WAYNE Brown says he will remain a supporter of Maldon and Tiptree after leaving the club to take charge at Colchester United.

The newly-installed U's head coach spent three and a half years as Jammers boss, guiding them to within touching distance of the Isthmian League division north title, before Covid intervened.

Brown also led Maldon to a play-off final which was lost on penalties and the Emirates FA Cup first round and second round during his time at Park Drive, as well as recording the club's longest FA Trophy run.

The former U's defender, who has been replaced by Paul Abrahams in the Jammers hot seat, says he hopes to return to Maldon to watch his former club when he can.

Brown said: “I’ve had the opportunity in that environment to cut my teeth and to ply my trade in a first-team environment, know myself as a manager and improving myself, setting standards in an environment which is away from an academy environment.

“That’s been of massive benefit to me that I’ve done that.

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“Yes, we’ve had successes during the four years that we’ve been there with regard to good FA Cup runs and pretty much winning leagues before the Covid situation came along and I’ve really enjoyed it.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with the people down at Maldon and really enjoyed working with numerous groups of players, because it’s been like a revolving door every season and you’re starting again to recruit.

“That’s stood me in good stead, in terms of talking to players and trying to get that fine line of win-win for the player and the club.

“Although it is a different level, it does give you those experiences.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to manage and be involved at that football club and I wish them every success going forward.

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Screen test - Wayne Brown with striker Charlee Hughes prior to their FA Cup game against Newport County Picture: NICKY HAYES/iCORE LTD

“They’re not forgotten about just because I’m in this role.

“I’ll be a supporter and I’ll have as much involvement as I can, doing this first-team role which is quite full on.

“When I do find the time, I’ll be over there supporting the lads.”

Roger Stapleton has been appointed as Maldon and Tiptree's new vice-chairman.

Stapleton, who had previously been club secretary until stepping down in 2019 and has been a volunteer for a number of years, will work closely alongside new chairman Jerry Carter and the Jammers Committee.

He said: "Having spoken with Jerry Carter about the future plans for Maldon and Tiptree, I accepted his offer to be vice chairman of this great club.

"The club has grown over the past ten years and still has ambitions for greater things, that I look forward to being part of."

Maldon chairman Jerry Carter added: “I'm really pleased that Roger accepted the role, as vice chairman.

"His experience and insight will be invaluable to me with what we want to achieve in the seasons ahead.”

Maldon will begin pre-season on Tuesday, July 12 with an away trip to one of Abrahams' former sides, Brantham Athletic.

Colchester will visit on July 16, before tough fixtures against Needham Market, Braintree Town, Ware and Aveley.