Tommy Smith | End Of Season Q&A | 12.06.2025 |

Defender Tommy Smith discusses last season and previews the upcoming campaign.

DK: How do you reflect on the season from a team perspective? 

TS: It was obviously a tough season, being relegated, but at no point did we ever throw the towel in. We gave our absolute best every single game. Obviously, there were tough moments and there were also good moments as well. Obviously, in the end, it finished off disappointing of how the league table was. 

DK: Would you say you've still had a positive season personally?

TS: I thought I'd done all right. I mean, I think when teams get relegated, I think it's hard to sort of have a really good season individually. I thought I'd done all right. Nowhere near as well as I think I can, but I don't think that I struggled. I thought it was a decent performance, to be fair. I think at the start, it took us a while to sort of climatise ourselves to the league. I thought that reflected in the first few months leading up to Christmas. I thought from the New Year, I thought we actually did okay. I thought a lot of our performances weren't bad. We were picking up results. Obviously, at that point, the pressure was off us, really. There's no pressure when you're expected to go down. That was how we probably should have came into the season, with that pressure sort of off us, but I felt it affected us the first few months, maybe.

I just thought we were going up the league and not many players have faced that level before. It might have just been just the first couple of months, I think. It was for everyone who was trying to find their feet. I think towards the end of the season, we definitely showed our worth in the league. If we would have started like that the whole way through, I think we would have definitely stayed up.

DK: The previous season (2023/24), our home form was really good, I'm guessing next season (2025/26), your aim as a team and individually is to return back to that form? 

TS: Yeah, definitely. It was tough. We found actually playing away, I think, this season, probably picking up better results away than we did at home, which was a little bit strange, but understandable probably as well when there's all these massive grounds and everything like that. We did struggle at home this year, and we're definitely looking to high man away this season coming up, so definitely perform better. 

DK: What would you say your highlights are from the season? 

TS: Obviously, the team performances. Like everyone's been saying, you've got the Hereford game, or rather the Warrington and Hereford Saturday-Tuesday, I think it was towards the start of the season. It was a really, really good feeling, a really good moment. Playing at all them grounds in general, really good experiences, whether we won them or lost them. They were still really good experiences. Obviously, on a personal note, it was nice picking up my first goal as well, so that was something that I'm quite proud of. We obviously spoke about that goal at the time.

DK: Looking back at that, that must be the best goal you've scored? 

TS: Yeah, it would probably be the best goal I've scored, yeah. I'm quite confident, probably, to be fair, hopefully, this season. I'm going to be picking up a few more, hopefully.

DK: I know those were friendlies, but technically that's not the only goal you've scored for the club. 

TS: No, they all count, exactly. Exactly, they all count. Looking back at those, those were good finishes as well. I think it was hard this season. I think we were on the back foot quite a lot of the time. I think everyone felt that as well. I thought we gave it our all this season. I don't think anyone would have even dreamt of throwing the towel in. At no point did we ever even think about going down. Until the last game, we always thought we had a chance. 

DK: Yeah, and now that you've all got experience at that level, you know what the expectation is.

TS: Yeah, it makes us hungry to get back there. All the experiences, we want to be back there. That's where we want to be now. We're definitely going to give it our best again this season. So, that's something the aim is definitely to get back there, one way or another. I think it has to be (the mindset). I think when you come down, I think the aim is always to go back up, no matter who you are. If you spent the last season in the league above, that should be the aim, to get back there, no matter what the squad's looking like or what the situation is at the club. I think you should always be looking to get back to where you were last season. Obviously, the Premier Cup would be nice as well, like it was the season before. Promotion from the league is definitely the main target. 

Obviously, when I came in, I don't think anyone was expecting to win the title, considering the season before. I'm not sure where they finished, but I think it was near the bottom half. Yeah, so I think it was a bit of a, well, it wasn't a shock because I think we fully deserved it, but it would have been a shock from where we were at the start of the season. Then going from winning the league to dominating most teams week in, week out, to then going from one end of the spectrum to the other is always tough. I guess it's similar to how Ipswich played this season and from last season, to be fair. It's tough, but that's experiences. You've got two really good experiences in two years, and now it just makes you more hungry to get back to where it was. 

DK: Yeah, speaking about Ipswich, it's kind of rather ironic that Needham and Ipswich last couple of seasons have mirrored each other. 

TS: Yeah, it is a bit strange. It is a bit strange, yeah. Both struggled this season, but the season before, both were very, very good.

DK: Are there any other standout moments on or off the pitch? 

TS: I mean, obviously the journeys and all that were good experiences with the lads on the bus, but nothing really that stands out.  

DK: What is the biggest takeaway from the season that you'll forever remember?

TS: Probably just the experience, really. Probably the grounds that we played at. Not everyone plays at grounds like that, so I think that's definitely the biggest experience and a moment to look back on. This league is completely different to how I played at Ipswich. It's a very physical league. It's loads of experienced players and very, very good players as well, but I really enjoyed it. It was really good fun. 

Needham Market U18s v Mildenhall Town U18 | Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena | Pre-Season Friendly |

Needham Market Under-18s pre-season campaign kicked off with a solid all round performance in a 3-1 win over Mildenhall Town.

Mildenhall had the first chance in the 9th minute, but headed a right wing cross straight at Jake Bloom at the far post.

Three minutes later, Ahmad Wadoh shot over from close range on the right-hand side after a good flick on, while Wadoh drive through before seeing a low shot well held by the keeper diving low to his right-hand side.

Two minutes later, Needham broke the deadlock with a great bit of play, Josh Tennial saw a low right-hand shot tipped onto the post before smashing the rebound in off the underside of the crossbar.

Needham maintained their momentum on 16 minutes as Henry Vieira broke onto the left-hand byline before seeing his low shot smartly denied by the goalkeeper as Wadoh's header from Vieira's corner was held by the stopper at his far post. 

Needham went close again on 19 minutes, saw a great left wing cross released Zak Tamila through one on one but his close range shot was held by the keeper.

Needham continued to enjoy a lot of the possession as Fenton Grimmer's good driving run midway through the visitors' half on 29 minutes was well controlled by Ahmad Wadoh though a defender just intercepted his set back to Tamila. 

Henry Vieira saw a shot blocked, while Ahmad Wadoh doubled Needham's lead a minute later. The forward exploited pass on the right-hand side of the box to latch onto a great defence splitting pass before smashing home into the top far corner. 

Six minutes later, intelligent goalkeeping from Jake Bloom saw the keeper advance off his line well to gather a through-ball into the box as Mildenhall looked to get a foothold into the game.

Needham then threaded Tamila through one on one but strong defending denied him a shot at goal on 39 minutes.

A minute before the break, Seth Garza fired a shot narrowly wide of the top right-hand corner from distance before Josh Guffey curled a good strike over.

The visitors though curled a 45th minute free-kick over as the young Marketmen led 2-0 at the interval.

Jake Bloom then beat away a smart close range shot from the left-hand byline on 49 minutes as the referee pointed to the penalty spot, which was confidently smashed into the bottom left-hand corner. 

Another great save from Jake Bloom thwarted a close range shot following a great defence splitting pass on 57 minutes, before the away side shot just over from 6-yards out. 

A 62nd minute fierce Needham shot was well held by the substitute goalkeeper before Danylo Konik expertly cutback a left wing free-kick back into the danger area, first time, but was cleared by the visiting defence.

Alfie Scully saw a 66th minute shot deflected narrowly wide of the top right-hand corner, which saw Needham restore their two goal advantage from the resulting well taken set-piece.

Konik's pinpoint curling delivery picked out Max Keen at the near post to bullet head home at point blank range into the top near corner.

Jahjah Straw then wrapped a 70th minute free-kick wide of the top right-hand corner, as Konik intercepted the goalkeeper's clearance but shot over on 73 minutes.

Fourteen minutes later a clever block on the goalkeeper's clearance just bounced off target of the far post as Needham continued to be on the front foot.

The last action saw Scully latch onto a great cutback from the right-hand byline after a great surging run but turned his shot just wide on 91 minutes.

The Under-18's next face Debenham in two weeks time.

Needham Market U18:- 1 Jake Bloom, 2 Seth Garza, 3 Tyler Wright, 4 Jack Nunn, 5 Max Keen (c), 6 Fenton Grimmer, 7 Ahmad Wadoh, 8 Josh Tennial, 9 Zak Tamila, 10 Henry Vieira, 16 Josh Guffey. Subs: 15 Taha Yildrim, 12 Oliver Chmielewski, 14 Olly Head, 17 Jahjah Straw, 18 Alfie Hunt, 5 Oliver Harper, 2 Danylo Konik, 19 Alfie Scully, 3 Fin Watson.

