TIPTREE United have strengthened their coaching team after the news that they have been granted their request to move across to the Essex Senior League.

TIPTREE United have strengthened their coaching team after the news that they have been granted their request to move across to the Essex Senior League.

Former Fisher Athletic number two Simon Cox has joined the club to assist manager Colin Wallington for 2009/10.

Tiptree were keen to make the switch into the Essex Senior League as they felt that would offer the most reliable route into the Ryman League structure.

Wallington, who led Burnham Ramblers to cup glory in the Essex Senior League, said: “It seems as though it has all gone through (move to Essex Senior League), which is great for us and Witham Town going there as well is good as it will give us another local derby and makes it interesting. It certainly doesn't make it any easier for us.”

And the fact that Lowestoft Town have sealed promotion into the Ryman League from the Ridgeons League hasn't altered Wallington's view that the switch is best for Tiptree.

He said: “Lowestoft have got the move they wanted, but you can't rely on that.

“Look at AFC Sudbury, they have been told they have to stay in the Southern League, so there is no logic.

“I have seen that the FA are talking about reviewing the structure at the end of next season and I really think they will have to as there is no logic that Sudbury are in the Southern and Lowestoft can go in the Ryman.

“We can't rely on it and that is the problem so the Essex Senior League is definitely the right move for us.

“It is a different type of football, but I know it after being involved throughout the years.

“The one thing that worries me, though, is that everyone feels it will be easy, but it isn't.

“However, if we do things the right way, we should be OK.”

Wallington said the majority of his players have committed to the club for next season and was excited to have an experienced coach like Cox on board.

He added: “Simon Cox has joined us, which is a real coup for us as he is a proper A licence coach. He was number two to Justin Edinburgh at Fisher Athletic and was at Billericay Town so it is great to have him here.

“It was very difficult to get him to come to us and he has said he will make us the best organised side in the league.”