Britain's 'first gay dad' buys Maldon & Tiptree FC

Barrie and Scott Drewitt-Barlow (centre and second right) said they wanted to bring "joy and brighter days" to the club

Britain's first gay father and his partner have finalised a "multi-million pound" takeover of a football club.

Barrie and Scott Drewitt-Barlow acquired Maldon & Tiptree FC and its 20-acre stadium site on Wednesday.

The couple, from Danbury, Essex, said they wanted to bring "joy and brighter days" to the Jammers, who play in the eighth tier of English football.

In a statement on X, the Isthmian League North Division side also announced former West Ham, Manchester City and Ipswich midfielder Kevin Horlock as its new manager.

The club added it wanted to make "every person in the area proud" of its team.

Self-made millionaire Barrie runs the Chelmsford-based real estate firm Drewitt-Barlow Organisation.

He and ex-husband Tony were known as Britain's first gay dads, fathering a twin boy and girl through surrogacy.

Money involved in the football takeover deal was not disclosed, although Barrie Drewitt-Barlow previously said he tabled a "multi-million pound" offer.

Richard Cowling was the incumbent Jammers owner, with the ground belonging to his brother Robbie - the owner of League Two outfit Colchester United.

However, Barrie Drewitt-Barlow told the BBC in December the Cowlings had "lost focus" on Maldon & Tiptree.

Speaking after the takeover was completed, the Drewitt-Barlows said: "We're here as local people who want to give back to our local community and hopefully bring joy and brighter days to our football club."

The couple said they wanted to have a "long stewardship" of the club, founded in 1946.

Despite its lower league status, the Jammers have enjoyed FA Cup success in recent years, reaching the first round proper in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.

Barrie Drewitt-Barlow also gained fame by appearing on television shows such as Rich House, Poor House and Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

The businessman has already outlined ambitions to rebuild the stadium and clubhouse.

He stressed there was no plan to build houses on the club's land.