Former Ipswich Town attacker Freddie Sears has found a new non-league club.
The 35-year-old has joined Isthmian League North Division outfit Maldon & Tiptree following his departure from Chatham Town, where he scored 21 goals in 39 appearances.
The move comes after the Jammers’ ‘multi-million pound’ takeover by Barrie and Scott Drewitt-Barlow, which was finalised in February.
Former Town midfielder Kevin Horlock, who recently spent five years at Needham Market, is their manager, while fellow ex-Blue Tom Eastman is currently playing for them.
“I’m delighted,” Sears said after signing. “It’s something that’s been in the pipeline for a bit of time now. With the change that’s happened over these few short months, I’m really delighted to be here and can’t wait to get going.
“Last season, the takeover happened. Living locally, you see a lot that’s going on.
The 35-year-old has dropped down a league to join Kevin Horlock’s Maldon & Tiptree (Image: PA)
“A few phone calls here and there, seeing my situation, the club’s situation, thankfully we’re here today and the deal is done. I’m just buzzing to get going now, I can’t wait to start pre-season in a few weeks and then get ready for next season.
“It’s a really exciting time to be involved in Maldon & Tiptree. The project at the minute looks fantastic, the boys that have signed are another big pull, and obviously I’m local to the area.
“I want to help Maldon & Tiptree get to that next level. I’ve just been at Chatham Town in the league above, I had a really good time there.
“I’m just delighted to be here and can’t wait to get going.”
Sears joined Ipswich from Colchester United back in 2015, spending six years at Portman Road, where he scored 34 goals in 218 appearances. He returned to the U’s after departing Portman Road, then dropping into non-league.
