Maldon & Tiptree Face Crisis as Owners Can’t Fund Club

Maldon & Tiptree have been plunged into crisis after fans revealed the club’s owners have told management and players they can no longer afford to bankroll the non-league side.

The Jammers, bought in 2025 by Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and his husband, Scott, now face an uncertain future, with staff reportedly given a stark choice: walk away, or stay on under the threat of late or reduced pay while a buyer is sought.

Their son, Aspen Drewitt-Barlow, was installed as “sole shareholder and controlling owner” when the family took charge. He has previously insisted he remained “fully committed” to the club’s future. The BBC has approached the club for fresh comment.

Fans’ fury at ‘lack of communication’

The Jammers Fans Association (TJFA) said it had been “made aware of communication sent by the club's owners” confirming that “the current ownership can no longer afford to fund the club from this point onwards”.

For supporters, the shock over the finances has been matched by anger at how they say the situation has been handled.

In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, TJFA condemned what it called the club’s “complete lack of communication” with its fanbase.

“There appears to be very little regard for the supporters — the very people whose continued support is essential if the club is to survive,” the group said.

“During the off-season, when the events surrounding the club came to light, there were only two very brief and generic communications from the owners.”

Two options for players and staff

According to TJFA, the club has now presented management and players with two options.

• The first: leave.
• The second: remain at Maldon & Tiptree while accepting the risk of not being paid on time, or at all, or of being paid less than agreed.

TJFA said the club had described that second route as a “temporary arrangement” while a new buyer is sought.

Serious legal cloud over owners

The financial crisis comes against the backdrop of serious criminal charges facing the club’s backers.

Earlier this year, Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, and Scott, 32, of Southwood Chase, Danbury, appeared in court accused of targeting and grooming young males. They face multiple charges, including rape and sexual assault.

Both were remanded in custody in June and are due to enter pleas in September. A provisional trial date has been set for 18 January.

For Maldon & Tiptree, the legal storm off the pitch and the funding crisis on it now collide. A non-league club built on volunteers, community loyalty and thin margins is suddenly staring at a future that depends on one thing: can a new owner be found in time to keep The Jammers alive?