Goals: Josh Tennial (15'), Ahmad Wadoh (20'), Max Keen (66'); Mildenhall (50'pen). 

REPORT & REACTION | Needham Market Reserves v East Bergholt United | Tue 08.07.2025 | PSF | Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena |

 

Needham started well in a closely fought encounter, but did have the lion share of the early possession as Evan Gledhill's left wing corner was flicked on by Olly Reynolds peeling away at the near post before falling to Ben Smith at point blank range who could only turn it wide on 8 minutes.

Three minutes later a great long ball released Ben Smith down the right wing whose sumptuous cross fell to Alex Oakley who opened space to see a shot blocked. 

Needham then created a great chance on 15 minutes, Oscar Wakeling exploited space on the right wing into the box but his low clever cross just couldn't be turned home by Evan Gledhill. 

A neat 'Maradona' turn from Charlie Smy soon after followed by a first real shot on target as East Bergholt saw a 25th minute low shot from the left-hand side of the box well held by Skinner down at his near post.

Needham did put the ball in the net on 33 minutes left James Coton was adjudged to have been offside as he found the bottom right-hand corner. 

A smart double save from Charlie Skinner kept the scores goalless on 38 minutes as he dived down smartly to his right-hand side to beat a low shot away before quickly reacting to hold the second on the rebound.

Alex Oakley then latched onto a good forward pass before feeding James Coton on the right-hand edge of the box only to wrap his low shot agonisingly just wide of the bottom far corner in the 41st minute.

On 45 minutes another great double save from Skinner thwarted Bergholt, firstly diving low to his right off his line to palm away a dangerous cross before holding onto the resulting low shot. 

Four minutes after the restart, James Coton broke into acres of space clear on goal before ballooning his shot over. 

Bergholt broke the deadlock on the hour mark, breaking through on goal before slotting past Skinner at close range. 

A great chance for Needham on 68 minutes was headed narrowly wide by Olly Bowman as Needham continued to play well albeit with little really between the two sides, apart from the goal.

Hudson Minns then a far post shot crucially blocked at close range with 10 minutes remaining, though Needham deservedly equalised in the 91st minute. A great surging run forward from Brad Smith saw some great quick passing as Oscar Wakeling threaded Alex Oakley through inside the box to equalise cooly into the bottom left-hand corner. 

Needham Market Res:- 1 Charlie Skinner, 2 Ben Smith (32' Bowman), 3 Brad Smith (HT' Manhood, 59' on), 4 Ryan Pitt (59' off), 5 Olly Reynolds (c) (HT' Minns), 6 Charlie Smy (59' off), 7 Harry Hopkins (59' off), 8 James Coton (59' off), 9 Evan Gledhill (59' off), 10 Alex Oakley (HT off, 59' on), 11 Oscar Wakeling (32' Bobby, 59' on). Subs: 18 Hudson Minns, 12 Louis Manhood, 17 Harlyn Palmer, 14 Flynn Bobby, 15 Olly Bowman.

Ratings: Skinner 8.8, Ben Smith 7.8, Brad Smith 8.5, Pitt 7.5, Reynolds 6.8, Smy 6.5, Hopkins 6.6, Coton 5.2, Gledhill 6.3, Oakley 7, Wakeling 7; Minns 6.5, Manhood 6.8, Palmer 6.1, Bobby 6.5, Bowman 6.

Goals: Alex Oakley (90'+1'); 7 (60'). 

REACTION | Brad Smith Post Match Interview | Reserves V East Bergholt United | 08.07.2025 |

DK: A good run out and a deserved draw, wouldn't you say? 

BS: Yes, good game, good draw. We'll take that. First pre-season game back, it's always good to get a draw. Maybe it's not what we wanted, but we'll take it for now. 

DK: That surging run at the death proved decisive. 

BS: Heard the ref say 20 seconds left on the clock, so I thought I had to pick it up and draw forward, try and create something. Luckily, we got something out of it, so I'm happy with that. 

DK: Head loss? Bit of both, a bit of head loss (Flynn Bobby: Nose bleed). Same time, got to do what I can for the team, get forward, create something. Luckily, it worked. I like to try and create headlines, get on the ball, do my bit for the team, help out as much as I can. 

DK: Defensively, you were all pretty solid today, despite the changes other than the goal.

BS: Yes, we were pretty solid at the back, just limiting chances for them. They were solid, really, making sure that they don't get too many opportunities. We gave away a silly goal, apart from that, we were solid. 

DK: Would you say it was a close encounter? 

BS: Yes, it was a close game. They deserved their goal, and I think we deserved to score as well. Both teams had chances. It was a fairly even game. It was just a draw from there. 

DK: Would it be fair to say that the only criticism for us being the fact that maybe we didn't test their keeper as much as what they tested Skinner? 

BS: Yes, I don't think we got enough shots off throughout the whole game, but it's something we can work on. We work on it in training every day, so we'll keep going with that, and it's good chances, really. 

DK: Next up, another good test against another SIL senior side, in Coplestonians on Saturday. 

BS: Yes, it's going to be another good test. It'll be a physical game, a tough game, and hopefully we can pick up a win. 

REPORT & REACTION | Needham Market Res In House Friendly | 05.07.2025 |

An entertaining in house friendly within the Needham Market Reserves and Under-23's teams ended in a six goal thrilling encounter to kick off the 2025 pre-season schedule.

While most impressed at times, James Coton took the limelight - scoring the first goal for the home side before adding four more after the restart for the away side to turn the match on it's head.

Flynn Bobby's 3rd minute dangerous 25-yard free-kick curled over the wall before dipping towards Bloom's bottom near right-hand corner though the keeper watched it well to beat it away in the wind, as the winger dragged the rebound wide of the near post. 

Kellen Fiddy then drove into space inside the box but saw two shots well blocked, the second by Harry Hopkins as the home side dominated possession in the opening six minutes. 

Fiddy again broke through into the box four minutes later but saw his low shot creeping into the bottom right-hand corner well saved by Bloom.

Jack Nunn was then adjudged to have handled a cross into the box in the eleventh minute, which James Coton dispatched cooly into the bottom right-hand corner, sending Bloom the wrong way smartly.

Ben Smith then hit an ambitious shot from outside the box wide on 15 minutes as the home side continued their good start, looking firmly on the front foot.

At the other end, Zack Tamila drove forward in possession before cleverly threading Harlyn Palmer whose shot was blocked behind by Kaio Brittain in the visitors' first real attack on 22 minutes, as Charlie Skinner claimed the resulting corner.

Ben Smith however headed just over Flynn Bobby's 25th minute right wing corner from 6 yards out, while Jack Nunn saw a shot blocked on the half hour mark.

Harlyn Palmer meanwhile weaved into space to shoot just outside the box but his shot was comfortably held by Charlie Skinner on 33 minutes as the away side grew into the game well. 

Palmer then wrapped a low cross straight at Skinner on his line moments later, before Zack Tamila headed Harry Hopkins' great right wing cross narrowly over on 35 minutes.

Five minutes before the break, the Reds doubled their lead as Flynn Bobby's low shot from the right-hand side deflected to Kellen Fiddy to tap home at the far post at point blank range in the last action of the first half. 

Thirteen minutes after the break, Skinner was alert to palm a corner away in an even start to the second half. 

Nine minutes later a great right wing corner was met by Sam Collinson at the far post whose superb header was brilliantly beaten away by the quick reactions of Bloom as the defence cleared off the line.

Brittain then had a shot well blocked soon after, while James Coton halved the deficit on 73 minutes. Having switched sides at the break, Coton picked up possession threading Palmer through with a brilliant through-ball down the right wing before smashing home into the top left-hand, far, corner to score for both sides. 

Coton then completed arguably the weirdest ever hattrick on 81 minutes, exploiting space on the left-hand side to find the bottom far corner. 

Two minutes later another good effort from Coton was well held by Skinner, before Coton scored a hattrick for the away side on 86 minutes as his shot from distance as Skinner tried to control the ball but miscontrolled it and couldn't keep it out. 

He then scored his 4th of the half and fifth of the game two minutes later, breaking onto the left-hand side before picking out the bottom far corner, wrapping it home with ease. 

