ITV Player: Barrie Drewitt-Barlow’s Football Journey with Maldon and Tiptree
What does it mean for a novice to take charge of a football club? This question is at the heart of ITV Sport’s upcoming series, Up The Jammers, which follows Barrie Drewitt-Barlow as he embarks on a journey to transform Maldon and Tiptree Football Club. The series, set to air on ITV4 and ITVX in April 2026, captures Drewitt-Barlow’s first year of ownership, revealing the highs and lows of football ownership.
Drewitt-Barlow, who knows little about football, purchased the Essex-based club in a multi-million pound deal. He has entrusted the management of the team to his husband, Scott, as they aim to elevate the club to the English Football League within four years. This ambitious goal is a central theme of the six-part series.
According to Drewitt-Barlow, “We didn’t get into football to play it safe, we got into it to build something big, and ITV is the perfect platform to bring that story to life.” His enthusiasm reflects the transformative vision he has for the club and its community.
The series is produced by TwentySix03, with Richard Botchway serving as the ITV Sport Assistant Commissioner. Botchway expressed excitement about the project, stating, “We are excited to bring this special fly on the wall documentary series covering the highs and lows of football ownership to a free-to-air audience on ITV.”
Executive Producers Antonia Hurford-Jones and Duncan Gray also highlighted the impact of Drewitt-Barlow’s takeover, noting, “Barrie and Scott’s takeover and transformation of Maldon and Tiptree Football Club and its effect on the local community is nothing short of magical.” This sentiment underscores the potential ripple effects of the club’s new direction.
As the series unfolds, viewers will witness the challenges and triumphs that come with football ownership, providing an unfiltered look at what it takes to run a club at this level. The documentary aims to resonate with both football enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
While the series promises to deliver an engaging narrative, details remain unconfirmed about the specific challenges the club may face in its quest for league promotion. The journey of Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and Scott will undoubtedly captivate audiences as they navigate the complexities of football management.