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8th tier club announce the ‘most exciting project in non league football’

8th tier club Maldon & Tiptree announce what they have described to be as the ‘most exciting project in non league football‘.

Barrie and Scott Drewitt-Barlow have finalised a “multi-million pound” takeover of the Isthmian League North Division club and its 20-acre stadium site this week, acquiring from previous owner, Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling in the hope of bringing them “joy and brighter days” and to make “every person in the area proud” of its team.

They also announced that ex-West Ham, Man City and Ipswich midfielder Kevin Horlock as its new manager just who has left National League North side Needham Market to drop down the levels to help Maldon & Tiptree with their vision. Liam Bailey will stay on at the club as his assistant.

Part of the ambitions outlined is to rebuild the stadium and clubhouse, while stressing there isn’t any plan to build houses on the club’s land.

Barrie said, per Gazette News: “We could not be prouder to be the new custodians of Maldon and Tiptree Football Club.

“We’re here as local people who want to give back to our local community.

“Our aim is to bring joy and brighter days to our football club that we look forward to having a long stewardship over.”

Scott said: “Owning a football club has been my childhood dream, to do it with my family, buying our local football club in a town that has given my family so much is a dream come true.

“I hope we can have a Cinderella story, just like Wrexham.

“We have said enough, it’s now time for us to back up what we have said with action covering areas of the football club.

“From simple improvements around the ground to a sports bar that will bring live entertainment and so much more, to bring the local community together.”

Barrie added: “We have a home game this Saturday at 3pm, get yourself down to the club, support the team and make some noise, as we certainly will be. UP THE JAMMERS.”

Speaking at the end of 2024, Robbie Cowling said: “I am excited by Barrie and Scott’s interest and would be delighted to hand over the incredible stadium and facilities at Park Drive to them, confident they will take the club to the next level.

“During my ownership, the stadium has proudly hosted an FA Cup 1st round fixture against Morecambe and a 2nd round televised fixture against Newport County.

“I will always be a supporter of Maldon and Tiptree FC and am committed to ensuring Colchester United continues working with the club to provide a pathway to professional football for academy and grassroots players.”

The new owners of Maldon & Tiptree FC are hoping to push the club up “through the leagues” after their takeover deal is completed.

“Right now, it’s like Fawlty Towers with one man running around doing almost everything,” Barrie Drewitt-Barlow said to BBC Essex Sport back in December 2024.

“It needs to have the right people in place to make it work and bring the supporters back in.

“One of the biggest things in football, especially at this kind of level, you have to rely on the supporters putting bums on seats, spending at the bar, having a good time and wanting to come back, to actually make them work.

“Otherwise, you are going to be seeing clubs like this close down.”

On the possibility of the club being featured in a Wrexham-style TV documentary: “I can’t confirm or deny (anything) at this time. We have spoken in depth to a satellite company. Maybe, we’ll see.”

Barrie Drewitt-Barlow: “Robbie is a businessman and he wants to see his team doing well. For Colchester, it’s great exposure for those young lads who need to be playing against some men.

“It’s a great seeding area, this kind of league, for those players to then go on and have that stepping stone into professional football.

“But not just with Colchester United, we want to make contact with some of the other bigger clubs (in the area) as well.”

“It’s brilliant and nice to have some hope and positivity around the place,” said supporter Lee Witney.

“The club has got so much potential that hasn’t yet been realised.

“During the Covid season [2019-20] playing Newport [in the FA Cup] in front of the BBC cameras gave a glimpse of what could be achieved with the right kind of ideas, structure and money in place.”

Twitter users reacted as the 8th tier club announce the ‘most exciting project in non league football’…

@RossHolland2: ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!! 🍓🍓🍓

@PardenJame26298: Get In

@Footymad2020: Good luck fella’s keep humble and honest with everything you do with the club as it’s never easy to run a non league club more so as you play up the non league ladder

@paulwathen10: Great news and very exciting times ahead for the jammers 🍓🍓🍓

@RossUK07: Get in 🍓🍓🍓🍓

@MarkribetRibet: Best day at @MaldonTiptreeFC since we beat Orient let’s all enjoy the ride I’m sure it will be a 🎢 🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓

@Buckby89: Congratulations on the purchase of the club

@Gregorious79: Exciting times ahead for M&T! 🍓 The youth pathway will give great opportunities to some very talented lads 👍⚽️

@Mark_Ranger: Football has ups and downs Barrie,would be boring otherwise.effort was there again,all you can ask as a fan. Club needs investment and we are lucky enough to be in a position that you guys are ip for it,Will make wins even sweeter .🍓

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