Star Man Coton continued to look hungry for more, taking the Man Of The Match accolade just ahead of Kellen Fiddy with a lot of impressive performances.

Max Keen impressed, as did Ryan Pitt and Kaio Brittain in particular.

First Half Teams:-

Home Side:- 1 Charlie Skinner, 2 Ben Smith, 3 Kaio Brittain, 4 Frenton Grimmer, 5 Ryan Pitt, 6 Kellen Fiddy, 7 Flynn Bobby, 8 Josh Tennial, 9 Henry Viera, 10 James Coton, 18 Olly Bowman. Subs: 14 Oliver Chmielewski, 15 Jack Coombs, 16 Alfie Scully, 17 Sam Collinson.

Away Side:-1 Jake Bloom, 2 Mehdi Tazerout, 3 Brad Smith, 15 Max Keen, 5 Oliver Reynolds (c), 6 Charlie Smy, 7 Harlyn Palmer, 8 Jack Nunn, 9 Evan Gledhill, 10 Harry Hopkins, 11 Zack Tamila. Subs: 14 Josh Guffey, 16 Archie Pickett.

2nd Half and Overall Ratings:-

Home: Skinner 6 (7), Ben Smith 5 (6.5), Brittain 8 (79' Grimmer 6.5), Chmielewski 5.8, Pitt 8, Fiddy 8.6 (53' Viera 7.5), Bobby 7, Coombs 5.9, Scully 5.9, Collinson 5.9, Bowman 6.5. Tennial 5.9.

Away: Bloom 7, Tazerout 7.5, Brad Smith 7, Keen 8.6, Reynolds 6.9, Smy 6, Palmer 6, Gledhill 5.8 (65' Nunn 6.5), Guffey 5.8, Pickett 5.8, Hopkins 7. Tamila 5, Coton (60' on) 10. 

Goals: James Coton (11'pen), Kellen Fiddy (40'); James Coton (73', 81', 86', 88').

REACTION:-

James Coton Post Match Interview | Needham Reserves In House Friendly | 05.07.2025 | 

DK: Well, what a way to mark the first game back, scoring five goals overall, you must be delighted.

JC: Yeah, just being in the right place. Do you know what I mean? And then you got scoring, so I'm pleased with that. 

DK: You don't normally have a game where you score one for one side and then four for the other.

JC: Yeah, no, I don't. Yeah, well, I mean, helping out another team's good. So, yeah, just enjoying it really.

DK: How did you find the game in general?

JC: I found it alright. Obviously, it's tough for some of the boys, especially me. You know, you're off and then you have to come back. You're straight back into football. The intensity of the sessions, I've had an intense week. The coaches have been pushing us. So, yeah, obviously, it's tough having a game at the end of the week. 

DK: Five very well-taken goals as well.

JC: Yeah, it is. Yeah, I just slotted them. Just done the business, didn't I, Drew? That's how it is at the end of the day. That's football.

DK: Does that give you a bit of bragging rights within the squad? 

JC: I guess it does. I can tell Skinner that he should be saving them. But, yeah, no, it's nice to score goals. That's what I enjoy doing. I felt bad for Skinner, but you've still got to be there, you know, press the goalkeepers down and score the goals when they come. 

DK: That must be the first time that you've ever done something quite like that.

JC: Yeah, well, yeah, definitely at my age as well. At 17, definitely. But when I was younger, you know, I used to win 10-0 every game, but, obviously, now it's a lot harder. We've a lot like, you know, you've got good first years Coming into the building. Second year is obviously really strong. So, yeah. 

DK: That's normally you'd be pleased with scoring one or two first game back, but to have done that already, you've set the standards high. 

JC: Yeah, obviously, yeah. Now, I've got to continue it. I've given me confidence for the rest of the season. Hopefully, I can continue it, you know, stay on good form.

Kyle Hammond | End Of Season Q&A | 10.06.2025 |

Kyle Hammond reflects on the previous campaign and looks ahead to his fifth season with the club.

DK: How do you reflect on the season from a team perspective, there must be a lot of pride?

KH: Having time to reflect on the season I think we all done ourselves proud and never gave up, no one really gave us a chance but I personally think we surprised a lot of teams and I think it came ultimately down to not being quite good enough in both boxes. But overall even though the end result wasn’t what any of us wanted I really enjoyed the season.  

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective?

KH: From a personal side the intensity of the games were much higher than I expected and the season before so took me a while to get up to speed and with an injury at the start of the season didn’t help that. After that I thought I did okay some good games some average but never gave up and always gave my all.  

DK: What are your highlights from the season?

KH: For me it was Oxford City game at home where I was involved in all 4 goals probably my best game of the season and it was a game we had to win. 

DK: What was the best ground you played at this season?

KH: Chester and Scunthorpe’s. 

DK: Biggest takeaway from season that you'll remember forever?

KH: Probably scoring a worldie free kick against Southport which is Needham's first ever goal at step 2 and mine! 

DK: Were there any other standout moments/games on/off the pitch?

KH: Hearing Scunthorpe fans singing their song before kick off was pretty special. 

DK: Having now been at the club for four seasons now and played a huge part in the club's recent history, how would you describe the journey so far?

KH: I’ve loved every minute of it. I always had an eye on Needham when I was at my previous clubs and now having been here for 4 years it was the best decision I made. Great club only getting bigger and better. So many good people in and around the club. And every year I’ve been at the club we’ve broken some sort of record with FA Trophy run, FA Cup run, winning Premier Cup after Premier Cup, winning the league and then playing step 2. And doing all this with very good friends makes it even sweeter. 

DK: What are your targets for next season?

KH: Promotion!!

Ben Smith End Of Season Q&A | 02.06.2025 |

Reserves defender Ben Smith reflects on the season and discusses how the Academy has progressed in the last few seasons. 

DK: What did you make of the season from a team perspective?

BS: In my opinion it was a great season for a team perspective I wasn’t here before December as you know but I watched a few games before then and from then to now yoh would think its a different team the way we play and results we have got prove just why reserves teams like us deserve to be in the league we are and deserve to be taken more seriously.  

DK: How would you sum up the season from a personal view point?

BS: It was a topsy turvy one for me to put it straight haha, started off the season at another club didn’t fully work out had some great experiences though but just wasn’t to be however I came back to Needham around Christmas and my season was only on the up from that point it helped me a lot coming back and being settled again so in the end the season was a success. 

DK: Can you pick 4 highlights from the season, what are they and why? 

BS: Firstly I'd say making my Fa cup debut would be one as it’s such a prestigious competition across England and to say you’ve played it in it’s a nice feeling, secondly on a personal note playing so many games alongside your brother is a big one for me we’ve grown up together and learnt everything kind of together is massive, Thirdly, getting to a record points tally with the ressies is a great achievement for a group so young most being there first year in the men’s game it felt good to be a part of something that helped towards that and lastly although not really my own highlight seeing the 18’s beat Sudbury and won the 18’s cup was so nice to see knowing you play with them boys every week you can feel a bit part of helping them on there way to that and who doesn’t love a win against Sudbury in a big game hey!  

DK: Did any games standout to you from this season?

BS: Has to be the last two games of the season I would say beating Leiston and Sudbury back to back in the space of 3 days felt good because as everyone knows they're the two teams around the area with the same set up as us and the end of the season games is when you can see the true level of teams and we proved we can beat them both comfortably. 

DK: Having played for the Academy for a few seasons now, how would you describe the progress not just yourself individually but as a team?

BS: I’ve loved playing for the academy every year I’ve been here but in terms of development this year has to be the best year I’ve seen come from what most would say was being maybe afraid of the step up to now the boys embrace everything and I think we can be up there next season. 

DK: What targets do you have for next season?

BS: For me I want to be the best version of myself and be the fittest fastest strongest version of myself for everyone to see and make a difference to the team next year, of course you have your personal targets of aiming to fight for a chance higher up with the firsts but I know there’s work to do to get to that point and i believe im in the right place with the right coaches to help me achieve that and help push me in that direction. And of course I'd love the ressies to finish in and around mid table we are more than capable and i beleive we will smash it this season Here’s to another good season and a lot of success 👊🏻. 

Kellen Fiddy | End Of Season Q&A | 01.06.2025 |

Kellen Fiddy reflects on the season for the Academy. 

DK: What did you make of the season from a team perspective? 

