MALDON and Tiptree face the massive task of finding a new chairman and a new secretary as Ron Dangerfield is joining Charlton Athletic next season, writes JON LONGMAN.

Dangerfield, who arrived at Park Drive as General Manager in October 2019, has been appointed as the EFL League One side’s new Club Secretary.

Dangerfield handled the operational matters as the Division One North minnows enjoyed two hugely successful FA Cup runs that brought the BBC Match of the Day cameras to Park Drive.

When chairman Ed Garty sold the Jammers early last season, Dangerfield was appointed as chairman by the club’s new owners and has steered the club through the change of ownership and the Covid crisis.

Latterly, Dangerfield then stepped in to fill the dual role as the Jammers club secretary when long-serving Roger Stephenson retired.

Jammers spokesman Richard Buckby said: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Ron for his efforts with the club.

“We wish him the best of luck with his new venture at Charlton.”

Dangerfield was delighted when the Jammers fans launched a supporters’ club that has boosted attendances at Park Drive thanks to improving community links such as supporting the town’s food bank.

Dangerfield said: "I have been fortunate enough to have been here to experience the club's biggest achievements as well as some of its lowest periods — two and a half great years at Maldon and Tiptree.

“I am excited to be taking on a new footballing challenge but I am extremely sad to be leaving a wonderful club.

“I want to say a massive thank you to all the club's volunteers.

“A lot has been achieved since I've been at the club, but none of it could have happened without their fantastic support.

“I hope they are aware of how extremely grateful I am for their tireless assistance. The club is definitely in good hands.

“I'd also like to say a big thank you to ‘Abes’ [interim manager Paul Abrahams], his staff and the players for being a joy to work with. What a great group of people!

Gazette:

“Thanks to all the supporters who help make the match days such a great experience.

“Walking around and saying ‘Hello’ to so many familiar faces at each game is something you only experience at this level of football.

“It's fantastic and you all bring vibrancy to Park Drive. Keep it up and keep spreading the word to get more people to the 'home of football'.

“Finally I want to say thanks to Browny [manager Wayne Brown]. Thanks for persuading me to come to the club.

“Thanks for providing me with great footballing memories that I will never forget. Thanks for being a top bloke and a good friend.

“One of the phrases I have heard is “Once a Jammer always a Jammer". This is definitely true for me. Thank you all for the memories. Come on you Jammers!"

Qualifying for the play-offs would have given Dangerfield the perfect send-off and the Jammers’ late run of wins almost achieved that.

Last Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Grays, with goals from Malachi Napa and Shomari Barnwell, demonstrated how close the Jammers have come to curing the heartache of Covid denying deserved promotion to the Isthmian Premier.