Sweeney turns down Grays Return

Highy-rated young marksman Joe Sweeney has turned down a move to Grays Athletic to stay with their Ryman League Division One North rivals Maldon & Tiptree.

And the striker – the second-highest scorer in the division – had no hesitation rejecting an approach from his home-town club.

The 21-year-old was the subject of a seven-day approach from Grays. But he insists it was an easy decision to turn them down, just as he had earlier in the season when Maldon had an approach from Tilbury.

He said: “I’m not interested in leaving. I’m playing well in a successful team and I really like my managers and team-mates. We’ve got a good chance of winning the league or at the very least getting promotion.”

Sweeney, who joined during pre-season, has been a pivotal figure during the club’s success so far.

His twelve goals puts him second behind Needham Market`s Craig Parker on fifteen.

After a spell at West Ham, Sweeney came through the youth ranks at Crystal Palace and was offered a scholarship with the Eagles.

However, he failed to win a professional contract and drifted into non-League football with Grays and Brentwood Town, before joining Maldon.

He makes no secret of his desire to reclimb the ladder but feels he is at the right club to revive his footballing career.

“I know I can play at a higher level and maybe get back to Conference National level.”