The 35 year old, left Chatham Town in the Isthmian Premier Division on the 4th of June ‘due to work commitments’, including his new coaching role at West Ham, it was reported.

Sears netted 24 goals, including two hat-tricks, in the 2024/25 season, but the team missed the play-offs, and soon mutually agreed to depart. Maldon & Tiptree meanwhile finished 13th in the Isthmian League – North Division.

SEARS IS A JAMMER 🎯

We are thrilled to announce that Freddie Sears has agreed terms ahead of next season, joining us from @ChathamTownFC 🤝

The experienced striker and former @WestHam man netted 21 goals for Chatham last season and is another exciting addition to the squad 💥 pic.twitter.com/vr66UYIySG

— Maldon & Tiptree FC (@MaldonTiptreeFC) June 17, 2025

“Just want to say a massive thank you to all the staff, players and fans for all your support this season.

“I really have loved my time at the club and your support home and away has been great – never did I expect to meet so many fans and it’s been great meeting you all.

“I’m gutted we couldn’t achieve what we all wanted from the start of the season.”

Chatham wrote: “We can confirm that a mutual agreement has been reached with Freddie Sears — which will see him complete a move to a new club.

“We thank Freddie for his contributions and wish him well for the future. ❤️”

We can confirm that a mutual agreement has been reached with Freddie Sears — which will see him complete a move to a new club.

We thank Freddie for his contributions and wish him well for the future. ❤️

🔴⚪️⚫️ #UpTheChats pic.twitter.com/KaNKVv829j

— Chatham Town (@ChathamTownFC) June 4, 2025

: “Okay. Freddie, welcome to Maldon & Tiptree. How does it feel being here?”

: “Yeah, delighted. Obviously it’s something that’s been in the pipeline for a bit of time there and obviously seeing all the changes happened over the few short months. I’m really delighted to be here. Can’t wait to get going really. So obviously last season at takeover happened and living locally, you see a lot that’s going on. Obviously I know Mick from from Col U, so been in contact with me. And yeah, just a few phone calls here and there and obviously seeing like my situation, the club situation and here today and the deals done and I’m just buzzing to get going now. I can’t wait to to start pre season in a few weeks and then get ready for next season.”

: “And at this time in your career, what made it feel right to come and join the as we call it the revolution Maldon & Tiptree?”

: “Yeah, I think I think it’s a really exciting time to be involved in more than tip. You know the project at the minute looks fantastic. The boys that have signed is another big pool and obviously I’m local to the area. I wanna help Maldon & Tiptree get to that next level. You know, I’ve just been at Chatham Town in the league above and had a really good time there and I’m just just delighted to be here and can’t wait to get going.”

: “You mentioned the league, but you have great experience at high levels. How do you see your experience helping some of the younger players here at the club in your professional history?”

: “Yeah, obviously happy to help. I’m sort of getting a bit older now. I’m 35 years old, so a lot of experience. Still still feeling really good, really fit. So hopefully, meet the squad, try and help as much as I can on and off the pitch. And yeah, just like I said, I just can’t wait to get going now and start playing football again. I’ve had a nice break, but now you’re sort of ready and itching to get back to work really.”

: “You’ve joined the football club that’s got really strong ambitions and community values. What’s your personal ambitions for this season and what do you have to achieve?”

: “Personally, obviously I’ve come in to get promoted, so ultimately I wanna win the league. For me just to keep doing as I’m doing. I scored a lot of goals last season, so hopefully can continue that. And yeah, if I can help help the boys along the way, and obviously building building the community is great as well to get everyone here. You know, since the takeover, there’s a lot more fans coming through the gates, which is great and obviously winning games helps so we can have a good start to the season. I’m sure we’ll get a lot more fans coming in too.”

: “You mentioned community and the vibe and the plans around the football club. Amazing plans ahead. What part of that excites you to be part of this project?”

: “I think all of it to be honest seeing from obviously afar when you see all the stuff that’s going on and then actually coming in the building today and seeing all the stuff, the changing rooms, the new kits, you you know, it’s got a real exciting feel for for myself, for the fans stuff. I’m sure for all the boys at home getting ready to get ready for the next season. And yeah, I think everyone’s itching to go, you know, so it’s great. All this stuff, but ultimately it’s just what happens on the pitch which will make more than typically successful.”

: “And you talk about what happens on the pitch. Let’s set an early goals target for next season. Can you give us a number?”

: “Do you know what? I’ve got an idea in that. I’ve got 25 last year, so I’m obviously hoping to to do better. Yeah, I’m not one for for numbers, but obviously I wanna be what I’ve done last year.”

: “And to finish off, give us a message to the fans.”

: “Can’t wait to get going. Obviously buzzing to be here and looking forward to this journey for the next season.”

: What a signing, 1st class

: Good luck Freddie 👊🏻💪🏻

: 12 July is going to be a fun watch #ColU

: All the best Freddie 🔴⚪️⚫️

: Congrats on the league

: Freddy fucking Sears!!! Get up the boy!!

: They’ve done it again! Fair play @MaldonTiptreeFC @Gaydads

: Very good signing ⚽️

: The pre season friendly is gonna be a reunion against a few ex players now 😂😂 #Colu

@Alan_C_Taylor: What a signing! Bring on pre season… oh and maybe another signing 👀🙏🏼

@WillTaylorr0: Looking forward to playing them in pre season now that they are becoming our retirement home #colu

Amazing signing. Awesome working getting that deal done 👏🙌 pic.twitter.com/wuCwCQawu5

— Lee (@pe1hers) June 17, 2025

#colu https://t.co/0GIIIP5c3V pic.twitter.com/7UjfRTC1MD

— Rhianna (@rhiannacufcx) June 17, 2025