HUGH CULLUM | END OF 2021-22 SEASON NMFC Q+A | 6

In the sixth of the Needham Market end of 2021-22 season Q&A series, I caught up with defender Hugh Cullum - who started the season with the Under 18s and ended it as a first teamer, having made over a dozen senior team appearances. 

1. First of all, now the season is complete, how do you feel the season went overall, for both you personally and the team? 

HC: This season for me and the team has been very successful. Firstly, making that step up into Step 3 football and making my debut for the first team was special. Overall if you ask anyone that being quarter-finalists of the FA Trophy and winning the Suffolk Premier cup, is a very successful season. However, we would have liked to be higher in the league table but again overall it was a good season for me personally and as a team and we will be back even stronger next season. 

2. Looking back at the FA Trophy run now, how do you reflect on it? Can you pick a standout moment?

HC: Personally being involved in the Fa Trophy for the first time and going on a run as we did, is very special. Looking back now it was an experience I will never forget. Of course, the most standout moment was winning away at Yeovil, them being a higher opposition, a massive crowd, and the whole team who put in a great performance.

3. Any point in either cup run or season in general you knew something special could be round the corner?

HC: In any cup run you set out to win it, what every team wants to do and the same goes for the league, again you want to finish top or as high as possible. For me when I thought something special was around the corner it had to be the Trophy run. When you beat the likes of Wealdstone, Yeovil, and Dartford, all of who are in higher leagues consecutively after each other, you feel like anything is possible and that as a team we could go all the way.

4. For you personally it's been quite a successful season, making your first team debut, winning the league with the U18s and Suffolk Premier Cup with the First Team, can you pick a couple of standout moments from all of it? 

HC: As a whole this season has been one that I will remember, making my first-team debut at 17, winning the U18s league as well as the Suffolk Premier Cup. One standout moment is probably making my Debut. The lads took to me really well and I can't thank them enough, especially Kieran and Dan as they continue to help me develop and learn to be a better Centre Back.

5. How does it feel to have achieved all that, plus representing England's Schoolboys team in just a single season?

HC: To achieve all that in one season you can't ask for much else really. To represent my country was really special and something I will never forget.

6. Do any games as a whole stand out to you from this season, if so why?

HC: Its definitely got to be Yeovil away, it was a great performance from everybody especially Marco with some outstanding saves throughout the game then to save us on penalties and finally scoring the winner.

7. Best game in terms of personal performance this season?

HC: My best game would be my (league) debut (Redditch at home), I thought I adapted really well and managed to settle in quite quickly. I could definitely tell the difference in speed and quality of players.

8. Best game from team perspective?

HC: The best game from a team perspective is between two Alvechurch and Stratford away, but for me, it definitely has to be Alvechurch. Everyone showed true character despite being 2-0 down and then to come out with a 3-2 victory.

9. Your player of the season and why?

HC: Everyone this season was really good however, it has to be Marco. He made vital saves all season, keeping us in many games, and that unforgettable moment in Yeovil. What a keeper!

10. If you could relive any full game from this season, which one would you pick and why?

HC: You probably know the answer to this. It has to be the Yeovil game, no doubt about it.

11. We touched on winning the U18s League and winning the Premier Cup, can you describe how it feels to have won both of those?

HC: It was a good feeing to win the league on my last year as an u18s players which unfortunately couldn’t do it last year due to COVID. Winning the premier cup is special because I have said before that’s it my first time in the competition and playing a part to go on and win it was really special.

KYLE HAMMOND | END OF 2021-22 SEASON NMFC Q+A

Having completed his first season with the Marketmen, I caught up with midfielder Kyle Hammond to discuss the 2021-22 season, including making over 50 appearances in one season with the club. 

1. First of all, now the season is complete, how do you feel the season went overall? 

KH: Thought the season went fairly well overall if you said at the start of the season we would win the Suffolk cup and get to quarters of FA Trophy I’d have taken it although we just didn’t get started in the league and never really got a run of wins which is why we ended up mid table in the league.  

2. How did the season fare in terms of personal and team targets?

KH: Personally I thought the season was a good one for myself I think I only missed 3 games and played consistently well throughout. As a team we wanted to retain the cup which we did, but in the league we wanted to get into playoffs which we didn’t.     

