MALDON and Tiptree boss Terry Spillane says he has experienced both sides of management in the last week – signing three new players but releasing three more.

Former Park Drive defender Danny Smith is back at the club, while right-back or winger Sipho Mtyando has joined from Grays Athletic and front man Grant Eagle has landed after spending last season with East Thurrock and Hornchurch.

On the flip side, Maldon have parted company with Michael Fitzgibbon (now Heybridge Swifts), Spencer Harrison and Bradley Vaughan.

“I’ve had both sides of the management game in the last week – the good and the bad,” said Spillane.

“While it’s nice to be able to announce new signings, I hate releasing players.

“It’s a hard thing to do, especially when they’re good lads.

“But I’ve got a strong squad at my disposal and the last thing I want is for anyone to be sitting around kicking their heels, then getting upset when they’re not playing.

“They understand that and I’m certainly very happy with the players I’ve brought in.

“Danny is a right-back or centre-half who was Redbridge captain last year and used to play for Maldon.

“When I found out he was available, I went in for him straight away and I’m delighted to have him on board.

“Sipho caught my eye when we played against him last year.

“He’s a powerful, strong runner who gets lots of crosses into the box and gives us something we haven’t had for a while.

“He’s also happy to get back and defend, which is very important.

“As for Grant, I’d describe him as a ‘number ten’ who remind me a lot of (ex-Maldon player) Joe Gardner.

“He’s tricky on the ball, has a burst of speed and an eye for goal.

“He also works extremely hard and, again, offers us something different to what we’ve got at the moment.”