Tom Eastman

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Tom Eastman (Thomas Michael Eastman) is an English footballer born on 21 October 1991 in Colchester, England. He plays as a centre-back and, as of 2025, is with Maldon & Tiptree in the Isthmian League North Division.

Early life and youth
Eastman grew up in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, and joined the Ipswich Town Academy at age eight in 2000. He progressed through the youth ranks, made his first-team breakthrough in 2010, and won Ipswich’s Academy Player of the Year before turning professional.

Professional career

Ipswich Town (2010–2011)
Eastman made his professional debut for Ipswich Town in 2010 and was sent off on his first start. He made a handful of appearances for Ipswich before leaving the club in 2011.

Colchester United (2011–2023)
Eastman joined Colchester United in 2011 on a free transfer and spent most of his career there. He briefly went on loan to Crawley Town in 2011. He became a regular in Colchester’s defence, scoring several goals and earning numerous club honours, including:
- Colchester United Young Player of the Year: 2011–12
- Colchester United Player of the Year: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2017–18, 2019–20

He was a mainstay for Colchester, often playing every league and cup match in a season, and signed new contracts during his time with the club. He left Colchester in 2023 after more than a decade with the U’s.

Harrogate Town (loan) (2023)
In January 2023, Eastman joined Harrogate Town on loan for the remainder of the season.

Dagenham & Redbridge (2023–2025)
After leaving Colchester, Eastman signed for Dagenham & Redbridge on a two-year deal in 2023.

Maldon & Tiptree (2025–)
In May 2025, Eastman joined Maldon & Tiptree in the Isthmian League North Division, continuing his professional career closer to home.

Career highlights
- Over 500 senior appearances, mainly for Colchester United.
- Four-time Colchester United Player of the Year.
- Noted for his height (6 ft 3 in) and reliability as a central defender.

Honours
- Ipswich Town: Academy Player of the Year (2009–10)
- Colchester United: Young Player of the Year (2011–12); Player of the Year (2013–14, 2014–15, 2017–18, 2019–20)

Tom Eastman’s career has been defined by his long service at Colchester, his consistent defensive performances, and multiple Player of the Year awards, before continuing his career with Maldon & Tiptree.