Joe Neal | 2025/26 Q+A #10 | 12.05.2026 |

Striker Joe Neal recaps the 2025/26 season. 

DK: Overall, how did you find the season from a personal perspective?

JN: Overall I think I had a good season performance wise this season. I feel like I contributed well to the team with performances, goals and assists. However it was also a frustrating season with the few little injuries I had that kept me out for a period of time. I would’ve also like to get a few more goals than I did, however overall I was pleased. 

DK: Plenty of goals in your first season at the club, can you pick 3 that stand out most?

JN: Yeah a few goals to choose from but as I said before I would’ve liked a few more to pick from. One that stands out the most is definitely Bury at home. I think that was my best goal this season, and with it being on my birthday and in a local derby with a big win, that was definitely number one. Another couple that stood out would be St Ives away, it was a good team goal and a finish I was pleased with. Also Bromsgrove away, It was my first of the season so one that got me going and ready to kick on and score more. 

DK: Equally can you pick 3 games in general that stood out to you?

JN: Bury at Home is definitely the game that stands out the most. A local derby win on my birthday, with a goal and MOTM, couldn’t have asked for much more. Another one that stands out is definitely Stourbridge away. Having to go back there on a Wednesday night after the postponement before and getting a big win to help keep our play off hopes alive was big and a great feeling! Final game that stands out to me would be Halesowen at home. Another game where everything clicked for the whole team. A good convincing 3-0 win with a goal to top it off too. Big mentions to the Suffolk cup final and Spalding at home. 2 games where I wasn’t involved on the pitch but stand out massively performance wise from the boys. 

DK: A very good FA Cup run this season, what are your thoughts looking back?

JN: Yeah it was definitely a good run. We were very close to getting to the first round proper, being knocked out by a higher league opposition who at the time were unbeaten at home and flying in their respective league. I think we can wake great pride in our run we had and take it into next season and hopefully get to that first round proper. 

DK: A first Premier Cup triumph for you, how good did that feel?

JN: Unreal feeling! I’ve played in the competition a few times now and to finally win it was a great feeling. It’s actually my first silverware at non league football so that adds to it too! 

DK: A very professional Premier Cup run as well, winning it in style?

JN: Yeah for sure. To win the competition is obviously great and was a goal of ours at the start of the season, but to do it without conceding a goal is a real achievement so credit to the boys. 

DK: Looking at the league campaign, obviously ended in gutting circumstances but there must be a lot of pride to have still finished towards the top end?

JN: Yeah 100%! I think the overriding feeling on the final day was disappointment and frustration after missing out on the plays off the way we did. But as you said, we can take great pride from finishing where we did. I think after the late loss away at Worcester, a lot of people would’ve counted us out. But to go 6 games unbeaten and get us into the position we were in can leave us feeling that pride that you mentioned. 

DK: How do you reflect overall on the league campaign?

JN: Pretty similar to what I said above really. Definitely proud of the team and what we did, getting so close to play offs and winning the Suffolk cup. However there is that frustration of missing out on our goal of getting into the playoffs, something we knew we should’ve and probably deserved to achieve. 

DK: Would you still class the season, overall, as a successful one?

JN: I think so yeah, our goals were to win the Suffolk cup and get play offs. Although we didn’t manage to achieve the later, we finished the 2nd highest the club has ever finished in this league, and were right there in touching distance of the play offs. 

 

DK: What targets do you have next season - both personally and as a team?

JN: Personally I have the same targets I always try to set myself of 20+ goals. That’s something I like to set so I have a goal to work towards. As a team, I think it will be the same as before. Retaining the Suffolk cup and pushing for play offs as a minimum will be our goals I’m sure. 

DK: After a long season, you must be looking relishing the off season, or are you not much of a fan?

JN: Yeah obviously it’s nice to have a break and get away on some holidays, but it does get to a point where I personally get a little bored without football! With us having such a good group of lads, it makes going to training and games so enjoyable so going without it for a while does get a bit boring, but yeah putting your legs up and going to get some sun is also nice.

Keiran Morphew | 2025/26 Q&A #9 | 12.05.2026 |

Keiran Morphew | 2025/26 Q&A #9 | 12.05.2026 |

Club captain and defender Keiran Morphew reflects on the 2025/26 campaign.

DK: Overall, how did you find the season from a personal perspective?

KM: Yea I think there were changes outside the pitch that made it feel as professional as we have ever had it at Needham and I have enjoyed this season almost as much as last season.

DK: You must be overall proud of the last few seasons for the club?

KM: The last few seasons have been unreal, probably since I was 26/27, every year has been wicked.

