What does it mean for a community when a local football club undergoes a transformation led by an unlikely owner? This question is at the heart of the new ITV Player series, Up The Jammers, which follows Barrie Drewitt-Barlow’s ambitious journey with the Maldon and Tiptree Football Club.
Set to air in April 2026, the six-part series will document Drewitt-Barlow’s first year of ownership, a venture that began with a multi-million pound deal to acquire the club. Despite having no prior experience in football, Drewitt-Barlow has entrusted the day-to-day operations to his husband, Scott, who is determined to lead the team to the English Football League within four years.
“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,” Drewitt-Barlow stated, expressing his enthusiasm for the project.
The series, produced by TwentySix03, aims to provide an unfiltered view of the highs and lows of football ownership. Richard Botchway, the ITV Sport Assistant Commissioner, shared his excitement: “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.”
As the series unfolds, viewers will witness the magical effect that the takeover and transformation of Maldon and Tiptree Football Club has on the local community. Executive Producers Antonia Hurford-Jones and Duncan Gray emphasized the community’s response, stating, “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.”
While the series promises to deliver an engaging narrative, it also raises questions about the realities of football ownership and the challenges that come with it. Details remain unconfirmed about how the community will continue to respond as the series progresses.
As the premiere date approaches, anticipation builds around how Drewitt-Barlow and Scott will navigate the complexities of football management, and what this journey will mean for the club and its supporters.
