MALDON and Tiptree owner Barrie Drewitt-Barlow has ambitious plans for the off-season, both on and off the pitch, to take the Jammers to new heights.
Following the end of the 2024/25 league season, Barrie sat down with Max Fretwell to exclusively reveal some insight into next season.
Q: What are some of the internal changes planned and being worked on for next season?
A: “We’re implementing significant internal changes to professionalise the club from top to bottom. We’ve moved to a full-time staffing model - bringing in full-time coaches, management staff, physios, and even chefs - to ensure our players are supported at every level.
“We’re also partnering with an educational provider to launch a BTEC programme in Sport and Football, which will run alongside a coaching class, giving young players both academic and practical pathways within the game.
“Behind the scenes, we’re strengthening our operations, investing in player development systems, and building a culture that values both performance and progression."
Q: How do you make sure as an owner the club stays competitive in the market this summer beyond just financial resources, specifically, what are the pitches presented to potential targets?
A: “Of course, resources matter - but what really makes a difference is the environment. Our pitch to players is about opportunity and ambition. We’re building something with clear structure, full-time support, and a vision that puts player development and progression at its core.
“For younger players, we’re offering education and coaching qualifications. For senior players, it’s a chance to be part of a competitive project where their contribution truly matters. Players want to be part of a serious, forward-thinking club - and that’s exactly what we’re creating.”
Q: Have you set any specific targets for next season?
A: “Absolutely - our main footballing goal is promotion. But beyond that, we’ve set clear benchmarks across the board: improving our style of play, growing our player development pipeline, increasing community engagement, and raising standards every day.
“We want to compete at the top, but we also want to build sustainably. If we look back in a year and see growth on the pitch, in the classroom, and across the club as a whole - we’ll know we’re on the right track.
“At the heart of everything we’re building at Maldon and Tiptree FC is the community. This club belongs to its supporters - the people who turn up every week, who bring their families, who stand by the team through the highs and the lows. We genuinely appreciate every single one of them.
“That’s why giving back is such an important part of our mission. We’re not just focused on what happens on the pitch - we want to create a place where people feel proud to bring their families, where kids grow up dreaming of wearing the shirt, and where everyone feels welcome.
“We’re working hard to turn matchdays into full, memorable experiences, not just 90 minutes of football, but an exciting, safe, and enjoyable day out.
"Whether it’s improved facilities, better food options, or youth activities, we want to make sure Maldon and Tiptree is a place where people feel part of something bigger.
“We’re building for the future, but we’re doing it with the community at the core, because without them, there is no club.”
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