REACTION | PATRICK BROTHERS POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V CAMBRIDGE CITY | 29.07.2023 | PSF |

Joint Manager for the day Patrick Brothers reflects on Needham's final Pre-Season Friendly (4-1 win over Cambridge City), pre-season as a whole, the League opener at Stratford, and provides an update on his return from injury.

DK: Nice win today, what do you make of it?

PB: Yeah, very good win going into next week, (we) told the lads that obviously we're treating this like the first game of the season. So energy, tempo, the way we play, the way we press needs to be the way we want to do against Stratford next Saturday, so yeah very pleasing. Very pleasing to score four goals, not so pleasing the way we conceded, but when you are 3, 3/4 up, you do relax a little bit, which is a bit frustrating but I can't take anything away from the lads.

DK: Yeah, it's a very clinical second half from us.

PB: Yeah, first half we had a lot of possession, a lot of iffy chances, a lot of opportunities to be a little bit more creative, or a little bit more careful on the ball. So (we) addressed it at half-time and just said, "look, take care, trust your ability," and then after half-time we came out with a different front five really. We were sharper and more clinical around, in and around, the box, and credit to the guys, because it could've been another 0-0 stalemate - bit like Stowmarket, if we didn't up that tempo in the final third. 

DK: Is that something you spoke about at half-time, wrapping crosses round the defence?

PB: Yeah, I think our build up play has always, always, been good - ever since I joined the club, but for some reason we tend to sometimes make the wrong decision - or we don't back the decision we're going to make, so what I just said is, "have some confidence in yourselves, your first decision is normally the best, and yeah when you get into certain areas, do a slightly different knock, or a slightly different ball," and yeah it worked well with good movement and good quality.

DK: Their goal aside, an all round good team performance. 

PB: Yeah I think very well. I think back 5, 6, seven - if you include Hammy (Kyle Hammond) and Dylan (Williams) to that - were solid. They had a slight threat with the counter attack, but that normally came from our dispossession in the midfield when they hit us on the counter, but from start to finish, I said it at the start, I said "I want a win, I want momentum going to the first game of the season," and that's what we got!

DK: Do you think we've had the perfect preparation for Saturday?

PB: Yeah, I think so. I think it's been a good pre-season in total, all the lads have got good minutes. We've had opportunity to look at players in different positions and people being away, people being going on holiday and coming back - which is part and parcel of pre-season - but in general it's been positive. We've got some momentum and obviously we haven't lost, which is always nice.

DK: Yeah, like you say, an unbeaten pre-season and at times been really clinical.

PB: Yeah, I guess there's always room for improvement, obviously like today we didn't want to concede, the game against Newmarket we shouldn't be conceding three goals - but that was our first friendly. We've always said it, every friendly, we get slightly better, slightly more to the point of that first game of the season and I think based on that performance, and what I've seen in training, and Kev and Tom have been saying we are ready. With two good (training) sessions this week we should be there.

DK: Yeah and we've got a full squad available!

PB: Yeah, everyone's fit, Seth (Chambers)'s got a minor knock to his knee, which is a bit of a shame, because he's definitely a part of the squad, he's obviously a threat going forward, but that is why we've got a squad of 16/17. The likes of Lettsy (James Letts) and Flynn (Crosthwaite) weren't with us today when they've had a good pre-season with us, but that just shows how strong our squad is and obviously anyone who's not with us is then going to improve, hopefully, how the Reserves (Under-23s) get on, so it's good.

DK: Exactly, how do you see next week (Stratford game) going, ideally?

PB: We've already mentioned it, we can only really take what we know of those teams, they're going to be physical, they're going to be up for it. Especially away from home, we've got to take the journey into account, the way we prepare, and if we go off last year they battered us, so we do our own one, but we know as a squad it's going to be tough, but if we're on it from start to finish - and we use the whole squad, the fifteen, the sixteen, the management and everything else as a collective we should get a positive result.

DK: Yeah, it's important to get off to that good start.

PB: Definitely, momentum is massive and you don't want to go into the first, second, the third game, still trying to find your win. So I think, yeah, solid foundation once you've got (that first win), and hopefully if we're as creative and clinical as we were in the second half, as I said I want to win, but the result needs to be positive, definitely!

DK: What do you think needs to be implemented to right the wrongs of last season?

PB: I think we all know Needham as a football club are pretty on the eye, like to play a nice bit of football, we've got some very, very, talented footballers in the squad. I think last year we just missed the other side of the game a bit too often. It's the nitty gritty, the second ball side of things, the character when you do go one-nil down, and no disrespect to anyone who's past or present, but I think we've got a better balance this year, of that kind of nastiness, what you need at this level. So we've got a sort of Plan A, Plan B and now maybe even a Plan C with the players we've got, so we can get that right balance of pretty stuff to not so pretty stuff as it were, we should be definitely up there!

DK: The new signings that have come in, some of whom are still young, bring that extra experience.