DK: Another very good FA Cup run this season, what are your thoughts looking back?

KM: It wasn’t bad, disappointing we didn’t make the first round proper but it is what it is.

DK: Five Premier Cup triumphs in six years, a very impressive record that no doubt spurs you on for more?

KM: Absolutely, I would love to hit double figures!

DK: A clean sheet throughout the Premier Cup as well, winning it in style?

KM: We had as tough a run this season as I can ever remember so to do it without conceding is impressive!

DK: Looking at the league campaign, obviously ended in gutting circumstances but there must be a lot of pride to have still achieved our second highest step 3 finish?

KM: We played some of the best performances I have seen from a Needham side as well, shame we didn’t make play offs but we will aim to do better this year.

DK: How do you reflect on the league campaign?

KM: Lacked a little consistency around Christmas and afterwards but overall I thought it was enjoyable.

DK: Evidently this club is in your DNA, so it must feel even more special to be captain during this great period for the club?

KM: I have always loved being the captain of the club and the role has been made a pleasure because of everyone involved during that period.

DK: What targets do you have next season - personally and as a team?

KM: To enjoy the season as much as we have this year!

DK: After a long season, you must be looking relishing the off season, or are you not much of a fan?

KM: Yes I absolutely love the off season, partying and playing 7-side with Suffolk's best players.

Tevan Allen | New Signing Interview | 19.05.2026 |

Tevan Allen talks about his return to Needham.

DK: How excited are you to be back? 

TA: I’m over the moon to be back if I’m honest! 

DK: Must feel like you never left, given a season isn't really a long time? 

TA: It’s a weird one because it was a season but because of the achievement it felt longer! After watching the boys in the final I feel like it’s going to feel different but in a good way so hopefully it does feel like I’ve never left.

DK: You enjoyed two really good seasons with us before, which you must be relishing more?

TA: I think personally the year I joined was my best personal performance in my career and I’m hoping to do it again and hopefully surpass that.

DK: Speaking more about your last season with us, you must be aiming to get back to step 2?

TA: Step 2 just felt like everything I’d ever wanted from my career so the aim is to get back there and stay there! 

DK: Since you left, you've gone onto to secure another league title, with some familiar faces, which must've been good?

TA: Last year regardless of what it looks like now was such a big achievement with a special group of players and Kev who’s a special manager! 

DK: Where would you rank your 2 years with us within your career so far? 

TA: Not just saying this because I’m making my return but I’ve told the boys the time I had at Needham was the best time of my career so far and when speaking to Tom I told him it feels like home. So definitely the best.

DK: What are your targets for the season ahead?

TA: I’ll always strive to be better so I want for myself more goals and for the team, promotion!

Ben Smith | 2025/26 Q+A #8 | 11.05.2026 |

Ben Smith | 2025/26 Q+A #8 | 11.05.2026 |

Reserves defender Ben Smith looks back on the season.

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

BS: Another season full of ups and downs mate a great season again for my development with the lads but plenty of downs too but that’s football you learn from every season you have.

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why?

BS: The first one would be the win at Wivenhoe was absolutely key to the season it was a massive win to give us a boost when we needed it, the midweek 1-0 win away at Wroxham was also so good the fight the lads showed to hold out for a massive 3 points and a clean sheet from a defensive pov was even better and the last one even though we ended up losing the game was KPR at home it was a mental game which we led right up until the dying moments and for the to have to bring on an ex prem player to score the goals just shows the heart these boys had for young lads.

DK: How do you think this season ranks within your previous seasons at the club?

BS: It’s another season right at the top for me mate obvious the seasons where I could play 18’s and go on cup runs and league runs would maybe rank slightly higher but to be involved in one of the best ressies teams theres been means it ranks highly.

DK: Similarly, how'd you summarise your time at the club?

BS: Mate I’ve loved my time at the club the last 8 years have been so good I’ve loved every minute the coaches have been top dollar the lads I’ve met and made friends for life so the club will forever hold an important place in my life it’s the place that’s let me develop to become the player i have become today.

DK: What'd you make of the season for the Reserves - team wise?

BS: Like I’ve said in previous answers it was an up and down season for the ressies with some very good results but also a run of games that let us down massively which we knew at the time we’d let ourselves down. 

DK: As one of the more longer serving players in the Academy, how pleasing has it been to see the development within the team?

BS: The development throughout the years has been incredible mate the lads have grown and grown into great players they’ll all go on to have great careers I’m sure.

DK: What's the one major takeaway thought for you from this season?