3. Looking back at the FA Trophy run now, how do you reflect on it? Can you pick a standout moment?

KH: The trophy run was a great experience for us boys I think especially for the younger lads to play the teams we did and beat them then lose to the national league champions in the end. The shootout at Yeovil stands out with the big man saving us 3 times then scoring. That feeling was amazing!

4. Any point in either cup run or season in general you knew something special could be round the corner?

KH: While we were getting further into the trophy run I genuinely thought we were going to go all the way tbh just thought we had in us how the run went but in the end Stockport showed us a different kinda level and it was such an eye opener playing against them.

5. Must have been nice to win the Suffolk Premier Cup for second straight season, what did you make of the game itself and the shootout? 

KH: Yeah was nice to win the cup always nice to end the season winning the Suffolk cup. But the game was absolutely terrible and the pens weren’t much better for myself haha. I felt sorry for anyone who sat and watched the game that evening. 

6. It must also be a nice feeling to make 50 appearances for the club in your first season?

KH: Yeah was nice, I think I played every game I could which must mean I’m doing something right🤣!

7. If you had to pick a goal of the season, not scored by you, which one would you pick and why?

KH: Luke Ingram against Royston absolutely unbelievable chip on the bounce!

8. Looking at league season how do you summarise it?

KH: Season was just inconsistent from us never got a run of games going and didn’t win our first game till October I think which was frustrating for us all.

9. Best game from team perspective?

KH: Other than Yeovil like I’ve mentioned I think the dartford game was our best team performance of the season. Everyone of us were excellent.

10. Your player of the season and why?

KH: Marco the cat garnham. Who else could it be?! Been unbelievable for us and saved us in games so many times this season.

(C) ©️ Needham Market F.C./Drew Kendall 2022

KEIRAN MORPHEW | END OF SEASON Q+A 2021-22 |

Up next in the fifth Q&A, I caught up with Needham Market captain and centre-back to reflect on his first season as skipper and more......

1. First of all, now the season is complete, how do you feel the season went overall? 

KM: I think with the premier cup win it probably tips it into a decent season. Just need to improve in the league next season. 

2. How did the season fare in terms of personal and team targets?

KM: Both mine and the teams targets were to get into the play offs and win the premier cup. 

3. Looking back at the FA Trophy run now, how do you reflect on it? Can you pick a standout moment?

KM: Yeovil away will be the best day in my football career solely on the bus journey home. 

4. Do you remember much about what was going through your mind during the Yeovil shootout?

KM: Please don’t get to me haha. 

5. Any point in either cup run or season in general you knew something special could be round the corner?

KM: If we would of best Stockport then we would of been 1 game off playing at Wembley. 

6. Must have been nice to win the Suffolk Premier Cup for second straight season, what did you make of the game itself and the shootout? How was your nerves watching it unfold?

KM: I thought the game was pretty poor really but great to be on the winning side in the shootout. I was pretty steady watching it as we have Marcus the cheat code. 

7. As captain, I bet it must've felt even better to lift some silverware on top of the Trophy run?

KM: Yea we want to win the premier cup every year, so was ledge to win that next to a great cup run. 

8. How does it feel to have done your first full season as club captain?

KM: Yea it’s been great, I’m hoping i can wear the band until I stop playing! 

9. On top of being a captain and one of many fans favourites, it must've felt even sweeter to surpass 350 club appearances - especially marking that game with a goal?

KM: Yea 350 games is a decent milestone and I feel very lucky to hit that number. The goal was cool too but I don’t care for them so much as long as we win.

10. Looking back at the FA Cup and League Cup, would it be fair to say you're disappointed with how both competitions went for us?

KM: Yes I definitely feel like we should of kicked on in the FA cup but we had a great season in the trophy instead and you can’t have it all haha. 

11. Looking at league season how do you summarise it?

KM: The league season I think started off poorly and then felt like we were behind for the whole season. Overall I think it was poor in our own expectations but realistically it was ok. 

12. Are there any league games that stand out to you?

KM: St Ives at home set the tone for the season. 

