Maldon Town have issued a "hands-off" warning to clubs looking to snap up the services of manager Colin Wallington.

After Wallington had been linked with vacancies at other clubs, Maldon chairman Bob Large today issued this statement: "Maldon Town wish to advise that Colin Wallington will not be joining another local club.

"He will be continuing his efforts with Town in an aim to progress over the coming years to the highest achievable position in preparation for the new non-league national table which comes into operation in 2003/2004."

It has been a case of "after the Lord Mayor's Show" at Maldon this season following the most successful campaign in the club's history.

Wallington's troops finished fourth in the Jewson League premier division last season and were regarded as a force to be reckoned with.

However, this season has been an anti-climax.

Wallington's squad has been riddled with injury and suspension. Indeed, two key players in last season's success Paul Younan and Judd Coe have been out in recent weeks through bans picked up last season.

Maldon have also lost the guile and experience of Bobby Mayes who moved to Clacton Town.

But the tide is turning. Wallington has uncovered a gem in young Liam Bright who certainly is a player to watch for the future.

And Scott Witney looks certain to repeat his 30 plus goals this season.

Now Wallington must lift his players for tomorrow's visit to second-placed Lowestoft Town following last week's FA Vase defeat against Jewson League division one side Hadleigh United.

Sean Tracey, Stuart Jarvis, Coe, Younan and Terry Warwick are unavailable while Richard Sestak and Craig Huttley picked up injuries in training last night.

On the plus side, the prolific Neil Cousins, recently signed from Brentwood, will start alongside Witney up front and Adrian Owers is back pushing for a place after returning to full fitness.

Maldon have yet to win away from home this season with two draws and two defeats on their travels.

Lowestoft, on the other hand, have only lost once at home, recording six wins in eight games

The prospects don't look good for Maldon, but then they didn't when they took on, and beat, the league champions AFC Sudbury earlier in the season.