A local couple have finalised the takeover of the club, signing a "multi-million pound" deal. 

Barrie and Scott Drewitt-Barlow acquired Maldon & Tiptree FC and its 20-acre stadium site on Wednesday (January 5).

The couple, from Danbury, said they want to help the eighth-tier team "achieve greater things."

In a statement on X, the couple said: "We're here as local people who want to give back to our local community and hopefully bring joy and brighter days to our football club that we look forward to having a long stewardship over."

The Isthmian League North Division side also announced former Colchester United under-21s boss Kevin Horlock as its new manager, with Liam Bailey staying at the club as his assistant. 

On the first day of the takeover, the club released new cup match admission prices revealing that Under 16s will now go free. The couple say they hope the move will "encourage as many of the youth team and their friends to come to as many games as possible."

Self-made millionaire Barrie runs the Chelmsford-based real estate firm Drewitt-Barlow Organisation, and describes himself as a "businessman, entrepreneur, investor, and scientist." He and ex-husband Tony are known as Britain's first gay dads, fathering a twin boy and girl through surrogacy more than two decades ago.

Barrie and his now-partner Scott have been regularly posting about the takeover on their X account, @Gaydads, 

Maldon & Tiptree FC were founded in 1946 and former managers include ex-England winger Peter Taylor, who left in Summer 2023.

The stadium, which holds 2,800 people (155 seated), is located on the Wallace Binder Ground in Park Drive. During takeover talks, the WBO discussed plans to renovate the stadium to create new changing areas, gym and sports bar. It also hopes to offer the stadium as an event venue and expand into the hospitality side of stadium and merchandise.