13. Best game from a personal perspective?

KM: Can’t remember too many but Alvechurch away to win it from 2-0 down at half time was pretty cool. 

14. Best game from team perspective?

KM: Probably the same game just because we had a decent reaction from a first half disaster. 

15. Your player of the season and why?

KM: I voted for Kyle I thought he was excellent wherever he played and raised the standards. I think it was between Kyle, Ings and Marco as they were all excellent. 

16. If you could change any part of this season, what would you change? Why? What would you do different looking back?

KM: I wouldn’t change anything because the cup run will live long in the clubs history and I wouldn’t risk losing that haha.

17. How nice does it feel to get a completed season finished after a couple straight voided? 

KM: Yea the season felt very long in comparison but was nice to finish it. It dragged towards the end because we weren’t getting the right results. 

18. Season from your personal perspective?

KM: Cup runs make our season a decent one. 

19. Is there anywhere that you maybe think the team need to improve in order to succeed next season?

KM: The players who are still here and the players who are coming in need to be more willing and committed as ever to aim for playoffs/promotion. 

20. If you could relive any full game from this season, which one would you pick and why?

KM: Wealdstone at home, it was the toughest game of the trophy run and the relief after winning was massive. 

21. Are there any other moments from the season standout to you?

KM: The coach ride on the way back from Yeovil was good fun.

MARCUS GARNHAM | END OF SEASON Q+A 2021-22 |

Needham Market's goalkeeper, penalty saving specialist and Supporters' Player, Players' Player & Manager's Player of the (2021-22) Season, Marcus Garnham is next in the Q&A hot seat, as he reflects on the season from a personal and team perspective. 

Credit: Ben Pooley

1. First of all, now the season is complete, how do you feel the season went overall, do you think it was a successful one? 

MG: I think the cup runs were brilliant and showed what we can achieve when we are all on our game. The league we just weren’t consistent enough in all honesty, but we all know that and are hungry to out that right. 

2. How did the season fare in terms of personal targets?

MG: My personal target was to get back out the pitch and enjoy it. It was touch and go whether I would play last year but I’m glad I got back into it with the help of Munno. Definitely achieved that on many occasions this year. I was pleased with my consistency this year and helping the boys out when needed. 

3. Looking back at the FA Trophy run now, how do you reflect on it? Can you pick a standout moment?

MG: Personally we just had a belief that we were never out of a game regardless of what we were coming up against. My standout moment has got to be the Yeovil shootout. Was such a dramatic experience in front of their fans especially with them having chances to win it. The boys can look back and think that they made history for the club and should be really proud of themselves.

4. Having won goal of the month for January, what was it like to take a penalty having saved countless ones?

MG: Never taken a penalty in such a pressured situation. But I was just laughing the whole way through it, I shrugged my shoulders at their keeper telling him he has more of a chance of knowing where I was going than I did. Saving pens is great being the hero and everything but I was just I could do it for the boys. Goal of the month I laughed when I saw the results, we had scored a few worldies that month and all I did was toe punt it from 12 yards. 

5. Any point in either cup run or season in general that you knew something special could be round the corner?

MG: I always knew we had something in the locker it was just when something would click into place. Nobody gave us a chance when we beat Wealdstone, we controlled the game throughout, got through a tough ending to the game and I just knew we could go on to great things. 

6. Can you give us an insight into how it felt to take a clean sweep of the club player of the season awards?

MG: I just didn’t know what to say. I care a lot about what I do so obviously means a lot when people show their appreciation the boys are a great bunch and I’m really thankful to be here, enjoying my football and thankfully playing well. I feel like I always am very appreciative when I hear the fans chanting and clapping me off the pitch even when we haven’t got the results we want. So in case they didn’t know. Thank you. 

7. How does it feel looking back on your seventh Suffolk Premier Cup win, and also making a few more incredible penalty saves in the process?

MG: The premier cup is always special to win it always is a good feeling to take into the next season. I have a target I want to try and achieve before I finish and hopefully that will be with Needham.

8. Describe what you were thinking during the Premier Cup shootout. 

MG: I was confident, I went the wrong way a few times but I backed myself to put them under pressure. Their keeper was rather animated so I decided just to get on with the job, was fortunate with the pen they had a chance to win with and the rest is history.