BS: Another great season for development mate some ups and downs but to finish my time at Needham in this way was great the clubs great and wish everyone nothing but the best in the future.

DK: There's a lot of togetherness within the squad, how much has it become like a family - even with the direct family you have in the team?! 

BS: I don’t even attend the college anymore but on match days it feels like I’m with the lads every day it’s a great group and of course with brad in there playing alongside your brother is always special it’s been a great year though looking forward to the future. 

Olly Bowman | 2025/26 Q+A #7 | 11.05.2026 |

Olly Bowman 11.05.2026

Under-18's and U23's player Olly Bowman discusses the season.

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective (U23s/U18s) - arguably a successful one?

OB: Yeah I think it was definitely a successful season, top scorer for the 23s is a good feeling and of course winning the league at 18s and 2 separate cup finals tells you all you need to know!

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why?

OB: I’d definitely say Woodbridge 23s in the semis, although not my best game from being 3-0 down at half time to winning 4-3 to take us to the final was special. I’d also say Stow 23s at home, even though we were soundly beaten it was my first minutes back from my long injury and it just felt unreal to be back playing (was nice to score too!) And finally id say Felixstowe away last game of the season, although not our best performance it was our last game together and our last 18s game ever so it was a very special night to cap off 2 unbelievable years.

DK: What'd you make of the season for the U23s?

OB: All things considered a really good season for us 23s especially considering the place we were in last year compared to now, finishing 5th this year is good but I feel and think most of the other feel we could’ve done better but reaching the cup final is an excellent achievement for us and I’m so proud of the boys.

DK: I believe you finished top scorer for the U23s, which you must be proud of?

OB: Yeah I did end up finishing top scorer for the 23s which is of course something I’m very proud of, always good to score goals and contribute to the team in that regard.

DK: How special was it to reach the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup Final, and how proud are you of the run in that competition?

OB: Yeah it was very special, I believe it’s the first time the u23s had got there so that makes it that even more bit impressive for us and I’m so proud of the run even if it wasn’t meant to be in the final.

DK: A very historic season for the U18s - how proud are you overall?

OB: Yeah very happy all things considered, I think we’re all a bit tilted by the cup final result against Leiston but on the night they probably deserved it, winning the league is fantastic however and our historic FA youth cup run is even more impressive so yeah very happy.

DK: An unbeaten U18 League Champion campaign, how does that feel?

OB: Feels amazing to be honest, we all knew we were capable of something like that with the talent we had but there’s nothing harder in football than winning a league title over the course of a whole season and doing it unbeaten is almost unheard of so yeah extremely happy and proud.

DK: How did you find it playing different roles between the U23s and U18s?

OB: It’s two very different styles of football you know, at 18s everyone’s the same age similar builds so it’s more of a total football approach, you see more of the nicer side of football whereas with u23s it’s basically men’s football so you get the more ugly side but I enjoy both you know so it suited me. Of course I also played on the wing for the 23s whereas for 18s I was a fullback so that was different as well having to adapt and change my mindset was difficult but a good challenge and definitely made me more adaptable and all rounded.

DK: Can you recall a few goals that you scored this season that stand out?

OB: The one the comes to mind first is mine against Stow at home which I previously mentioned, I only played 15 mins that day on my first game back from injury and the ball was sprayed out to me, I touched it down, did a drag back to beat my man and then wrapped it far corner. Just an amazing feeling to score on my first game back after 3/4 months out.

DK: How does the season rank with your previous years at the club? 

OB: On a personal development note this has been my best year at the club, I’ve been here 3 years now and I can easily say I’ve developed as a player and as a person the most this year, however it’s really a toss up between this year and last for which has been my favourite season, I’ve absolutely loved my time at Needham so far and couldn’t ask for a much better group of lads to have gone through it all with!

Liam Pearce | New Signing Interview | 23.05 |

New Signing Liam Pearce discusses joining the Marketmen.

DK: Can you give us an insight into your career so far?

LP: I began my football at Ipswich Town, before joining AFC Sudbury at the age of 13 and have been there ever since. I really enjoyed my 2 seasons in the first team and played with some great players, some of whom I will be joining this season! A notable achievement that stands out in my career so far was winning the national cup in 2023, scoring in the final in a 3-0 win. It was a brilliant team and a special cup run. 

DK: How did joining Needham come about?

LP: I had a few messages from the lads at Needham after we played them in the home fixture saying that Tom would be interested, so I was instantly excited to learn more about the opportunity. After a meeting with Tom it was a no-brainer.

DK: Why'd you want to join Needham?

