What does it take to transform a football club from the ground up? This question is at the heart of the upcoming ITV Sport series Up The Jammers, which chronicles Barrie Drewitt-Barlow’s ambitious journey with the Maldon and Tiptree Football Club. The series, set to air on ITV4 and ITVX in April 2026, aims to provide an unfiltered look at the highs and lows of football ownership.
Drewitt-Barlow, who purchased the Essex-based club in a multi-million pound deal, is not a seasoned football executive. In fact, he has handed over the reins to his husband, Scott, who will lead the team’s efforts to ascend 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.
The six-part series, produced by TwentySix03, will document Drewitt-Barlow’s first year of ownership, showcasing the transformative effect the club’s takeover has had on the local community. Richard Botchway, ITV Sport Assistant Commissioner, expressed excitement about the project, saying, “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.”
Executive Producers Antonia Hurford-Jones and Duncan Gray also emphasized the impact of the club’s transformation, noting, “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.” This sentiment reflects the broader narrative of how football can unite and uplift communities.
As the series prepares to launch, viewers can anticipate a candid portrayal of the challenges and triumphs that come with owning a football club. The documentary promises to reveal the reality of football ownership, providing insights that are often glossed over in mainstream sports coverage.
While the series aims to capture the essence of football ownership, details remain unconfirmed regarding specific episodes and story arcs. However, the anticipation surrounding Up The Jammers continues to grow as fans and community members alike look forward to seeing their club featured on a national platform.