FORMER Premier League footballer Alan Kimble is the new Maldon & Tiptree manager.

And in a bizarre coincidence, his first game will be against twin brother Garry’s Witham Town.

Ex-Wimbledon defender Alan was appointed over the weekend but, due to a prior commitment, cannot make Saturday’s Ryman One North match at Redbridge.

Instead, he will take charge for the first time in next Tuesday’s Robert Dyas League Cup first-round tie against Witham, at Park Drive.

“You couldn’t make it up or script it any better,” said Jammers chairman Ed Garty.

“We’ll certainly look forward to that game but, in the meantime, it’s just pleasing and a relief to make an appointment.

“Alan really impressed me during his interview.

“I like positive, enthusiastic people and it really came across that he ticks both those boxes.

“It was also very clear he’s here for the long haul.

“I said last week that I didn’t want my next manager to be a quick fix or a flash-in-the-pan appointment. It had to be a long-term thing.

“Alan can see what we’re trying to build here and wants to be part of it. He wants to help steer us in the right direction, hopefully through the leagues and maybe one day into the Conference.

“That’s certainly my aim and it’s a vision he shares.”