LP: Seeing how professional the set up and facilities are at the club was really appealing. I know Needham is a big club in the area and are an exciting team, so was very excited to learn more and it did not disappoint. I have heard many good words about the staff so looking forward to meeting and working with them. 

DK: How much of the club in general and squad did you know already?

LP: Having played against Needham many times in my youth I am familiar with the club. Training sessions with Luke Betts are something I have always enjoyed, so I know him well. Other than a couple of the lads who i’m excited to meet and play with, I know everyone else! Whether that be from my time at Sudbury or just from football in general. 

DK: What can the fans expect from you?

LP: I think from me the fans can expect hard work and passion, something that I have always credited myself for. Whatever happens in the game, I won’t stop running! I am buzzing to play in front of the Needham fans, having watched a few Needham games and played against them, I know they are the best fans around! 

DK: How'd you describe yourself as a player?

LP: As a player I would describe myself as again hard working, a good vision and an eye for goal. Having played in practically every position other than in goal last season, I would also say i’m quite versatile! Being left footed I like cutting in and having a shot, cross or a pass to play someone through. 

DK: What targets, personally and for the team, do you have for next season?

LP: On a personal note it would be good to improve on my stats from my previous season and help the team as much as possible. For the team I think it would be brilliant to win the Suffolk Premier Cup again, and also have a good cup run such as the FA Cup. A huge target for the team has to be getting back to Step 2. This is something that is very important to the fans and the club as a whole, so I can assure that we will do everything we can to make that happen! I’m buzzing to join such an amazing club and can’t wait to play in front of the fans and with my new teammates!

Ben Hunter | 2025/26 Q+A #6 | 11.05.2026 |

Midfielder Ben Hunter reviews the 2025/26 season.

DK: Overall, how did you find the season from a personal perspective?

BH: I think it was a fairly decent season personally, probably not as good as last season but still a good one, pre season injury killed me a little bit.

DK: You've now finished 2 seasons at the club, how much have you enjoyed it?

BH: I’ve loved it to be honest, really felt at home the second I have joined and can only say thanks to everyone at the club who has made me feel so welcome, only just getting started here as well!

DK: A very good FA Cup run this season, what are your thoughts looking back?

BH: Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed it although it feels like a long time ago now! It was the furthest I have ever got in all my years of playing in it! Give a good account of ourselves against Weston as well, unlucky not to get a replay.

DK: A first Premier Cup triumph for you, how good did that feel?

BH: Yep, about time I finally got my hands on the trophy so it felt good, got to enjoy winning things because it doesn’t come along very often in senior football.

DK: A very professional Premier Cup run as well, winning it in style?

BH: I thought it was probably one of our best performances of the season against a strong team from the league below, the movement and fluidity was unreal, think we know if we play like that there isn’t many teams even at step 3 that could deal with us.

DK: Looking at the league campaign, obviously ended in gutting circumstances but there must be a lot of pride to have still achieved our second highest step 3 finish?

BH: I think when we look back after the heartbreak of the last day we can have some sort of pride that a club like Needham Market is right up the top of step 3 league, I can’t help but feel disappointed though as our aim was to get into the play offs and ultimately we failed at that.

DK: How do you reflect on the league campaign?

BH: Like I have said above I think we can take some sort of pride but can’t help the disappointment of missing out.

DK: Would you still class the season, overall, as a successful one?

BH: In some parts yes, in some parts no, you can count the Premier Cup as successful but not our league position, just motivates everyone to hit our goals for next season.

DK: What targets do you have next season - both personally and as a team?

BH: I think it has to be win the Premier Cup and get into the playoffs yet again, hopefully we can do both next season. Personally I want to try and be as consistent as possible and impact games and drive us on from midfield, if I can do that I’ll be a happy man!

DK: After a long season, you must be looking relishing the off season, or are you not much of a fan?

BH: It is nice to have some sort of break as it’s a long demanding season but it won’t be long until I’m itching to get back, feel like the end of the season left a bitter taste in my mouth so want to right them wrongs, I may not be saying that in pre season though with all the running!

Jake Bloom | 2025/26 Q+A #5 | 11.05.2026 |

Jake Bloom 11.05.2026

Under-23's and Under-18's goalkeeper Jake Bloom reflects on the 2025/26 season. 

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective (U23s/U18s) - arguably a successful one?

JB: Both team had a very successful season definitely, so there’s always that to look at. But for me personally it was all about developing and getting used to the standard early on. After that, it was all about consistency, and how I could correct finer details to make myself even better.

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why?