9. Having saved countless penalties, do you ever feel nervous when it comes to saving penalties?

MG: I think nerves happen naturally when there is pressure, plus I feel it makes me feel sharper and more on my game. I’m not meant to save penalties it’s easier to score than save them so the pressure is on the taker generally. 

10. Looking at league season how do you summarise it?

MG: The league doesn’t lie, we weren’t consistent enough and that shows where we finished. We know what we need to do to be better and need to take that into pre season.

11. Are there any league games that stand out to you?

MG: Alvechurch away. Drove nearly 4 hours to the game and managed to get the 3 points after being 2 down. I think away games on a Tuesday night really show the character of the players you are playing with.

12. Best game from a personal perspective?

MG: Redditch away maybe, or Alvechurch away? Don’t know really I’ve enjoyed most of the games this year. 

13. Best game from a team perspective?

MG: Dartford was a fantastic team performance I was so proud of the boys. 

Credit: Ben Pooley.

14. Your player of the season and why?

MG: Luke Ingram - stepped into a new role this year and was absolute class. Will never forget some of his finishes and the other finishes that ended up in stowmarket. 

15. Are there any other moments from the season standout to you?

MG: I think the cup runs were extremely special. You can’t beat a good cup run. 

16. If you could change any part of this season, what would you change? Why? What would you do different looking back?

MG: Turning the 76 draws we had into wins and the season would have been very different. 

17. If you could relive any full game from this season, which one would you pick and why?

MG: I would want to relive the Yeovil game again. It was a blur looking back at it, so much happened but what a result.

18. When you mentioned about Yeovil having chances to win it do you remember what was going through your mind in those moments?

MG: I kept saying to the lino really loud so their player could hear; if they score they win it? So the pressure is on them then yeah? I just focused on the lads run up and got a feeling and went with it. 

Credit Amy Gilson.

(C) NEEDHAM MARKET F.C. / DREW KENDALL 2022. 

HARVEY SAYER | END OF SEASON Q+A 2021-22 |

For the second of the Needham Market F.C. End of 2021-22 season Q&As, I spoke to on loan Colchester United winger/full-back Harvey Sayer to get his thoughts on his time with the Marketmen!

Photo courtesy of club photographer Amy Gilson

1. First of all, now the season is complete, how do you feel the season went overall? 

HS: I’d say after winning the Suffolk cup that’s it’s been a successful season, an amazing cup run and winning the Suffolk cup helps cover up our poor league campaign. But making history in the fa trophy and winning the cup you have to say it’s been a good season for us as a team. 

2. How did the season fare in terms of personal and team targets?

HS: I think as a team we did hit a lot of targets we wanted to hit but the league was a big one for us all as we didn’t finish as high as we wanted to or as high as we have the potential to, but we set out to win the Suffolk cup and we did so it has been a mixed season. 

3. Looking back at the FA Trophy run now, how do you reflect on it? Can you pick a standout moment?

HS: What is left to say about it! What a cup run it was by the team, we were brilliant throughout it and showed we have what it takes to beat top teams so this part of the season was definitely the standout for us all I’d say. 

4. What was your standout moment of the trophy run?

HS: The standout moment of this run has to be the Yeovil game, especially the penalty shootout. 

5. Any point in either cup run or season in general that you knew something special could be round the corner?

HS: I wouldn't say I or anyone of us knew something special was round the corner but we believed and knew if we played how we know We can then we have ourselves the best chance of having moments like we did. 

6. A fitting way to end your loan spell by winning Suffolk Premier Cup, what did you make of the Final? 

HS: It’s always nice to get your hands on some silverware and it really topped of my time here, the final was not what we all expected and wanted in terms of how the game played out but we won the game at the end of the day so you can’t complain. 

7. Looking at league season how do you summarise it?

HS: The league campaign was a disappointing one, we didn’t finish as high as we wanted simply because we weren’t consistent enough. We got a lot of draws which never helps you climb the table but we also lost games agaisnt teams where if we would have played like we can, we would have comfortably collected 3 points. Consistency and errors cost us this season. 