KF: This season has been a real good learning experience for all of us boys making the big step up from youth football into the men’s game which was definitely tough and we did struggle for the first half of the season, we were a bit hard dons by with the amount of injuries we faced which I struggled with myself however that’s part of football and the good squad depth throughout the under18s and reserves had to play a part. The coaching staff have taught everyone of us a lot and given us the best possible advice for a positive outcome. 

DK: How would you sum up the season from a personal view point? 

KF: For me this season has been very tough, being out for 6 months of the season after working hard over the summer to perform and show my abilities, having to watch training and games from the sidelines wasn’t a nice feeling but the help from Manty and Ben and support from the lads helped me get back out there as quick as possible, I feel like I’ve got a lot more to give next season and express more of my qualities.

DK: Can you pick 3 highlights from the season (Res/U18s), what are they and why? 

KF: My first highlight would be my first game back from injury for the reserves, we played Framlingam away which is by no means an easy game and to score on my return in a well fought 2-2 draw is definitely a personal highlight. Another highlight has to be the Midweek cup final Win on penalties, what an achievement for the club and i couldn’t imagine a better group of lads and staff to win it with. Heading back to the pre season Trip in July we had a good few days in Wales training and playing a team out there which was a quality experience and definitely brought the team closer together. 

DK: How did it feel to be the first Needham side to lift the Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup and what did you think of the Final?

KF: Yeah, what a feeling to be the first Needham side to lift the Suffolk under 18s cup it was a really proud moment for us boys and it’s nice heading into the off-season with some silverware to show for the amount of effort everyone involved has put in over the course of the season, we are hungry to retain our status as holders and we have go out this season looking to win it again..

DK: What was going through your mind during the game/shootout? 

KF: Walking up to the spot you have to be confident try and block out all other noise and focus on your technique and where you’re going to put it however i couldn’t help but think back to my miss in the semi final, however i used it to motivate me to make sure i finished this one off as i knew the horrible feeing of missing.

DK:How did it it feel to score a penalty in the final? 

KFb Yeah a feeling of accomplishment and relief after i slotted my penalty in the final, after missing mine in the semi final that feeling still looked over me, however i trusted in my confidence and abilities to put the ball in the back of the net from 12 yards, taking the 6th penalty really has some pressure as if i had’ve missed that would’ve been it.

DK: Did any games standout to you from this season?

KF: Yeah i think the main game this season that stood out has to be the cup final the hard work everyone put into it we felt like we deserved the victory in the end. I’m very proud of everyone and we got from it what we put in, and you only win trophies if you’re work ethic is top level throughout the whole season so yeah a big credit to everyone involved and we’re all looking forward to next season.

DK: What targets do you have for next season?

KF: Next season my main aim is to continue to work hard throughout every training session and game giving my everything to stay Fit and contribute as much as possible to the team which is a non negotiable really, however i would like to reach double figures in both goals and assists, as a midfielder i need to keep getting my numbers up to cement my place in the team which is ultimately what everyone is working for.

Ollie Saunders | New Signing Interview | 08.06.2025 |

 Ollie Saunders discusses his career so far and joining the Marketmen. 

DK: First of all welcome to the club, could you talk us through your career so far? 

OS: Thankyou for the welcome! Yes, I started my youth career at Norwich City where I spent 8 years (U9-U16). I then completed my 2 year scholarship at Grimsby Town. Following on from this I spent time at Braintree in the National League South before 6 seasons at Leiston. My best current personal accolades will be starting at Braintree in the National League South having just turned 18, and also winning the Managers, Chairman and Presidents player of the season for Leiston a couple of years back.

DK: What would you say are the top 3 highlights of your career so far and why?

OS: Firstly, playing and scoring at Accrington Stanley’s stadium (Wham Stadium) because it was the first football league stadium I scored at! Secondly starting in the National League South just turned 18, that was a great experience and one that certainly made me a better player! Thirdly, Winning 3 end of season awards and having a really good season.

DK: How've you found it playing against us previously?

OS: I have always enjoyed playing against Needham. It has always been a hard place to visit, so to now call it my home stadium I am very happy about! I can’t wait to get started and meet all the fans and hopefully we will have a great season.

DK: What can our fans expect from you, and how would you describe yourself as a player?

OS: I play with High energy, effort, determination and have a good engine. I hate losing so will do anything to help the team win. On the ball I like to think that I’m technical and love to drive forwards with the ball.

DK: Targets with the club/as a team and personally? 

OS: I know the team and staff were disappointed to be relegated last season but we are fully focused on regaining step 2 status. If we can have a good run in the cups too and try and win some silverware that would be fantastic. Personally, I want to do everything I can to help the team achieve these goals. 

 

Quickfire Get To Know Q&A: 

Favourite Non-Sport Hobby: Spending time with my family

Favourite Holiday Destination: Dubai 

Favourite Streaming platform: Netflix 

Dogs or Cats: Dogs

Favourite hot drink: Latte

Favourite cold drink: Summer fruits Oasis 

Favourite snack: Skyr yoghurt bowl! 

Favourite dinner/takeaway: Chinese 

Dine in or takeaway: Takeaway 

Favourite post match food and drink: Pizza and a cold Coke 

Favourite sweets: Squashies

Summer or winter: Summer

Preferred social media platform: Instagram 

Most popular nickname given to you: Saunders

Matchday Superstition/routine: Always put my left boot on first!

Favourite training drill: Possession based drills

Favourite brand/style of boots: Nike

What motivates you most: Winning

Favourite TV Show: The Office

Favourite Film: Gladiator

Favourite football team: Chelsea

Best Ground Played At: Carrow Road

Best Player Played With: Siriki Dembele

Favourite pro player current/all time: Messi. 

Luke Ingram | End Of Season Q&A | 31.05.2025 |

Record appearance maker and goalscorer Luke Ingram reflects on the 2024/25 season. 

DK: How do you reflect on the season from a team perspective, there must be a lot of pride?

LI: I think as a team we gave it everything we could, the lack of high level experience probably showed up in the end, but no one can say we didn’t give it our all at all times, proud of everyone, the club gave a it a right go, and we will be back!

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective?

LI: I absolutey loved every minuite, travelled the country with great friends playing at amazing grounds, what more can you ask for. I could have contributed more but it’s all a learning curve! 

DK: What are your highlights from the season?

LI: Scunthorpe away, minus the red card of course! I’ll never forget they’re fans singing their song just before kick off, still gives me goosebumps thinking about it! 

DK: What was the best ground you played at this season?

LI: Atmosphere would be Scunthorpe. Unfortunately I was injured for the Hereford away game, that was amazing by all accounts! Kings Lynn wasn’t bad either, taking stick, and giving it back! 

DK: Biggest takeaway from season that you'll remember forever?

LI: Again, Scunthorpe away, I’ll never ever forget it, but most of all, doing what we never expected possible with my pals! 

DK: How it did feel to win the Top Goalscorer (for the season and all-time) award in a historic but tough season? 

LI: It felt amazing to finally get it over the line, unfortunately it didn’t help us achieve our goal, but I wanna extend it now and make it impossible to eclipse! 

DK: Do any games standout, if so why?

LI: Scunthorpe of course, the 1-0 win away at leamington was a big win on the night! All great days! 

DK: Looking back at the goals you scored, which one stands out as your favourite? 

LI: Probably the winner at home to Chorley, felt such a big moment in the season and to score a winner late on is always great!

DK: What are your targets for next season?

LI: Plain and simply, score more goals, make more goals, and have this side back around the top of the league! … just watched the Champs League final, hopefully we can take a bit from PSG, great to watch, and absolute work horses for the team!

Tom's doing unbelievable work already, when have you ever seen us signs any players before pre season? Clubs putting the stand and other things together, what a time to be part of Needham Market, just remember where we’ve come from! So excited for the coming season!

Ben Hunter | End of Season Q&A | 20.05.2025 |

 Ben Hunter reflects on his first season with the Marketmen, and previews 2025/26.

DK: How do you reflect on the season from a team perspective, there must be a lot of pride?

BH: It’s obviously always disappointing getting relegated but think we can come away with our heads held high as we weren’t a million miles away, no one expected us to stay up and we almost did.  

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective?

BH: Personally I loved it, it was the best season I’ve had to date, all the games are really competitive and a big step up from anything I’ve ever done before, think it’s given not just me but everyone else the hunger to get back there. 

DK: What are your highlights from the season?