PB: It's something that you have to get a nice blend of, we have got some young, really good, talent, coming through the Academy and obviously we've brought into the building, but you can't have all youngsters. You can't have all experienced guys, you've got to have a good blend, and a good balance and who we've brought through the door has definitely added to that. It just means we're going to be more competitive, going to be more players to positions, so the players will have to play well to keep their shirt and basically fight each other to get in that starting eleven, which is a great thing.

DK: It's going to give Kev, Tom, you and Irish all a headache?!

PB: Yeah, again, we've always said it, it happened a bit last year we were a bit low on numbers and again without being disrespectful sometimes the team 'picked itself,' but this year I'll be honest with you a bit of a headache picking the team, and then you're thinking, "oh, who am I going to bring on, who's worthy of coming off or coming on.' That kind of headache to have, which is great, and obviously come Saturday with the two sessions coming up obviously Kev and Tom will have to make that decision, and no doubt they're already thinking about it! It's a good place to be!

DK: Definitely, is your recovery from injury still going ok?

PB: As well as it can, obviously back on my feet, walking around, getting involved with the warm up a little bit, taking that, but still need a bit more time for it to fully recover. The idea is to try and get to sort of October in the way I'm going already and hopefully start doing a bit of physical stuff with and without the ball, so yeah positive so far!

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V STOWMARKET TOWN | 25.07.2023 | PSF |

Needham Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's draw with Stow. 

DK: Unbeaten record still in tact! 

KH: Yeah, look it was a decent workout for us, it was a little bit false I suppose in terms of they didn't come at us at all, so it was a different problem for us to face. Unfortunately tonight we couldn't break the deadlock, because if we did it would've been 5 or 6 I think. We've actually played quite well tonight, I was quite pleased with the balance. I was quite pleased with the rotation and movement, we'd played into the 9, which we'd spoken about last week, created loads of little one-twos and shots off at the edge of the box, but unfortunately they were all high, wide and glorious tonight, so I think we'll be working on shooting on Thursday - no doubt about that! On another day, we score 4, 5, 6 maybe, I think we've had it must be late 20, nearly 30 chances, think the 'keeper's made 4 saves, which tells you the whole story. 

DK: Marco's been a bystander! 

KH: Yeah, he just said then, he tried to make a meal of one of them at the end there when he wanted to make a save. He had nothing to do all night, and it's difficult, and it's frustrating at times, but like I said to the lads we will face that at times, probably not to that extreme. Teams will have a bit of possession and come out, which will create little openings, but certain times in games teams sit behind the ball on the edge of the box, like Stowmarket have, but tonight it's up to us, you can't complain, it's up to us to break it down and work a way. We did, we got in a few times, created a few chances, but we didn't have that ruthlessness tonight, which something to work on. There's always stuff to work on so we know we're not the finished article anyway, so overall I was really pleased with the performance, I was pleased to get minutes in, obviously Reece needed minutes, Ingers needed minutes, Jamie McGrath's come through another 60 minutes, and no reoccurrence of his knee injury, so it was a good work out for us! 

DK: Would you still call it an entertaining game? 

KH: I don't know, I'm looking at it from a different angle I suppose, as a supporter you want to see goals, you want to see chances, there weren't too many of them, we've had lots of shots - in and around the box. Like I said on another day it could've been 5, 6 goals in that and then I suppose it would've been. I thought we moved the ball around well, I thought it's very difficult when teams sit in, they didn't look to get out at all really to counter, I don't know, they probably only got in our half about 5 times the whole game I think. It was, probably from that aspect, a little bit one sided and probably a little bit tedious to watch at times. 

DK: Do you feel what was said before the game and at half-time paid off to some degree? 

KH: Yeah, we just wanted to play at a decent tempo, thought we did first half. I thought we moved the ball, the rotation was good, we got in good areas, we just didn't have that final touch. We've hit the post and crossbar haven't we, but I think if the ball goes in the net, you'd like to think they'd come out a little bit more then, but obviously we'll never know, because it didn't happen. So that's on us, we just needed to get that ruthlessness and that final end product, that final pass, that final shot to get our noses in front, and then you can dictate, and play as much football as you want if they're going to sit off. 

DK: It's that clinical nature that still needs a bit of improvement. 

KH: Yeah, although the thing about today I was pleased, because in the past we have just gone wide all the time, Reece played in the ten, Tev then going in there making a lot in the ten I thought, we played in those central areas a lot more than we have done, which is something that we're looking to do, just to have a little bit of variation going forward. I thought we did it quite well, Jamie held the ball up well first half, then when we played into Seth we got shots off in the areas around the box that we've spoken about. So from that point of view I'm really pleased, because the lads have listened and taken it on board and executed it, it's just that final shot, we were under the ball and over the bar today. 

DK: Finally had the whole squad (except Taylor) available! 

KH: Yeah, which was nice! Obviously trying to get lads minutes, rotating them around so we've got obviously one more game left now and then we can play the proper stuff, where we're playing for points, and points mean prizes Drew, don't they?! 

DK: Of course they do, especially after last year! 

KH: I was trying to forget about last year mate. 

DK: Nah, you're not getting away from last year Kev, I'll make sure of it! Do you know if Taylor will be back on Saturday? 

