ED Garty has stepped down as Maldon and Tiptree chairman.

Long-serving Garty has ended his decade-long spell at the helm, which has seen him in charge of Tiptree United and Maldon Town and then the Jammers, following their rebranding in 2010.

Garty has presided over plenty of success at Park Drive, including the club's magnificent FA Cup run last season which saw them reach the second round proper of the competition for the first time in their history.

But Garty's time as chairman was tarnished by what he calls a 'ridiculous' decision to null and void the 2019-20 Isthmian League season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the Jammers runaway leaders of division north and looking highly likely to win the title.

In a statement on the Maldon and Tiptree website, he said: "It has been ten years since taking control of Tiptree United/Maldon Town, ultimately Maldon and Tiptree Football Club and it is fair to say I have enjoyed every minute of it.

"The past ten years have been comprised of many highs and lows with probably the highest and lowest occurring last season.

"Our magnificent FA Cup run, comprising of victories over clubs starting at Step 5 and ending with an unforgettable day and result at League Two side Leyton Orient.

"We finally bowed out of the competition, in the second round, to an injury-time goal against another League Two side, and fellow giant killers Newport County, in front of a record home crowd and on live national TV.

"That high may never be repeated by the club and hopefully the low that followed will also never be repeated.

"The decision by the Isthmian league, ratified by the FA, to Null and Void the season, expunging all results, before the dust had even settled, following the onset of Covid 19 was premature at best.

"I have struggled to come to terms with this ridiculous decision and the manner in which the league and FA have expressed their utter contempt and disrespect for the Chairmen, officials, volunteers, sponsors, players and fans of clubs at step 3-6.

"I cannot justify, to myself or my family, continuing involvement with an organisation that considers its members as irrelevant and worthless and chooses to ignore the dedication and ambitions of the people its supposed to be representing.

"I have therefore made the very difficult decision to stand down as Chairman of this wonderful club."

"I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way on this incredible journey.

I have had exceptional managers and players at this club and I wish them every success with their chosen careers.

"The many volunteers who have given thousands of hours of their time to make the club work.

"My family who have not only worked at the club but have supported me in my role at the club for the past ten years.

"To Robbie Cowling and Colchester United for their support and commitment in the programme of development of young players.

"And, to the fans who have braved the arctic Park Drive weather to support the club.

"I have to give special thanks to Roger Stapleton, Club Secretary, who has worked tirelessly at all hours of the day and night, to keep me and the club on the right track, along with Wayne Brown who, last season, assembled the best side, both on and off the field, that I have seen at this level during my ten years.

"I am leaving the club in good hands, the new owners are committed to the ethos of development and improvement that has been fostered over the years and has given us such great success.

"These are very difficult times, so I would urge you to be patient with the new setup while the club navigates the current situation.

"I wish you all well, Eddy Garty"

Meanwhile, Maldon and Tiptree have been handed a short trip to play Braintree Town in the FA Cup third qualifying round.

The Jammers will travel to play their National League South neighbours next Tuesday, following today's draw.