BH: Think the highlights are playing against all the big clubs, would probably say occasion wise Scunthorpe but as a occasion and a result I'd say Hereford, 2 and a half thousand on a Tuesday night and to play them off the park made it even better.  

DK: What was the best ground you played at this season?

BH: Scunthorpe without a doubt, was the best experience I’ve ever had in football. 

DK: Biggest takeaway from season that you'll remember forever?

BH: I think knowing that we done ourselves proud is probably the best thing to take away from the season and also being able to say in years to come I played in one of the highest finishing non league teams from this area ever!. 

DK: Any other standout moments on/off the pitch?

BH: The standouts on the pitch are the games at Scunthorpe, Hereford, Chester, Kidderminster but also just some great memories with friends travelling up and down the country that I will never forget.

DK:  You've quickly became a fans favourite at the club, which must be pleasing? 

BH: It’s obviously nice to get recognition, like I said it has been my favourite and best season I’ve had in my career, also Can’t thank all the fans at the club who have made me feel so welcome in my first year and looking forward to the next now. 

DK: What are your targets for next season?

BH: Promotion.

Keiran Morphew | End Of Season Q&A | 19.05.2025 |

Captain Keiran Morphew reflects on the season. 

DK: How do you reflect on the season from a team perspective, there must be a lot of pride?

KM: Yes for sure there is a lot of pride. I think it would have been easy for players and staff to leave the club and probably pick up more money elsewhere for less travel, instead pretty much everyone stuck together and never gave up. 

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective?

KM:  ⁠Overall, I absolutely loved it. The travelling was easy, the crowds and grounds we played at were superb. On the pitch there were ups and downs but probably the same with everyone, I thought we grew in to it and played some nice games. 

DK: What are your highlights from the season?

KM: ⁠Scunthorpe away was wicked and also winning away at Hereford was a standout memory. 

DK: What was the best ground played at this season?

KM: Scunthorpe again. Their fans singing the club song before kick off was great and our travelling fans singing all game as well. Even their supporters said after the game that we should be proud of the support they gave us.

DK: Biggest takeaway from season that you'll remember forever?

KM: ⁠Just the experience as a whole was unforgettable. A tight knit club, containing 7 of my best mates, some of which I have been playing with for up to 12 years, sharing the pitch against some top non league clubs at a level the club has never been to before. I don’t think many people can say that. 

DK: Any other standout moments on/off the pitch?

KM: Getting headbutted was a new one, won’t forget that haha. 

DK: Do any games standout, if so why?

KM: Kidderminster away made me feel like I had been wasting my time playing football. They absolutely battered us.

DK: Once again you've contributed some important goals this season, which must be pleasing?

KM: Well they’re worthless now but could have been important at the time. I like scoring but prefer defending anyway haha. 

DK: What are your targets for next season?

KM: ⁠I want something to play for at the end of the season and to get our hands on the Premier Cup again!

Jamie McGrath | End Of Season Q&A | 15.05.2025 |

 Jamie McGrath reflects on the season. 

DK: How do you reflect on the season, there must be a lot of pride? 

JMcG: (Team) Yeah a lot of pride but also ultimately a lot of disappointment. We didn’t disgrace ourselves by any means but in the dressing room we knew that that was never gonna be the case with the group we’ve got. But yeah definitely some real proud moments in there as well. (Personally) It was tough. The league was so hard, probably even harder than I expected to be. And it definitely took us a while to adjust. I felt like I started pretty well but wasn’t quite getting the goals, then had a really annoying quad injury around Christmas time that I just couldn’t get rid of - and then had some decent performances in the second half of the season. But I’m always my own harshest critic, I definitely wanted to do a lot more in terms of goals and assists. I still really enjoyed a lot of the season though, it was an unreal experience at times.

DK: What are your highlights from the season?

JMcG: The one that stands out is Hereford, was obviously great to score and win that day but just in terms of the occasion, the crowd, how well we played that day. It gave us a real boost after a tough start. Chester away was another one, a great battling point against top of the league at the time. 

DK: What was the best ground played at this season?

JMcG: I think it’d have to be Scunthorpe, although I did love Herefords ground. 

DK: Biggest takeaway from season that you'll remember forever?

JMcG: I just thought it was insane how our fans continued to travel up and down the country, continued to make noise and support us. We know how expensive it is, how long the journeys are and we really do appreciate it. Seeing them in the corners of grounds making the noise they made at places like Scunthorpe, Hereford, Kidderminster will always stick with me for sure. 

DK: Any other standout moments on/off the pitch?

JMcG: Ingers last minute winner at home to Chorley was definitely a highlight. Kept the dream alive, and Reggie’s winner away at Alfreton, that was unreal after being 2-0 down! 

DK: Do any games standout, if so why?

JMcG: Other than the obvious ones I’ve mentioned Oxford at home was brilliant, playing free flowing football and scoring goals - a couple of weeks after doing the same at Farsley. It was a great period during the season. 

DK: Once again you've contributed some important goals this season, which must be pleasing?

JMcG: Few more would’ve been nice!! But nah it was tough for all of the forward players this year I think and it was always gonna be. But yeah nice to score some important goals of course. 

DK: What are your targets for next season?

JMcG: Go straight back up. Simple as that. We’re under no illusions of how tough that will be but if we take what we’ve learnt from this season, approach every game with the right attitude, I have no doubts that we’ve got the quality in the dressing room to have another very successful season!

Myles Cowling | Needham Market FC New Signing Interview | 19.05.2025

New signing Myles Cowling discusses his career so far and joining the Marketmen. 

DK: First of all welcome to the club, first of all could you talk us through your career so far? 

MC: I joined Cambridge when I was 9, straight into the academy and then done my 2 year scholarship with a further 2 years as a pro. Then had a surgery at the start of my first season away from Cambridge and then played for st ives that first season, followed by Subury last year. 

DK: What would you say are the top 3 highlights of your career so far and why?

MC: Obviously the at the time getting my first professional contract, and probably another one was getting my scholarship at Cambridge too. They were both proud moments for me and my family!

 

DK: What was the driving factor in your decision to come back to the club?

MC: I’ve played against needham quite a few times and always been impressed with them, and the way they play so that stuck with me really! Obviously I know Joe Neal and Tom Dickens from Cambridge and Sudbury, aswell as Bradders who I’ve played with too. 

DK: How did joining us come about, and what are your targets for the new season? 

MC: I think Tom came to watch a couple of the lads year at Sudbury and noticed me from them games. I hope to be pushing up at the top end of the table and being competitive in every game this season. And personally I would like to improve on my performances and goal involvements from last year. 

Quickfire Get To Know Q&A: 

Favourite Non-Sport Hobby: Golf

Favourite Holiday Destination: Australia

Favourite Streaming platform: YouTube 

Dogs or Cats: Dogs

Favourite hot drink: Hot chocolate 

Favourite cold drink: Fanta 

Favourite snack: Cheese

Favourite dinner/takeaway: Chinese

Dine in or takeaway: Dine in, I’ll cook

Favourite post match food and drink: Pizza & cider

Favourite sweets: Fizzy fish        

Summer or winter: Summer

Preferred social media platform: Instagram    

Most popular nickname given to you: Mylo

Matchday Superstition/routine: Eat a lot of salt🤣   

Favourite training drill: Small sided games 

Favourite brand/style of boots: Nike

What motivates you most: Family

Favourite TV Show: The Vampire Diaries  

Favourite Film: Titanic

Favourite football team: ARSENAL 

Best Ground Played At: MK Stadium

Best Player Played With: Wes Hoolahan

Favourite pro player current/all time: Saka

Charlie Smy | End Of Season Q&A #2 | 10.05.2025 |

Academy midfielder Charlie Smy reflects on the season, including winning Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup. 

DK: What did you make of the season from a team perspective?

CS: I think this season has been very good from a team perspective, mostly because of all the lads being 16 and coming into a tough men’s league and being able adapt fairly well to the challenge. The improvement from the start of the season to the end was quite evident as in the last 15 or so games, we managed to get some half decent results against some very good teams including wins over our rivals Sudbury and Leiston. 

DK: How would you sum up the season from a personal view point?

CS: From a personal perspective, I’ve really enjoyed this season especially as it’s my first in men’s football. I feel that I’ve learnt a lot from my coaches and have experienced some very good moments with a great group of lads, such as winning the county cup at Colchester's stadium.

DK: Can you pick 4 highlights from the season (Res/U18s), what are they and why? 