KH: I don't know, he's playing in a game tonight so depending on how that went, whether they decide to make an offer for him or not, but we'll find out I imagine in the next couple of days. Obviously if they don't, yeah he'll be available for Saturday. 

DK: Cambridge City on Saturday, that could be another similar test. 

KH: We'll see, we'll see, we're in good shape, we've got no injuries, lads starting to look fit. Obviously Keiran got a few minutes tonight, missed last game, we're shaping up quite well, so that'll be a test for us or Saturday, but we'll train Thursday and then we'll have a full week training leading into the Stratford game. 

DK: Second half tonight we had a bit of an unorthodox centre back partnership, I think it was Kyle and Jake at one point?! 

KH: Yeah, I've got good players, they can all play anywhere more or less. I took Dan off, Dan's played a lot of games in pre-season, little bit tight so obviously took him off. I was going to put Jake there, as he did so well Saturday, but Hammo was comfortable going in there, he can play as a defender so yeah, just a like for like really, then Keiran had a bit of cramp late on having not played, so I then I moved Jake Dye into a centre half. So it was Jake and Hammo, our two full-backs from last year, but we were comfortable. Look, we could more less play with no defenders tonight, we didn't really have to defend that much, so it was pretty comfortable for them (our defence) anyway. 

DK: Making more competition for places! 

KH: Yeah, and that's what it is! We've got really good squad depth in terms of it's balanced, I've got 2 players for every position more or less. Obviously Reece could play left-back, we've got Tommy Smith there. We've got centre halves, Jake can play centre half, Hammo can play centre half now. We've got 3 right-backs, Tev can play there, Hammo and Jake. Midfield we've got an abundance of players that can play in there and in the 10, it's good! We've got Ingers, Seth and Jamie, Ollie can play up top, we've got Pagey who can pay up top. So the balance is really good, and with everyone being fit it's going to give me a bit of a headache come first game of the season. 

DYLAN WILLIAMS SHORT POST MATCH REACTION V STOWMARKET | 25.07.2023

DK: How would you summarise today's game? 

DW: Good to get minutes in the tank. Massive keep ball session to be honest and if  I could've hit the target tonight should have scored 3 myself.  

DK: How do you feel preparation for the new season is going? 

DW: Really well were doing things right and the football is improving each week. Another clean sheet tonight which is a positive.

REACTION | MARCUS GARNHAM POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V BRAINTREE TOWN | 22.07.2023 | PSF |

Goalkeeper Marcus Garnham reflects on Saturday's win over Braintree Town, keeping four clean sheets, pre-season so far, getting minutes under his belt and the season ahead.

DK: Good win!

MG: Good win, yeah, good performance, hundred times better than what we turned out on Tuesday night. Lads looked confident on the ball, moved it around well, kept possession when we needed to, defensively looked sound. They only had one chance in the second half really, yeah all over the pitch, I just thought we were really good. Did our jobs, played our roles really well, so yeah it's a positive performance!

DK: It must be especially pleasing for you, having played a higher opposition today but not really been too troubled.

MG: Yeah, I think it's the story of our season last year really, we defended really well last year. The tone of our season last year was we couldn't score enough goals, and now we seem to be able to grind out victories and get goals when we need them, which is good, which is positive, so hopefully we can take that into next game Tuesday and build on our confidence from today!

DK: Like you say, momentum's been built quite nicely, especially as you've got 4 clean sheets in a row now!

MG: Yeah, it's not just down to me, I mean it's down to all the other lads defending as a team and doing our jobs, and yeah a testament today really. The youngsters that have come in have done really well, they've played their roles really well, and Jakey Dye's done really well playing all across the back four, and Dan (Morphew) stepped in to be captain today, and Tuesday, so yeah I think Tommy Smith's done well, sitting into left-back, looks like he's played here at this club for a long time - rather than just being a summer signing, so yeah it's all good!

DK: Having had players missing all throughout pre-season, on the whole arguably apart from Tuesday, we've been rather consistent, that's another pleasing thing. 

MG: Yeah, I mean we scored some goals against Newmarket, always first game of pre-season is quite frantic, but we got a positive result that day and the rest of the performances have been good - apart from Tuesday, we were lacklustre first half, looked like we lacked energy and that was addressed at half-time and we were more on top for longer periods, weren't giving the ball away as cheaply, and yeah it's just confidence building going into our final friendly before the season starts.

DK: The preparation has been rather good so far this year.

MG: Yeah, it has yeah, training's been good, we've been working hard. The new additions have done really well, they've fitted in really, really well, Tev(an Allen)'s done well, came in and been a vertsatile player in the middle and on the right-hand side in a couple of positions. So yeah, it's all positive really, it's nice to have Luke (Ingram) back out there, shows his quality and his experience, puts his body about, knows where to put the ball, knows exactly what to do. Seth (Chambers) did really well when he came on, Pagey done well in the false nine in the first half.

DK: Good to be back then?

MG: Yeah, I mean I did like my Saturdays off to be fair, that was quite nice, but I suppose yeah, it's nice to be back and playing and enjoying it.

DK: Do you think with the squad as it is at the minute that we can very much right the wrongs of last year?

