Maldon Town are set to be rebranded and become Maldon and Tiptree Football Club.

Tiptree United have decided not to field a competitive side next season and are withdrawing from the Essex Senior League.

But in order to help preserve their name and history, they are being incorporated into the name of Maldon Town.

The team will play in a new blue and red strip. It is not a merger - although that could happen at a later date - and Tiptree are maintaining their status as a senior club, having been granted permission by the Football Association.

There is even a chance the two clubs could regain their independence after next season.

But for now, in terms of the Jam-makers’ immediate future, much will depend on the appointment of the next Maldon manager.

Tiptree will not field a competitive team next season and the plan is for it to act as a nursery club for Maldon.

Whether that is in the form of a side that plays only friendlies, a reserve team or even a youth side will become clearer when a successor is found for outgoing Maldon boss Colin Wallington.

A number of Tiptree officials and committee members will be part of the new set-up and Maldon chairman Alan Brockhouse said in a statement: “We wish all at Tiptree well for the future and will remain committed to work closely with their management team to possibly effect a merger of the two clubs at some time in the foreseeable future.”

He added to the Standard: “This is absolutely a positive thing.

“We’ve been concentrating on getting the infrastructure right here and we’ve got an excellent relationship with Tiptree.

“It makes perfect sense to work together and in the next year to year-and-a-half we’ll be looking for a complete merger. That’s the aim.” Tiptree secretary John Wisbey added: “It’s sensible and in terms of our immediate role, much will depend on the new Maldon manager.

“When someone has been appointed and that hurdle has been crossed, we’ll have a much clearer idea of what the future holds for Tiptree United.”