PETER Taylor is hoping a strong start can help his Maldon and Tiptree side challenge at the top end of Pitching In Isthmian League division north again this season.

The Jammers experienced a disappointing campaign last time around, finishing 15th in the table following a season which saw them languishing near the foot of the table for long periods.

Taylor was appointed as Maldon’s new boss last December, helping to lift them away from relegation danger.

Now the former England caretaker boss wants to help the Jammers get off to a good start – and challenge at the top end of the table.

Taylor said: "It was a poor season for everybody involved at Maldon and Tiptree, last year.

"It was a very poor start and we can't allow that to happen again.

 

"What you do know is that if you have a good positive start, you never know what could happen because players then play with confidence and in their best form and so on.

"I'm looking to have a very competitive, good honest squad that's going to dig out some results but also play some great football and deserve the results.”

Taylor says he is enjoying being Maldon and Tiptree manager and coaching in the Pitching In Isthmian League.

The 70-year-old has had an illustrious coaching career which has seen him manage the likes of Crystal Palace, Hull City and Wycombe Wanderers and says the Jammers job suits him down to the ground.

He said: “It suits my life – I’m 70 years of age now, I’ve got four of the best grandkids in the world and it just gives me time to be with them as well and my wife, too.

“My wife has probably suffered with me playing football and being a manager all of the time, so I think she deserves a bit of a life really!”

 

Maldon and Tiptree were beaten 1-0 at Concord Rangers in their second pre-season friendly of the summer, on Tuesday night.

It followed on from their 4-0 defeat to League Two side Colchester United at Park Drive, last Saturday.

Meanwhile, Adam Topley has joined Maldon and Tiptree.

The midfielder most recently played for Hullbridge and had spells at Concord Rangers and Tilbury.