CS: The first highlight from our season I would say is our first reserve win against Dussindale, it was big 3 points and a great show of character from the boys. The second has got to be our fa youth cup run, as we beat some very good teams in the competition and were one game off the first round. My third highlight of the season was our county cup quarter final game against Lowestoft as we had a few key player missing for this game and were up against a strong side who we managed to beat 4:0. My fourth and final highlight for the season is pretty self explanatory as it’s the county cup final against Sudbury. This win was a great achievement for the boys playing in a great stadium in front of a good amount of fans, something I’m sure all of us will remember for a long time.

DK: How did it feel to be the first Needham side to lift the Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup and what did you think of the Final?

CS: It’s an unbelievable feeling to win such an important game on such a big stage and it’s even more special for the team being the first Needham team to lift the cup in the clubs history. The experience of playing in a great stadium like Colchester and winning is something everyone involved will always remember.

DK: What was going through your mind during the game/shootout?

CS: I tried to treat the game like any other and just enjoy being able to have the opportunity to play in such a big game in front of a decent crowd. During the shootout obviously I was a bit nervous but I backed the boys throughout and was obviously buzzing to get the win.

DK: How did it it feel to score a penalty in the final? 

CS: It’s an unbelievable feeling and such a relief seeing the ball hit the back of the net.

DK: Did any games standout to you from this season?

CS: The main standout game from the season is always going to be the win in the final especially as we were 2:0 down and Showed great character to get back into the game. It was a very entertaining game with loads of different emotions , with us coming out on top and winning on pens. 

DK: What targets do you have for next season?

CS: For the 18s, I’d really like to get to the first round in the fa youth cup and be able to play against a good pro academy team. For the reserves our target is to carry on our form from the end of last season into the start of next season seeing how high we can get up the table.

DK: Congratulations on winning a couple of awards at Presentation Night, how proud and delighted are you to have been recognised within your team?

CS: Yeah, its a very good feeling and is something I’m proud of. It means a lot coming from the team as well.

Ryan Miles | New Signing Interview | 22.05

New Needham signing Ryan Miles discusses joining the Marketmen. 

DK: First of all welcome to the club, first of all could you talk us through your career so far? 

RM: I started off at Lowestoft at 16 playing a couple games including a final, funnily enough against Needham Market then moving to Wroxham at 17 coming through the reserves to the first team and been I’ve been there until now. Personal accolades would be the top goal scorer of the Thurlow Nunn Premier league in the season Wroxham got promoted to step 4. As of trophies it would be winning the County FA Youth Cup with Norfolk.

 

DK: What would you say are the top 3 highlights of your career so far and why?

RM: Promotion with Wroxham, Winning the County FA Youth Cup and winning the golden boot at step 5.

DK: What was the driving factor in your decision to join the club?

RM: When I met up with Tom he explained to me the ambition of the club and it was clear where they wanted to go with the facilities and improvements being made. Also the opportunity to play a league above in step 3.

DK: How much of the club did you know of before joining ?

RM: In all honesty I didn’t know much at all about the club or the team, the lads will all be fresh faces to me, which will be a good change after playing for one team for so long.

DK: How did joining us come about?

RM: It was really out of the blue, Craig Parker a former Needham player who I played with at Wroxham last year thought I could be someone Tom would be interested in and add value to the plans going forward and for Tom I understand he tried bringing me to the club 2 or 3 years ago but being under contract it wasn’t something that unfolded. It Feels like a full circle moment really.

DK: Targets with the club/as a team and personally? 

RM: I think with the plan and the ambitions that I have been told and that I can see for myself of course it would be to go straight back up and get promotion whether that’s through automatic or play offs. Personally, I think it’s fair to say as an attacker it will be goals and assists for me to help the team pursue the goals set out.

Quickfire Get To Know Q&A: 

Favourite Non-Sport Hobby: Socialising and dinner with friends

Favourite Holiday Destination: Dubai 

Favourite Streaming platform (IE Netflix): Netflix 

Dogs or Cats: Dogs

Favourite hot drink: Hot chocolate

Favourite cold drink: Fanta orange 

Favourite snack: Crunchie bar

Favourite dinner/takeaway: Takeaway has to be a Chinese and dinner out would be any Asian restaurant

Dine in or takeaway: Dine in 

Favourite post match food and drink: Chinese with a beer

Favourite sweets: Strawberry and Cream Squashie’s

Summer or winter: Summer

Preferred social media platform: Instagram

Most popular nickname given to you: Miles

Matchday Superstition/routine: Porridge before every game

Favourite training drill: Shooting Drill

Favourite brand/style of boots/gloves: Nike mercurials

What motivates you most: The closest people in my life

Favourite TV Show: Power

Favourite Film: Harry Potter

Favourite football team: Manchester United 

Best Ground Played At: Bet365 Stadium

Best Player Played With: Joe Taylor

Favourite pro player current/all time: Cristiano Ronaldo

Joe Neal | New Signing Interview | 16.05.25

Striker Joe Neal discusses returning to the club and outlines his aims with the Marketmen.

DK: First of all welcome to the club, first of all could you talk us through your career so far (including teams played for, any trophies/personal accolades)? 

JN: Thank you, it’s great to be back! My football career started way back as a 6/7 year old at Cambridge United. I was there until the age of 20/21, going through the age groups and earning a 2 year pro deal. During that time I had various loans to Royston, Biggleswade and of course Needham Market. Once my time at Cambridge was up, I went back to Biggleswade which then lead me onto getting a move to St Albans. After a season and a half there I moved into AFC Sudbury where I have spent the previous 2 seasons and now we are here! Unfortunately no trophies yet in my time in football, but hopefully we can change that this season!

 

DK: What would you say are the top 3 highlights of your career so far and why?

JN: Good question! Number 1 I’d have to say signing a professional deal at Cambridge. I think that one speaks for itself, it’s every little boys dream! Second one would be scoring the winning penalty is the play off semi finals for St Albans and getting to the final. Although it was a disappointing result in the end getting there was a great moment. Finally I think I’d have to say making my professional debut for Cambridge. It’s what I worked towards and to achieve it was a proud moment. 

DK: Having been at Needham before, you must be delighted to be back at the club? 

JN: Yeah I’m buzzing! Obviously it helps massively that I’ve been here before, it’s a great club with great ambitions and I can’t wait to get going. 

DK: What was the driving factor in your decision to come back to the club? 

JN: Being here before and knowing the club, Tom and some players that are here already was a huge plus! I know how good of a club it is and how good the fans are, they follow in their numbers and that support is massive for a player! Also the clubs ambition to want to go straight back up was a big factor as to me signing and I want to challenge myself to help the team achieve just that. 

DK: Having scored some big goals for us in your last spell at the club, you just be hungry to add plenty more this time around? 

JN: Yeah for sure! Last season was a bit of a disappointing one personally in terms of goals. I didn’t quite hit the numbers I know I can so this season I’m hoping to get the goals I know I can get!

DK: How did you find it playing against us the other season? 

JN: It was tough! You could see how good of a side Needham were that season so yeah it was definitely tough!

DK: Targets with the club/as a team and personally? 

JN: Personally I always set myself a target of 20+ goals a season so that’s the first! Obviously I just want to help the team as much as I can by scoring or creating goals and working hard! As a team, I’ve said it in a previous answer but the aim is to get straight back up!

Quickfire Get To Know Q&A: 

Favourite Non-Sport Hobby: Playing golf (not very well though)

Favourite Holiday Destination: From places I’ve been, definitely Greece

Favourite Streaming platform: Netflix

Dogs or Cats: Dogs 

Favourite hot drink: Caramel Latte 

Favourite cold drink: Lucozade or Water

Favourite snack: Protein bar or frozen grapes

Favourite dinner/takeaway: Steak / Chinese

Dine in or takeaway: Dine in

Favourite post match food and drink: Pizza or Burger with a cold Pepsi Max

Favourite sweets: Haribo Tangfastics

Summer or winter: Summer

Preferred social media platform: Twitter (X)

Most popular nickname given to you: Joey

Matchday Superstition/routine: Caramel Latte in the morning, then an omelette as a pre match meal 

Favourite training drill: Anything shooting based

Favourite brand/style of boots/gloves: Nike mercurials or Sketchers, been wearing them lately and they are very comfy!

