too. Darts, golf, padel there’s a bit of healthy competition flying around in the dressing room already.

Off The Field, Progress Does Not Stop

Aspen Drewitt-Barlow has settled in as CEO since returning from the States. Aspen has taken over from Barrie day to day, but don’t worry he is still driving the team he has put in place making sure everything promised during the takeover is being delivered. And it really is being delivered.

Liam Bailey is now in full-time at Maldon & Tiptree F.C. as Academy Director, while continuing as assistant to Kev. Bail’s hit the ground running and got our new academy into the Thurlow Nunn U18 League for its first season, which is a great achievement.

He’s also working closely with Jody Buckley on the launch of our women’s team.

Now, a bit of honesty, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. At the league AGM, seven teams voted against us joining. But Liam and Jody put forward a strong case, and we’re in the Premier Division. We’re not here to make up the numbers either. We’re here to raise standards. Some clubs might not like that we’re supporting our women’s team with travel and resources, but that’s who we are. Maldon & Tiptree F.C. is built on equality and that won’t change for anyone.

Quietly going about his business this summer has been Barry Goodgame, our groundsman. Last season, our pitch was probably one of the worst in the league. This year, it’ll be one of the best. Barry’s been out there through the rain, the heat and everything in between, and the surface he’s created is perfect for the style of football Kev wants to play.

Maldon’s New Playing Kits, Paying Homage

The kits have had a refresh too. We’ve gone back to our roots white and blue hoops for the home kit in tribute to Maldon Town, and black and red stripes for the away kit as a nod to Tiptree United.

Mitch and Barrie have worked closely with ProKit and Macron to make sure every detail is right. There’s a nice little surprise in the away kit too, something personal that fans will appreciate. We’ve never really been ones to play it safe, and that won’t be changing any time soon.

Maldon’s Community Backs The Jammer’s

Off the pitch, the club is thriving. Over 50 local businesses have already signed up to sponsor the club this season. It’s been brilliant to see. That support is helping to make football more accessible for more young people in the area. It means more kids can afford to play. It means we can do things the right way.
We still have a few sponsorship packages left, including player sponsorships, support for the women’s team and the academy. Interested… It will also gets you an invite to our exclusive networking BBQ on Friday 19th July before the pre-season game against Hashtag United.

Email [email protected] if you want to get involved.

Get Involved & Take Part

Christmas might feel a long way off, but plans are already in motion. Our Hospitality Director, Kirsty, is putting on some amazing nights this year from an immersive Greatest Showman party to classic disco nights. They start at £49.99 and they’ll be the best value Christmas events in Essex, no question. And every ticket supports the club’s growth and sustainability.

Finally, the Maldon & Tiptree F.C. media team. They’ve got a new home at the side of the pitch, and some big plans for this season. More content, More access, More ways for fans to connect with the club.

We have two podcast series on the way one called Behind The Badge, offering a proper look into what really happens behind the scenes at a modern non-league club, and a second official club podcast with guests, features and some surprises you’ll want to keep an eye on.

If you’re into media, graphics, writing, editing, or even FIFA streaming… this is your chance. Together we’re building something that’s never been done at this level. Come be a part of it.

That’s probably enough from me for now. But I’ll keep you updated.

There’s more to come. A lot more.

Up the Jammers!