Sweeney happy where he is

Former Crystal Palace forward Joe Sweeney says he is enjoying life at Ryman League Division One North club Maldon & Tiptree, having rejected a move to league rivals Grays Athletic this week. 

The forward has been in excellent form this season bagging a total of a dozen league goals and he says he wants to stay put at Maldon & Tiptree for the rest of the season. 

The 21-year-old is keen for another shot at the big time after failing to secure a professional contract at Selhurst Park two years ago, he also had a trial spell at Gillingham curtailed by an ankle injury. 

“I have fallen out with a few managers and players at other clubs,” said Sweeney. “But the ethos at Maldon is really good and the club has the ability to be successful. 

“Grays put in a seven-day approach, but I don’t want to leave here because my best chance of getting a pro contract is to keep working with the manager and players here, it’s a really good platform for me. 

“I have come in through the back door really by coming here but there is a good chemistry for success.”