MG: Need a bit of luck, need to make sure we don't have any injuries, touch wood, and then if we need to build in at Christmas, have a look at it at Christmas, and if we can get some additions into bolster the squad, help with fatigue and stuff like that, that'd be good. Hopefully, it's looking more positive than it was at the start of last season. 

DK: What do you make of the league fixtures?

MG: Haven't looked at them, so it doesn't really bother me to be fair, just play my game and don't really look out for any fixtures, I'm not really worried about other teams, just worry about myself and performances that I put in, because in my role, in my position, you're on your own aren't you really, so just worrying about helping the team the best I can, my position and the rest should hopefully fall into place!

DK: What's pleased you the most, this pre-season so far?

MG: Just fitness, training well for me personally, and obviously getting positive results are alwayss good going into the start of the season, rather than having bitty results here and there, draws there, losses here, a win every now and again so it's more positive.

DK: Do you prefer having played 90 minutes all the friendlies so far, rather than last year, playing bits of games?

MG: Yeah, I think you just build up that stamina, just from playing games, concentration is a big thing really, fitness wise it's not really an issue being in goal but it's just mentally being switched on for longer periods of time, kind of getting more into the game is important for playing more minutes really.

DK: Moving onto Tuesday, that'll be a big local derby against Stow.

MG: Yeah, they've made a lot of changes, and obviously Wilks (Richard Wilkins) is over there with Alex (Rossis), so it's going to be a local derby, familiar faces that we'll see again, but it'll be good just to get a positive performance and a positive result going into the start of the season.

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V BRAINTREE TOWN | 22.07.2023 | PSF |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on the win over Braintree Town, maintaining the winning momentum and discusses Taylor Clark's trial at Wycombe Wanderers.

DK: Five wins out of five, good result!

KH: Yeah, like I said before, it's obviously good habits winning games of football, it's obviously what we're all trying to do. It is pre-season, but it matters, obviously coming up against Braintree on paper our toughest opponents to date, so it was important that we improved on the performance on Tuesday, which we 100% did. We had a couple of people back, so had lads missing, it was pleasing all round. I thought the young lads did really, really well, we moved the ball well, defended well, another clean sheet, so yeah it was good today!

DK: We talked about on Tuesday how today would be a big test, and the lads rose to the occasion.

KH: I think it was important, I think we all agreed that we were below par midweek, still was enough to win the game, but we didn't find that level, that consistency, that mindset that we're trying to be at the top of our game as often as we can and today we sort of got there. We got there, we moved the ball well, we were aggressive against higher opposition and I thought we deservedly won the game.

DK: Talking about the goal that separated the two sides, it's well worked.

KH: Yeah, it was good interplay and we spoke about getting bodies into the box and Jacob Lay found himself centre of the goal, six yards out, he don't miss from there! Well, he did initially, when he first came in, but he don't miss from there now. It's pleasing, I thought he was busy, deserved his goal today! 

DK: A terrific all round performance?!

KH: Yeah, across the board I thought we defended really well and that starts with Marco (Marcus Garnham), I thought his positioning was really good, back four won headers, didn't get beat down the outside. I thought we spoke well from the back, which Tev (Allen) and Tommy Smith have came in and added to that obviously, and we had a bit of bite in midfield. Hammo (Kyle Hammond) in there, talking, demanding of others and then we had quality in the right areas. I thought Reece Harris, young Flynn (Crosthwaite) and obviously our wide players - Ingers (Luke Ingram) coming back, obviously he's not played for a bit so that was good to get him minutes, Pagey (Callum Page) obviously (got) more minutes, so it was pleasing across the board. I thought even when we made changes, which sometimes happens in friendlies, when you make changes the game dies off a little bit, but I thought the lads that came on added to it as well. So it's minutes in the bank, another good performance, another win - which is massively important, and we move on.

DK: Four clean sheets in a row as well.

KH: Yeah, it's getting worrying isn't it?! Yeah, I think we limited them to very few chances, Marco made the odd save, one good save in the second half, but I thought we defended really well. We won aerial balls, first balls in and we then shut things down, blocked shots and didn't allow them to get crosses in. So that's always a recipe for getting clean sheets, so I'm really pleased with that!

DK: It's one of those games, where you know it's been a great all round team performance, when you're thinking who could be Man Of The Match, literally the whole team could be!

KH: Yeah, it's a tough one to pick today, I think all lads were in and around 8 out of 10, so I'll settle for that. I'll settle for not having a Man Of The Match every game and the lads performing across the board, like that. It was an all round, really, really good team/squad performance today!

DK: With one of the players we have had missing, I know he was a sub today - didn't come on, but Taylor (Clark) being on trial at Wycombe (Wanderers), that's quite good news!

KH: It's good news for everyone, Taylor's come into the building, for whatever reason hasn't been offered a scholar wherever he's went, he was at Ipswich (Town), been to West Ham, went to Colchester, didn't get a call back. He's some player, and yes he was available today, but he's been in, he's done really well training with the First Team all week, I just think it would've been wrong of me to put him in, because if he gets injured, I think he goes back Monday and playing in the game Tuesday, I don't want to hinder Taylor's chances of possibly getting something, as much as we would love to keep him here, and we may. We may, they may not make an offer for him, but I don't want to hinder his chances of that possibly happening and him becoming a professional footballer. 

