NEW Maldon and Tiptree manager Steve Ball is hoping for a ‘seamless transition’ as he takes over the reins at Park Drive.

Colchester United academy coach Ball was appointed as the Jammers new first-team manager on Tuesday.

Ball has taken charge of the Ryman North side after succeeding David Wright, who left the role earlier this month after being appointed as the U's assistant manager alongside new boss Kevin Keen.

Ball had been working alongside Wayne Brown coaching the club's under-18 side in Professional Development League Two.

But along with the management role at Park Drive, Ball is now working alongside John McGreal with Colchester United’s under-21 side.

His appointment will continue the link-up between the U’s and Maldon and Tiptree, which was formed last summer.

Ball said: “Obviously I am delighted to be Maldon’s new manager, it’s all good.

“I was previously linked with Colchester’s under-18 side but with the role at Maldon I have been promoted to work with John (McGreal), which I am really pleased about.

“I have been heavily involved with the project between Maldon and Tiptree and the U’s from the start.

“I know a lot of the full-time players and the part-time players and played a big part in getting some of the part-time players into the club.

“So hopefully it should be a seamless transition of management.”

The former Arsenal youth-team player has plenty of experience of managing at non-league level, having been in charge of the likes of Stanway Rovers and Leiston.

Ball's first game in charge of Maldon and Tiptree will be against their neighbours Heybridge Swifts at Scraley Road, on Saturday.

Ball said: “I am really looking forward to it.”