What motivates you most: Making my family & partner proud & the chance to win trophies 

Favourite TV Show: Prison Break (if that counts) or The Office (US)

Favourite Film: The first Hangover 

Favourite football team: Norwich City🐤

Best Ground Played At: The Amex

Best Player Played With: Wes Hoolahan / Harry Darling 

Favourite pro player current/all time: Messi

Tom Dickens | New Signing Interview | 21.05.2025

New signing Tom Dickens discusses his career so far and joining the Marketmen. 

DK: First of all welcome to the club, first of all could you talk us through your career so far? 

TD: I came through the ranks at Cambridge United. Signed a professional deal where I went on loan to Chelmsford City and had an enjoyable loan spell. Then recalled back to Cambridge where I made my professional debut then headed back to Chelmsford City to see out the season. The next season I signed for step 2 side Welling United, season after that I signed at AFC Sudbury and have just had 2 enjoyable seasons there, playing almost 100 games for the club. 

DK: What would you say are the top 3 highlights of your career so far and why?

TD: Definitely making my professional debut against Portsmouth. It’s a memory that’ll stick with me for a long time! Another one receiving fans player of the year back to back years at AFC Sudbury, playing a big part at keeping them at step 3.  

DK: How much of the club did you know of before joining (players and club itself)?

TD: I didn’t know loads about the club before joining. I played against Needham twice in the year they were promoted. It always seemed like a great club to play for and I couldn’t be happier to be on board for the new season! Knowing him well from playing with him a few seasons ago, I spoke to Ben Hunter before signing, he couldn’t say enough good things about the club! 

DK: How did joining us come about?

TD: Tom reached out and wanted to speak about next season. I was keen for a chat and met him at the club and showed me round. We had a good chat about the direction he wants the club to go and how he sees me playing a part in that. It was only a week later that I decided that Needham was the next club for me! 

Targets for the season would have to be to get the club back to step 2. However that might look, winning the league or through play offs. A personal target would be to play as many games as possible and to help the team in any way I can, keeping clean sheets and scoring a few goals hopefully… 

Quickfire Get To Know Q&A: 

Favourite Non-Sport Hobby: Poker 

Favourite Holiday Destination: Greece 

Favourite Streaming platform: Netflix

Dogs or Cats: Dogs

Favourite hot drink: Latte 

Favourite cold drink: Fanta fruit twist 

Favourite snack: sweet chilli crisps 

Favourite dinner/takeaway: Chinese 

Dine in or takeaway: dine in 

Favourite post match food and drink: Chinese takeaway and an Aspalls 

Favourite sweets: Haribo Tangfastics 

Summer or winter: summer

Preferred social media platform: Instagram 

Most popular nickname given to you: Ozzy

Matchday Superstition/routine: Scrambled egg & bacon on toast every pre match meal 

Favourite training drill: small sided games 

Favourite brand/style of boots/gloves: adidas 

What motivates you most: family 

Favourite TV Show: prison break 

Favourite Film: The Hangover 

Favourite football team: Manchester United 

Best Ground Played At: Stadium MK

Best Player Played With: Wes Hoolahan 

Favourite pro player current/all time: Nemanja Vidic 

James Bradbrook | New Signing Interview | 16

Returning Needham goalkeeper James Bradbrook discusses his career so far and rejoining the club. 

DK: Welcome back to the club, James, starting with your career so far - how would you summarise it? 

JB: I would summarise it by saying I've had a good career so far. Played a lot of games. I'd say I've gained a lot of experience, playing lots of games and I'm still relatively young for a goalkeeper. Obviously I started off at Needham. And then from Needham, I went to Stowmarket for a bit, for like 10 games. And then I went to Brightlingsea at Step 3 with Tom, who obviously is the current manager now, I really enjoyed my time at Brightlingsea with Tom, the manager. And I was there for about 18 months. And I've got some good memories there, we probably had the lowest budget in the league, and we managed to finish 11th at Step 3 - that was when I was like 20 or 21. So then I went from Brightlingsea back to Stowmarket. At Stowmarket, in my first season, we went 36 games unbeaten in the league. And we were going to get promoted, we just needed to win one more game to clinch the title and then obviously COVID happened. That was the null and void season. We did manage to get promoted to Step 4. And our first season at Step 4, we finished 4th. So we made the playoffs, but unfortunately lost to Brentwood in the semi-final. And then the following season, we finished 7th. After that went to Sudbury. And I've been at Sudbury for the last two years, survived relegation the last two years when it was looking not likely. I got Manager's Player this year, and last year I got Player's Player at Sudbury. I'm buzzing to be back at Needham. Needham's a club that I've always followed since I've left, always looked out for their results. And yeah, I'm just buzzing to be back.

DK: So when you saw Marco was leaving, was it on your mind maybe of coming back in? 

JB: Yeah, I suppose it was a little bit. I just feel like for both parties, Needham and for me, it just made sense, because one, Needham, need a keeper and two, I know Tom. Tom knows me. I literally know all the players in the squad. A few of them are like my best mates. And yeah, it's a bit of a no-brainer really.

DK: What are your top three career highlights? 

JB: I'll say one was with Needham in the FA Youth Cup. And we got to, I think, the first or second round where he played Stevenage away. Milzy I think Jake played that game. Yeah. So that was when I was like, what, 17? So that's over 10 years ago, which is mental to think 10 years ago. And another highlight I'd probably say is for Suffolk. Under-18s got to the final of the National Cup where we played at Portman Road. But unfortunately lost to Lancashire in the last minute of extra time, at the time I was playing for Needham and I got scouted for Suffolk, I think there was a few Needham boys in the team then - with Brendan Heath and Sam Fowler. I really enjoyed my time at Stowmarket.

Made friends for life there and obviously we went 36 games unbeaten. And then also the last two seasons at Sudbury, I know keeping them up isn't winning a trophy, but in the circumstances we were dead and buried, really, both seasons. Two seasons ago we were with four games to go, we were seven points adrift and we stayed up, and then last season we were in the bottom four literally from Christmas till the last five games and then we got out of it and then we were safe with one game to go. So I'd say them two years are a highlight. I would mention the Premier Cup final against Needham but I missed the pen, so that's not really a good highlight anyway. To be fair, that's the first pen I've ever missed. I'll still back myself though to take one, and to save a few, more importantly.

DK: We've spoken about it a bit, but you're obviously delighted to be back, how does that feel? 

DK: Yeah, obviously delighted to be back. I'm buzzing to be working under Tom again. Like I said, he was my manager at Brightlingsea before. We had a good time there, and yeah, just looking forward to playing football with my mates as well and hopefully get Needham promoted again. I think I've got 14 clean sheets this season. So anything over 14 clean sheets, I'm aiming for 15 and higher. And a nice good FA Cup run would be good, and try and win the league, you've got to aim high first and try and win the league. It's going to be a tough league. There are some big clubs in the league this year. It should be a good season. Munno was my first ever goalie coach. When I was 16, he taught me the basics of goalkeeping, which has gone a long way, I enjoyed his coaching when I was first at Needham. 

DK: What about righting the wrongs of the Premier Cup final? 

JB: Yeah, I'd love to win the Premier Cup. I've got a medal from when I was at Needham. So I played in the last 16, I think I played in the quarter-final. But then in the semi-final and final, Danny Gay played and I was on the bench. So yeah, win the Premier Cup. You want to win any competition, really.

DK: So what do you say is the driving factor in your decision to come back? 

JB: I'd say, one, like I said, you've got Ben Hunter there, Kyle Hammond, Luke Ingram, Keiran Morphew. They're literally my mates, so that's a big factor, playing with my mates,  there'll be some changing room next season - obviously Tom as well, like I said I love working under him. And also Needham's good location-wise for me, literally 10 minutes up the road.

GET TO KNOW Q&A:

What's your favourite non-sporting hobby: Reading books.

Favourite holiday destination: Thailand.

Favourite streaming platform: I think it's got to be Netflix, really.

Dogs or cats: Dogs, definitely.

Favourite hot drink: Flat white. 

Favourite cold drink: Water or Beer.

Favourite snack: Scotch egg.

Favourite dinner or takeaway: Takeaway has got to be Chinese, dinner - Pie and match. 

Dine-In or takeout: Takeout.

Favourite sweets: Starburst. 

Post-match food and drink: Chinese and a beer. 

Preferred social media platform: Twitter/X. 

Most popular nickname: Bradders. 

Matchday superstition or routine: I put my right boot on and my right glove on first, every time and my shin pad. Yeah, I've got a few superstitions, to be honest. If I win a game, I just try and copy everything I've done the Friday before. Literally. I had fish and chips, on a Friday for two months because we kept winning on a Saturday. 