DK: Seth (Chambers) has had a trial this year too?!

KH: Seth went as well, and they're still monitoring Seth, there's been interest in Seth. Look they're two really good young players that are playing step 3 that have shown they can play step 3. So there's always going to be interest, whether that'd be last month, whether that'd be today, whether that'd be next be, or whether that be next season, there's always going to be interest in them as along as they keep developing and showing what they've got, which is lots, and lots of talent.

DK: Moving onto Tuesday, a re-run of the Premier Cup Final against Stow(market Town, 7:30pm KO)!

KH: One we'll obviously look forward to, some familiar faces, obviously Evan and Noah (Collard brothers) there, Munno (Nathan Munson) still there, so there's familiar faces. There's always a bit of derby, a bit of needle being so closely located to us, it's a game we look forward to, but it's a game we look to keep the standard up that we've had today, because it's important that we keep that mindset and standard of wanting to perform as high and as well as we can.

DK: Also in Stow's ranks, is your predecessor, Wilks (Richard Wilkins)!

KH: I've known Wilks for years, obviously that adds to it, so it'll be a good game all round, hopefully there'll be a decent crowd here, hopefully it'll be an entertaining game, hopefully we win and we keep a clean sheet and play well.

DK: Yeah, all about that consistency and momentum.

KH: Yeah, because at the minute obviously last game wasn't great, but there's been a lot of really good performances today, and we've got through it without injuries, which is massively important, pre-season, and as it's going I could have a headache picking the first eleven to start away at Stratford (August 5th).

I don't really celebrate wins in the league that much, I think it's important in football that you keep a level, you don't get carried away when you're doing well, and you don't get too down in the dumps when it's not going so well, because it can be a cruel game. 

REACTION | DANIEL MORPHEW POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V FRAMLINGHAM TOWN | 18.07.2023 | SUFFOLK CHAMPIONS CHARITY CUP, PSF |

Needham stand in captain and centre-back Daniel Morphew reflects on Tuesday's win over Framlingham Town and previews Saturday's clash with Braintree, and the forthcoming league season.

DK: Nice to keep the winning streak going!

DM: Yeah, pre-season's one of those, you know, games aren't exactly the highest quality, you don't necessary play every game well, you're missing people, people are on holiday and whatever else, but winning's an important thing, it's an important habit to keep going, so it's good. That's the fourth win of pre-season, third clean sheet, we may not have wiped the floor with a lower league opponent like maybe we are expected to do - or we should expect to do - but we controlled the game, never really looked in danger, but we'd like to be a bit more free flowing and score a few more goals tonight, but I think you have to take it you know, you accept it, it's part of pre-season. You don't necessarily play well, you miss players, and things aren't necessarily going to fall into place straight away, but like you say 4 wins so that's an important thing, one we should focus on and take away those positives, three clean sheets and in amongst it we have scored a few goals in the earlier games, when we've had a few more players available. I don't think we've got anything to be sad about, that's for sure, so carry on going.

DK: Very much still a controlling performance?

DM: Yeah, I think so, don't think they had a shot on goal, maybe from like 25-yards or so maybe in the first half, don't think they did in the second half especially, so don't get me wrong we didn't necessarily keep the ball well in the first half, we didn't dominate as we maybe should've done but I don't think we're ever really under much threat, which is a good thing I suppose and we would've liked to have played better, but we'll play worse some sort of time, I'm sure, the main thing is if we play like that when we're in our league we'll get punished for it so maybe get those bad performances out of the way and get ready for the league on August the 5th, that's when it really counts!

DK: It must've felt nice being captain and lifting that trophy?

DM: Yeah, it's always nice to stand in captain, whenever Keiran's not here or is injured, or for whatever reason he's away, so it's always nice to be captain for the day. I always enjoy it, and yeah, winning as captain is a nice feeling!

DK: Do you think this year, we could get playoffs? 

DM: Yeah, I don't see why not, I think I think when everyone is back from holiday, back fit, we've got a strong squad. We've got a competitive squad, we've got a team of men, we've had a young side out the last two games, I think that's mainly because of the people we have away, I think when it comes to the first game of the season we'll have an experienced strong squad with a lot of options and I think we're set up quite nicely for the season. I think in our league the way people tend to play football, you have to be strong, you have to be aggressive, you have to be willing to fight for 90 minutes and so the fact we've got strength in depth, and we've got a real team of experienced players will see us in good stead I think, we can reach for the stars and hopefully land in the playoffs. 

DK: Saturday will probably be our toughest test before the league kicks off.

DM: Yeah, Braintree will likely be a good game, I'm sure they'll be looking to get something out of it, I hope they'll hope for a good game from us as well. I think the game on Saturday, against Felixstowe played quite well, to be fair to them, I know we had a lot of players missing, maybe five young lads in the starting eleven in the first half, then more in the second half, but I thought Felxistowe played quite well at times and it was a shame that we didn't have a stronger squad for that game maybe, because that would've been a good game I think if we would've had a better team, it would've been a better game for the neutral, maybe been better better than what it was, and hopefully Braintree's like that. Hopefully we get a few more back from holidays, a couple that have been struggling with niggles, hopefully they're back in and we can give Braintree a good game, a good test, and test ourselves, and look forward to playing against higher opposition. 

