Maldon & Tiptree appoint Steve Butterworth despite interest in Fisher manager Ajay Ashanike

MALDON & TIPTREE have appointed their new manager – and it’s great news for Fisher and their fans.

Fisher manager Ajay Ashanike revealed that he was wanted by the Essex Isthmian League Premier Division club - after being intereviewed by this website following their recent nine-goal thrilling wins over Petts Wood & Holmesdale and Bearsted last week.

However, Maldon & Tiptree owner Sonny Shahnawaz has instead appointed Steve Butterworth - after Ashanike turned down the Jammers' offer.

Butterworth, 41, has joined the club with experience of the Isthmian League Premier Division, where he was asistant manager to Keith Rowland at Brentwood Town before departing earlier this month.

During his time at Brentwood, Butterworth contributed to one of their most successful periods, winning the Isthmian League North in the 2024-25 season before reaching the Isthmian League Premier Play-Off Final last season, losing to Billericay Town in the Final,

Butterworth has previously held managerial roles at Essex trio Great Wakering Rovers, Romford and East Thurrock United.

Whilst in charge of Romford, Butterworth led his side to The FA Cup Third Qualifying Round and the Last Sixteen of The FA Vase.

“We’re delighted to welcome Steve to Maldon & Tiptree, said Mr Shahnawaz on the club website.

“He brings experience, ambition and a real understanding of non-league football.

“We’re building something for the long-term here and we believe Steve is the right man to lead the team into this next chapter.

“We’re  excited to see what he can achieve with the squad and he’ll have our full backing.”

Maldon & Tiptree sit sixteenth (bottom seven) in the seventh-tier table, having picked up nine points (three wins) from as many games.

The Jammers are three points clear of the relegation zone, which currently contains AFC Whyteleafe, Whitehawk, Three Bridges and Stanway Rovers.

Fisher, meanwhile, sit four points clear at the top of the ninth-tier Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with 23 points (seven wins, two draws and one defeat) and you can read what Ashanike thought about Maldon & Tiptree’s interest in him by clicking on the links above.

Ashanike, 37, meanwhile, takes his Fisher side to Larkfield & New Hythe on Saturday, for his 301^st game in charge of the St Paul’s Stadium outfit.

Visit Maldon & Tiptree’s website:  www.maldontiptreefc.com