MALDON and Tiptree manager David Wright was pleased with his players’ performance after holding his first pre-season sessions.

New Jammers boss Wright took charge of his first training session on Saturday and is looking ahead to their first pre-season match against Stanway Rovers on Friday night.

Wright said: “It was a good first session. The boys came back in really good shape.

“We had a training session on Tuesday night, tonight and then we have a match against Stanway Rovers tomorrow night.

“I was really pleased with the way the first session went but I just want to get into the games now.

“We want to get them playing the way we want them to.

“It’s a fresh team coming together and we want to get them to buy into our philosphy and ideas.

“And if they do then, hopefully, good results will follow and the players will be able to see that and see what we are aiming to do.”

Wright is also looking forward to working with new signing, defender Billy Roast.

Roast has joined the Jammers for the upcoming Ryman League division one north season and was formerly with League One’s Colchester United.

Roast had previously been captain of the U’s Under-21 side and had loan spells at AFC Hornchurch and Bury Town.

Wright said: “I have seen him at Colchester.

“He is good around the changing rooms and on the pitch.

“He wants to be a footballer and I am looking forward to working with him.

“He had a couple of bad injuries a few years ago and now is looking to have a good run of games.

“He can be a real asset for the club and it is what we are looking to do here at Maldon by bringing young players through.”

Following the draw for the FA Cup, Maldon and Tiptree enter at the preliminary stage and travel to the winners of the Hullbridge Sports v Hadleigh United tie, on August 29.

In the FA Trophy preliminary round, Maldon host Ramsgate on October 3.