DK: Happy with the squad so far?

DM: Yeah, I think so, there's quite a few players, like I say, we've got a few players that are missing. Some players haven't played many minutes yet in pre-season, and hopefully we still have time just, we've got another another 3 games, so hopefully they get plenty of minutes in the games to come. And I think when everyone's here, I think we've got a good team and we can do well. 

DK: Have you had a look at the league fixtures?

DM: I've seen the ones that the club have posted, I've looked for Christmas and New Year - just to see what's happening as you tend do, but I think we've got quite a tough start possibly. You say a tough start, you don't know what any team in the league is going to be about each year, until you play them, you don't really know who's good and who's bad until about December time typically, so there's a lot of turnover. Some teams are strong one year not the other, so it looks a tough start to me on paper, but that's a good thing. I think if we go into that and come out with a good start against supposedly tough opposition, then it's good. But I think we'll all look forward to the challenge of supposedly a tough start, so looking forward to it. 

DK: How do you think pre-season has been so far?

DM: It's been a different one for me, I've been away a bit myself, so I was away the start of the summer - first four or five weeks I was away, so I've sort of felt like I came back and I was straight into pre-season, haven't really had much time at home. It's been tough I suppose, straight into the games, I've played 90 minutes in the first four games, which I've needed most probably, like I said I've been away so most probably means I've been eating lots of food and maybe not as fit as I need to be for the start of the season. I quite enjoy pre-season, getting ready to go for the start of the season, it's all about getting minutes in your legs, some running in the training sessions and getting ready to go. It's all about August the 5th, whatever happens in pre-season, win, lose or draw, it doesn't really matter - it's about fitness, minutes in the tank, and building a togetherness and positivity within the dressing room, ready for the start of the season.

DK: Yeah, it's important to retify the wrongs from last year.

DM: Yeah, I think it's what everyone wants to do, obviously you want to improve year on year, so I think we've had good teams over the years and maybe not performed as well in the league, as what we should've done. We've done well in the cup competitions obviously, but we've never really transformed that consistency into the league, we can be great and beat Conference (National League) sides, but then we can play a lesser side in step 3 and not turn up. I think that's what we're looking to get this year, consistency by having strong players and having a strong squad, we can get that hopefully. 

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V FRAMLINGHAM TOWN | 18.07.2023 | SUFFOLK CHAMPIONS CHARITY CUP, PSF |

 Needham Market Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's win over Framlingham Town in the Suffolk Champions Charity Cup.

DK: Another win, that's the main thing!

KH: Yeah, I think that was about it really! I think it wasn't particularly a good game, we were way below par. I think you've got to give Framlingham credit, obviously they're several leagues below us. They've come up to Needham, they've set their stall out, been difficult to break down, but we were way below par tonight. And it took so long for us to get our noses in front and in the end it looks like a comfortable win, but there wasn't many chances in the game, which was disappointing - the lads know that we need to be better, and we will be of course, but like I say it is another win, clean sheet, and a trophy at the end of it, and it was all for charity obviously, which is the main thing.

DK: Main thing is the breakthroughs came at the death.

KH: Yeah, look we weren't good tonight, we want us to be more free flowing, we wanted to have more cutting edge going forward, but I'll take a little bit of the blame I changed the shape, we hadn't worked of it, obviously we've got several players missing but I expected us to dominate the football tonight and we were just a little bit lacklustre, obviously again I'm not taking anything away from Framlingham, thought they came here, put up a good show and a good fight and they were difficult to break down and they were in the game for the majority of it. So from their point of view you've got to congratulate them, give them a pat on the back, I think that's important, but we all know that we were under par and not good enough tonight. 

DK: Jake Dye's on another hot-streak at the minute!

KH: Yeah, it seems it! I wasn't actually sure who scored it actually, I turned away and just seen the ball hit the back of the net and someone said it was Jake Dye! We put in a couple of decent balls in from set-pieces tonight and we didn't really attack them with any purpose, but Jake did and obviously Jake Dye doesn't miss from a yard out! 

DK: Do you see, probably said about it before, this pre-season so far as progress in working on stuff we didn't do last year?

KH: Yeah, we try to, obviously in amongst trying to get the lads fit - obviously several games left before we're going to be up with speed, but they've all been different tests in their own right. Tonight was always gonig to be a tough one, even though the difference in status in terms of league positions, because it's a one-off game obviously a massive game for them, they want to come and they've got some good young players that they want to show how good they are and maybe prove a point that they've got a chance of playing higher, so it was always going to be tough, but look we've won, we've not conceded so there'll be tougher tests coming up, not more so than Braintree obviously on Saturday. So we'll have to be way better then, it's just a frustrating time pre-season really, in terms of you've never got a full squad, I think we had four, or five, missing tonight and then a couple come back then there's more missing. So we don't really get a full squad to pick from and to work on things fully, but we're obviously training inbetween that as well so by the time the season starts we'll be ready and raring to go.

