Club renames home ground amid police inquiry

A non-league football club that became the subject of a police investigation has changed the name of its home ground with "immediate effect".

Formerly known as the Drewitt-Barlow Stadium, Maldon & Tiptree Football Club announced its home ground would now be called The Maldon Stadium.

Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, and his husband Scott, 32, who bought the club in 2025, are in custody accused of targeting and grooming young males across England between 2013 and 2026.

Essex Police raided the ground in May and the Football Association has subsequently banned the pair from being involved in the running of any football clubs.

In a statement announcing the name change, a club spokesperson said: "We would like to thank our supporters, sponsors, volunteers and the wider football community for their continued patience and support as we work hard to ensure stability and move the club forward."

The club also announced Mark Hawkes as their new first team manager, replacing former Manchester City player Kevin Horlock, who stepped down with immediate effect in May.

Hawkes has previously managed local rivals Heybridge Swifts and Chelmsford City FC.

Earlier this week, the Jammers Fans Association (JFA) wrote to the club asking that it be sold to new owners.

Barrie Drewitt-Barlow's son, Aspen, is the sole shareholder and controlling owner.

"We have requested for the sale of the football club at the earliest opportunity," the JFA said.

"We recognise that this is an unprecedented situation and are committed to supporting and assisting with the sale of the club.

"We are open to exploring options, not excluding a fan-led consortium."

The Drewitt-Barlows, of Southwood Chase in Danbury, Essex, are charged with multiple offences, including rape, and are next due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court in September.

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.