JB: One game that always comes to my head is U18s V Sudbury in the County Cup. It was my first game back from injury with no training sessions, straight into the biggest game so far in the season. We dug deep and eventually won on penalties so that has to be up there as a one I won’t forget for a while. Next, I would have to say U23s County Cup Semi Finals against Woodbridge. When going in at half time only just conceding a quick 3 goals, we knew that we had a long way to get back in it. And then no one would have said we would complete the comeback to make it to the final winning 4-3. That was a special night not just for the team, but for the club, with the support and scenes after the game. And finally, one reserves game which is a memorable one, away to Wivenhoe. It was a bottom of the table 6 pointer against an aggressive team. We eventually won 3-1 after a very difficult second half defending our own half, but it was a successful day in the end.

DK: What'd you make of the season for the U23s?

JB: The U23s season was definitely and good one. After the poor season last year, we made sure improvements happened and things changed. We didn’t start the season great, but went on a great run at the start of the new year, going unbeaten in 9 games out of 10 games. We finished the league season just in 6th which is a big positive, but we had greater success in the cup. In the final, it wasn’t meant to be our day against a very strong Brantham side, but all the team done extremely well to get this far in the first place.

DK: How special was it to reach the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup Final, and how proud are you of the run in that competition?

JB: We had a great run, defeating Debenham U23s, beating Sudbury U23s on penalties, then Haverhill Rovers Res in the quarter finals, before the unbelievable comeback v Woodbridge U23s, which summed up our season to never give up. Obviously, it was a tough final against a very strong Brantham side, but the boys should be proud if there were involved in the U23s this season. There are lots of difficult teams in the competition, some who we came up against, but we always did show great sprit to push ourselves further into the competition.

DK: A very historic season for the U18s - how proud are you overall?

JB: An incredible season in all competitions to be honest. We pushed each other through challenging times, but eventually got results that we needed. Being involved in the FA Youth Cup run was definitely a great one, with the boys out there giving it there all. It just shows that not many teams get that far into the competition from a non-league level, so that just shows how historic that was. The County Cup unfortunately wasn’t meant to be back-to-back, but some great moments to look back on that during those games. And then to the league where we went undefeated in what was a challenging season, with lots of new players from the U16s being involved towards the back end of the season, it really does show the quality we have in the club. In those games, I felt like I had to be more of the leader with more experience than them to help them as we had everything on the line to make sure we were champions, and to do it undefeated by only drawing 2 games is incredible as a club.

DK: Two great U18 cup runs that you were in the squad for, can you describe what that experience meant to you?

JB: Like I've just said those cup runs were amazing. We came up against tough opposition but we always played our football to get the better of them. Wehen preparing for those games in training, we only focused on ourselves as we know how much strength and quality we have which always shows on the game days. It was a great experience for me, especially being involved and watching it all, and I can hopefully use that to help me in the future.

DK: An unbeaten U18 League Champion campaign, how does that feel?

JB: The U18s league this year is a memorable one for sure. With the club having lots of games in a season, we needed the help of some of the U16s to step in during busy times of the season. With only drawing 2 games in a challenging season is impressive but also by winning the rest of the league games is something else. Moments like beating our rivals twice is always a good one I'd say. I think with the younger lads coming into the team, I feel like I had to play the more experienced role, to help them and guide them to making the transition easy for them, as they would of been feeling nerves for the occasion. Even in those games, performances might not of been the best, in which some games we had won, but went into the dressing room with negative mentalities as perhaps we were not happy with our own individual performance. That just shows the type of players we are I think and we all have the mentality to perform well consistently and get successful results at the same time.

DK: Can you recall a few saves that you made this season that stand out?

JB: I'm not really someone to remember saves that I make but more the overall performance that I had as that definitely gets remembered more by others. Of course I remember some like the Sudbury U18s game I made a close range save from a header at an important moment of the game which is definitely one for me to remember. In the same game, saving a penalty in the shootout is another good one. Another one more recent in the U18s V Hadleigh which was a long range volley steering towards my bottom corner. For sure I have made some for U23s, one V Woodbridge in the league got lots of mentions after the game which also makes you feel good. I have definitely got more but I enjoy having a good game but me playing well more, and my overall performance being memorable instead.

DK: What are your targets for next season?

JB: Aims for next season is to continue developing as a goalkeeper and my all round game. It doesn't matter what team I may be in next year, ensuring that I am consistent throughout the season is definitely a big one for me, in games and training, as there's moments one week I would do something in training or a game, and another week I won't do that successfully, but goalkeeping is all about fine details which I need to make sure I work on myself to get better at those. But I am always ready for whatever and am always pushing myself to become better like lots of players in the club.