DK: Like you say, the main thing is that we've won it 3 years on the trot now!

KH: Yeah, and it's important, I said to the lads, all games are important. I know people harp on about, 'it's pre-season, it doesn't really matter,' it does matter. It does matter, because when you play football and you cross that white line, it doesn't matter if it's for charity - like it is tonight, whether it's in training, or in five-a-side, whenever you cross that line and you're playing football, you have to have that mindset that you want to win and dominate your opponents, so it does matter. Results do matter in pre-season, albeit I've been involved in pre-seasons where we've been brilliant over the years and not lost a game and then been terrible when the league starts, in the same breath I've lost every game in pre-season and had league campaigns and won the division - so it's hard to gage where you're gonig to be in terms of from the form in pre-season, but all I will know, all I do know is that we'll work hard and we'll be as fit as we can be. Lads will know what they're doing and we'll give everything. I've got good players here so I'm looking forward to the season.

DK: Another big moment was Seth (Chambers), getting himself off the mark for the new season!

KH: I thought he did okay when he came on, actually Seth, he's obviously had several games elsewhere and he ran the channels well, just the real basic stuff of a number nine really, he ran the channels well, obviously won the penalty himself and it was cooly tucked away, so I was pleased for him. 

DK: Tev had his first game back after missing Saturday, he played well as well.

KH: I think we've made good signings, obviously some will take more time to bed in than others, but Tev's been in and around this level, he's knows the lads, he's got quality, he's got an infectious personality where we drives people on, he wants to win, he's a little chirpy, which I like, he's a good character to have and he's been a real good addition! And he can play a number of positions, we see him at right-wing back first half and then he was the driving force in midfield in the second half, so he's a good player and I'm glad we've got him!

DK: Despite all the disruptions within the squad, you're happy with how it's going on so far?

KH: Yeah, I'm manager at the football club, so I'm always the one that's going to be driving standards and I would loved for us to have been much beeter than we were tonight, we weren't good enough tonight. Good enough to win the game, obviously, but going forward I'm thinking ahead of the season if we play like that in the league campaign, we definitely don't win the game so we need to be better, we need to improve and I'll always try drive that, I think that's my job and Tom's and obviously the staff's, but I'm pleased with the squad I've got. I think I said it in the first interview (at Newmarket), it's way more balanced than it has been, we've got options in different areas, we had play different formations, we've got personnel that can hurt people so I will have a headache if everyone stays fit, which is, again, a big thing in pre-season. You want your team to stay fit, which we are, I'm going to have a headache come the first game of the season (Stratford Town away) when I've got to pick the starting eleven.

DK: Like you say on Saturday, Braintree, with no disrespect to anyone, it'll arguably be our biggest test of our pre-season schedule.

KH: Yeah, I know Gelo (Angelo Harrop) really well, I played with him at Needham, he's a great lad and he's cutting his teeth in management, but he's done unbelievably well, he did well at Sudbury the year before, he's gone in at Braintree and nobody apart from himself, his staff and the players that he got really gave him a chance and they did unbelievably well, so it's going to be a tough test for us of course, but again, a little bit like Framlingham probably were tonight, you want to pit yourself at teams in the higher divisions to see where you're at. I've got players that will hopefully go onto play at Braintree's level and beyond that and it's an opportunity for them that day to prove that and we'll see where we're at.

REACTION | JAMES LETTS, BEN SMITH, FLYNN CROSTHWAITE, OLLIE FRASER POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V FELIXSTOWE + WALTON UNITED | 15.07.2023 |

 After Saturday's 1-0 win for Needham over Felixstowe, Academy players James Letts (midfielder), Ben Smith (Defender), Flynn Crosthwaite and Ollie Fraser all sat down to reflect on the win.

DK: Starting off with you, Lettsy, how did it feel to score your first First team goal?

JL: It was good feeling to score, help the team get the win, and keep that momentum for the start of the season with a win!

DK: Took the goal well as well!

JL: Yeah, I was pleased, it was a good low finish.

DK: Moving onto you Ben, how did it feel to make your First Team debut?

BS: Yeah, it was a brilliant feeling to make my debut for the club, I've been here since I was Under-13, so to make my debut means a lot, as obviously Needham's part of me now, so yeah it was a nice feeling.

DK: Did it make it even more special to make your debut at Bloomfields?

BS: Yeah, course, obviously, I've been here for years and years so to make it here was a good feeling.

DK: Flynn, how did it feel getting the assist for the goal?

FC: Yeah, it's always good to get the assist for the winner, and yeah, I heard Lettsy screaming for it, so I've passed it across, Jamie (McGrath)'s dummied it and he's took it well. So yeah, felt good to get the assist to help in the game.

DK: Did you feel it was a good game as well?

FC: I thought, obviously, we didn't play as well as we would've liked but if you can play badly and still win you know you've got a good team coming together, and in patches I think we done things really well that we'd worked on the training ground, so it was good to have some combinations of play that were what we love to see.

