FORMER Northern Ireland and Manchester City midfielder Kevin Horlock has taken over as manager of Maldon & Tiptree just weeks after joining Needham Market as assistant.
Horlock, who represented his country 32 times, ended the season just gone in charge of Chatham Town but decided to leave after the final game in Ryman South.
He returned to his former club Needham Market as their new assistant but the opportunity to become a manager again was too good to turn down.
The Jammers had been searching for a new boss since Steve Ball's decision to quit the club after stepping up to become assistant manager at Colchester United.
Maldon's link-up with the U's will continue with Horlock helping to coach Colchester's U21s as well as taking charge of the Jammers.
The club finished seventh in the Ryman North before Ball's departure and Horlock – who will be assisted by Mark Levey – is now aiming to continue his good work at Park Drive.
Horlock, 43, said: “Management is something I am interested in. My time at Chatham was a tough gig because we struggled to hold onto players with other clubs coming in for our better players, but it was an experience I really enjoyed.
“I am really excited to be appointed as manager of Maldon & Tiptee, it is a great opportunity for me as Steve Ball has left me a squad that is very, very strong.
“The squad finished the season in great form and I can't wait to get going and carry on the good work Steve Ball started, in giving the football club everything to get the Jammers out of the Ryman Division One North.”