Favourite training drill: Shooting practice. 

Best Player Played With: There was Dean Bowditch at Stow, but has to be Ben Hunter. 

Best Ground Played At: Portman Road. 

Brad Smith | End of Season Q&A | 09.05.2025 |

Reserves/Under-18's defender Brad Smith reflects on the season. 

DK: What did you make of the season from a team perspective?

BS: It’s been a season full of positives from a team perspective the lads have come along way from the first day we came in for pre-season and it’s really shown the progression we’ve made from the last 6 or 7 results for the reserves. It’s a real positive going into next year because we can really push on as a team and challenge every team in the league.  

DK: How would you sum up the season from a personal view point?

BS: I feel it’s been a really positive season for me and I’ve learnt a lot about my own game and feel like I’ve developed massively throughout the year. I’ve really enjoyed this season working with a top group of lads and a group of coaches who put a lot of work in for us and push us to the max.

DK: Can you pick 4 highlights from the season (Res/U18s), what are they and why?

BS: Winning our first reserves game was a great feeling within the group because it showed we could put up a fight. Then the fa youth cup run was a great experience for all of the lads a few tough games and then going and experiencing a completely different environment where there was a lot of pressure on the lads away infront of a fair few fans. Then the last two reserves game were top beating two rivals and really showing how much we’d come on as a team. And then I think the obvious one is winning the u18 county cup for the first time in the clubs history it was a massive achievement for the lads and you don’t get many nights like that in football so it was special.

DK: How did it feel to be the first Needham side to lift the Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup and what did you think of the Final?

BS: It’s an unbelievable feeling and one that the whole group should be so proud of being a mix of 1st years and u16 players against a near enough full side of second years. It was a lively game, took us lads 15 minutes to wake up but after that I thought we took good control of the game and created a lot of opportunities but we couldn’t quite capitalise to finish the game off but to go on and win on penalties is the best feeling u can have in football.

DK: What was going through your mind during the game/shootout?

BS: For me it was just playing the game like it was any other and not thinking of the occasion because if u focus on where u are and what’s at stake that’s when the nerves start to kick in but I thought the lads handled the situation very well and all had a great mentality going into the game.

DK: Did they score/take a pen - if so No.5 but also how did it feel to do so?

BS: Scoring a penalty in that kind of game and moment in the shootout is just such a relief and when u see the keepers dived the other way you know u can relax and the pressure goes back onto them. So it’s an unbelievable feeling.

DK: Did any games standout to you from this season?

BS: I’d struggle to pick out a standout game from the whole season but there’s been a lot of occasions where we’ve come back from behind and won games but I think just because of the occasion it was in I’d have to say the final because it showed real character from the lads to not drop in the moment when we went 2-0 down and come back from that to go on and win the game so that was a standout for me. 

DK: What targets do you have for next season?

BS: My targets for next year stay the same really go and win the county cup with the 18s again, go on another fa youth cup run, and carry on the form we’ve been in for the reserves and see how high we can finish in the table. Because I think the lads can really kick on now and could have a really good year together next year.

Josh Blunkell | New Signing Interview | 21.01.2025

New signing Josh Blunkell discusses joining the Marketmen and making his debut on Saturday. 

DK: First of all, welcome to Needham, can you tell us how the move came about? 

JB: I had spoken to Marco as I was eager to play football and if there was any opportunity’s. I had spoken to Tom a couple times, and from my time at Sudbury I knew Needham Market was an unbelievable club on the up, it was a no brainier for me. 

DK: What inspired you to want to sign for us? 

JB: I knew from past times playing against Needham how good the club really is! How good the fans are and the club is full of great people. I don’t wanna just play for the club I wanna play for the team, the people who work hard day in day out to make the club the club it is.  

DK: Having played against us before, how did you find your debut for us on Saturday? 

JB: Yh was buzzing to be starting I thought it was a really good game, it was disappointing not to get all 3 points but all the boys want to work hard, to keep getting result. 

DK: How would you summarise your career so far? 

JB: It’s been a rollercoaster of highs lows but I just want to keep working hard, Keeping your head down. I am just eager to keep developing for my self and the team. 

DK: Can you pick 3 highlights from your career that stand out? 

JB: That’s a difficult one I have had lots of great opportunities so far, I would say signing my first professional contract at Wycombe was amazing, playing for Sudbury in the FA Cup against Colchester was amazing day and a great opportunity for my last I would say the Fa youth cup for Sudbury again AFC Wimbledon.

DK: Can you put into words what it felt like to be a professional footballer at Wycombe?

JB: Where to start I was so proud to be there it was a great opportunity, I was living my dream, there was great people there to learn off people who had previous experiences of competing in higher levels such as the Premier League. 

REACTION | Evan Gledhill, Brad Smith Post Match Interviews | 18.01.2025 | Swaffham Town v Needham Market Reserves |

Defender Brad Smith reflects on yesterday's win at Swaffham Town for the Reserves. 

DK: Congratulations on a massive win away from home, you must be buzzing with the result and team performance?

BS: Thanks mate, yeah buzzing with the result it was a huge game for us and a very much needed 3 points, it was a different type of game for us lads we had to adapt to playing a more direct style of play on a poor surface so the team did really well to adapt in that sense. 

DK: Equally a brilliant day for you, keeping a clean sheet as part of a CB partnership with your brother? 

BS: Yeah it’s always a lovely extra to keep a clean sheet on top of 3 points and to do that playing next to your brother is always going to be special and I feel like with a few players out the whole back line upped our game massively and showed we all have the versatility to play in slightly different positions to what we might normally be so it was a great clean sheet.

DK: Having played a few games together already in defence, where does this rank in your personal footballing achievements so far?

BS: Yeah it’s a good achievement a nice moment for my family personally sure mum and dad would’ve loved seeing me and Ben playing next to eachother so as a personal achievement it’s high up the order.

 

DK: After scoring 12 unanswered goals in a less than 48 hours, both personally and as a team you must be full of confidence? 

BS: Yeah its been a great week for the lads again putting a statement out on Thursday night in the 18s league and then today showing we don’t deserve to be in the position we are in the league and that we’ve still got a lot left to play for in the second half of the season. 

DK: Another massive game next week, at home to Haverhill Borough, what type of game are you expecting?

BS: Another huge game for us in a lower half of the table scrap a game that we need to win to get ourselves out the situation we are in at the moment. I’m expecting a similar sort of game to today and hopefully the lads can put together another good performance and get the result we need.

Hat-trick hero Evan Gledhill discusses yesterday's win on the road. 

DK: Congratulations on a massive win away from home, you must be buzzing with the result and team performance?

EG: Yeah absolutely buzzing with the result, we knew that we needed to get a result today to carry on our good form. The lads had to dig deep at the start of the second half but once we weathered the storm the goals start flowing. 

DK: Equally a brilliant day for you, netting an important hat-trick, you must be proud?

EG: Yeah really good feeling getting my first hatrick in men’s football and it’s a real confidence boost and hopefully can take that into the next game. 

DK: Talk us through your 3 goals today, and what was going through your mind when you completed your hat-trick?

EG: I feel like the 3 goals where at very important time the first one came when we was applying a lot of pressure in the first half and we creating chances so was good to get the first goal in the game. The second I thought was the most important one as it was a quite nervy game at this point as it was only 1-0 and Swaffham were creating some chances and so was good to get the 2 goal advantage after a great cross from Adz and the third goal was like the cherry on the cake making it 4-0 and sealing the hat-trick. 

DK: After scoring 12 unanswered goals in a less than 48 hours, both personally and as a team you must be full of confidence? 

EG: Yeah 2 great results for the lads in the last 48hours and will give us loads of confidence going into the next week of games with a tough game against Wanderers for the u18s on Wednesday and a must win game against Haverhill on the Saturday. 

DK: How have you found this season, personally? 

EG: Personally for me this season playing for the reserves I have really enjoyed the challenge of men’s football and I feel like me and the lads have learnt so much and are now deservingly getting results. 

DK: Another massive game next week, at home to Haverhill Borough, what type of game are you expecting?

EG: Yeah, I think Haverhill will be a tough game but being at home which is where I think we play are best football I think we will be able to get the job done. We know that they aren’t a bad side and very young team like ourselves so will be a very energetic fast paced game but hopefully we can pick up another 3 points.