8. Are there any league games that stand out to you,

HS: The one league game that stands out to me has to be Alvechurch away when we can from behind to win 3-2, what a game that was! 

9. Best game from a personal perspective?

HS: I’d also say the Alvechurch game from a personal point of view with me scoring that goal to equalise. 

10. Favourite goal you scored?

HS: My Alvechurch goal definitely, it was my best goal of the season and to come Back and win that game makes the goal even better. 

11. Your player of the season and why?

HS: I voted for Marco, we would not have achieved what we did this season without this man, penalty shootout hero on a few occasions and some big saves in big games so it couldn’t be anyone else. 

12. If you could change any part of this season, what would you change? Why? What would you do different looking back?

HS: I think it would just be our league campaign, me personally and the team as a whole would have wanted to do better in the league as we know we could have finished a lot higher than we did with the team we had. 

(C) NEEDHAM MARKET F.C. / DREW KENDALL 2022. 

LUKE INGRAM | END OF SEASON Q+A 2021-22

Now that the 2021-22 season has been completed, I asked Needham Market's record appearance maker and season top scorer for his thoughts on the season.

Luke Ingram kicks off, hopefully a successful series of, the end of season Q&As. Photo added is courtesy of the fantastic Ben Pooley!

1. First of all, now the season is complete, how do you feel the season went overall? 

LI: As a whole, I think it’s been a good year, if you offered us the Suffolk cup, quarter final of trophy and the games we played in it and mid table, would have probably took it before a ball was kicked.

2. How did the season fare in terms of personal and team targets?

 

LI: I think we overachieved in cups and under in the league, we would have liked to be around play offs but can’t have it all!

3. Looking back at the FA Trophy run now, how do you reflect on it? Can you pick a standout moment?

LI: I think looking back, the trophy run willl be one of the things we all remember when we finish playing football, memories to last, and has to be going to Yeovil, what a day!

4. How did it feel to take the opening penalty of the Yeovil shootout? 

LI: Tbh I was nervous I won’t lie, but I’m in a lucky position to be on penalty’s in normal game so it made sense to go first really. Big relief it went in.

5. Can you remember the feeling you felt during the shootout?

LI: To be honest it’s all a blurr, I remember a couple of times thinking oh no we’ve messed it up now, but thanks to Marcus we always got another chance.

6. Any point in either cup run or season in general you knew something special could be round the corner?

LI: I think the Wealdstone was the moment we did, it was an unexpected win and to beat them comfortably was surprising and unbelievable from all the boys!

7. Must have been nice to win the Suffolk Premier Cup for second straight season, was it fitting do you think to do it on penalties? How was your nerves watching it unfold?

LI: Always lovely to win and play at a nice ground, was gutted to miss the game but I knew the penalty’s were in good hands, never going to lose!

8. Looking back at the FA Cup and League Cup, would it be fair to say you're disappointed with how both competitions went for us?

LI: The league cup was for the young boys to get an opportunity, and they done amazing at Royston so no shame! Yeah we let ourselves down going out to east Thurrock, but this season is the season we have an FA Cup run, I can feel it. 

9. Looking at league season how do you summarise it?

LI: League season was tough, we matched nearly everyone but just let too many wins turn into draws unfortunately, and meant we couldn’t get any momentum going for a longer period.

10. Are there any league games that stand out to you?

LI: None particular really, getting a draw at Banbury and beating Nuneaton away were probably the nightlights.

11. Favourite goal you scored?

LI: Would have to be the chip against Wealdstone, it was a better goal than the Dartford penalty but Dartford was more important maybe.

12. Your player of the season and why?

LI: Marco (Marcus Garnham) and Kyle (Hammond) have been outstanding this season, so flip a coin.

13. If you could change any part of this season, what would you change? Why? What would you do different looking back?

LI: If I could change one thing, it would be what happened to Byron, we’ve missed him and love the guy!

14. How does it feel to be the first player to pass 400 Needham club appearances, and also be top scorer with 20 goals - just piping Fowkesy?

LI: Feels amazing, it’s something I wanted to do from the min I joined and be the top appearance maker, I’d like to think loyalty still goes a long way.

(C) NEEDHAM MARKET F.C./DREW KENDALL 2022