DK: Back to you Ben, did it make it feel better and feel more at ease having quite a lot of your teammates from the Academy alongside you?

BS: Yeah no it was a good feeling. Obviously I've played football with them for a few years now, it made it easier coming into a higher level environment, it helps me.

DK: Lettsy, how has it felt to have now played 3 games for the First Team?

JL: It felt good, got some minutes throughout the games against good level opponents at step 6, 5, and now 4, so it's felt really good!

DK: Gradually playing teams at higher levels.

JL: Yeah, it's been a real good test, last year with the Ressies (Under-23s) it was step 6 teams, and now I've tested myself against a step 5 team and now a step 4 team, it felt really good.

DK: Are you feeling that natural progression?

JL: Yeah, I think it's been good, having good players around you help you through it and talk to you, there's lots to take away and learn from.

DK: Has it also made it easier for you settling in with the First Team, having Flynn, Ben, Ollie, Taylor, Seth, all around you?

JL: Yeah, knowing the boys from the Academy on a day to day basis is good, yeah the banter's there and you just know them all, so it's good.

DK: Ollie, talk us through your two goals at Holland?

OF: Obviously I've come on as a sub, so I thought I needed to make my impact and I thought the first one's come to me after Flynn and Lettsy's head and I've just seen the goal and thought top bins, so volleyed it and thankfully it went in. Second goal, didn't really think much of it, just got the ball and looked up, had a shot and it went in! So yeah!

DK: Are you enjoying pre-season so far?

OF: Yeah, pre-season's been tough, Tom's put us through our paces a bit in training, games have been good quality so yeah, it's been good. 

DK: Lettsy, having played the second part of second part did that make it any easier for you?

JL: I played with Flynn a lot last season in the Under-23s, me and him, in the midfield so felt more comfortable playing with someone that you've known better and played with before.

DK: Playing with more experienced lads, how much has that helped you during this pre-season so far?

FC: They've played at a higher level longer, so they know stuff that's required to make you better and I think the advice they give from the older lads in the dressing room, like mentally and during the game give you good information to perform better and at a higher level, it's been good getting experience from them!

DK: Looking forward to Tuesday?

FC: Yeah, Tuesday should be good! Obviouly they're a lower level opposition, but it's obviously Charity Cup game so you want to win it and keep up the winning streak going into the season!

DK: Ben, how did it feel playing second half?

BS: I've came from Under-13s playing Centre half, always been a centre-half, so it's nice to make my debut as a centre-half for the club. Nice to be playing with experienced players as well, sometimes at Ressies level we're young and don't get that helping along that sometimes you maybe need, credit to Shaneo (Shane Wardley). It's been good.

DK: Was it something that when you got the call up, did you feel a bit of nerves, excitement?

BS: No, I was absolutely buzzing, when you get that message, it was a nice feeling getting the call up, knowing the club value you and yeah I was really buzzing.

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK + TOMMY SMITH POST MATCH INTERVIEWS | NEEDHAM MARKET V FELIXSTOWE + WALTON UNITED | 15.07.2023 |

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V FELIXSTOWE + WALTON UNITED | 15.07.2023 | 

Following Saturday's 1-0 victory for Needham Market, Manager Kevin Horlock gave his thoughts on the game, pre-season so far, the league fixtures being announced and Tuesday's Suffolk Champions Charity Cup. See below for reaction from Needham left-back Tommy Smith and stay tuned for more reaction to be posted on Monday.

DK: Three wins from three, what do you make of it?

KH: Yeah, look I said it after the first game, it's nice to win games of football, whether it be pre-season or not. We all know that they don't really mean anything in terms of you don't get points, but it's mentality, it's about setting standards, getting clean sheets and winning games of football, so that creates good habits. So it's pleasing, I don't think we were anywhere near as good as we could be today, it was a tough game for us really with so many missing, but I said it all along it was opportunities for younger lads to come in to the squad, all of which I thought did really, really well, so it's a chance for them to dip their toe in as such, they done themselves credit today.

DK: Yeah, you spoke about the young lads, Clayton (Osborn) and Ben Smith making their First Team debuts especially, Lettsy scoring his first goal, Flynn and Ollie again impressing, it's good?!

KH: Yeah, and that's what it's about. Obviously, I've said it all along, I'm really lucky that we've got a conveyor belt of real good players coming through the system, through the Academy at Needham and when we have got bodies missing, which is generally the case in pre-season. I don't think you generally ever have a settled squad during pre-season, it's an opportunity for me to include more of them (Academy players) and give them a chance and like I say, I think they've all done really well today and helped themselves, because without being given a chance you just never know. I'm brave enough to throw them in, I'm not scared of that, some will sink, some will swim and I think they all swam today.

DK: Talking specifically about Ben and Clayton on their First Team debuts, I know we've talked about it a bit, but you must be impressed with that?

KH: Yeah look, in all honesty it was probably forced on us a little bit with the people we have missing, but I've known Clayton and Ben for quite a while now, obviously through the Academy so, I knew they wouldn't be fazed, I knew they would be able to hold their own and I think they've shown there that they can cope with step 4 team and albeit a decent step four team, they will be up there around the playoffs. So it could've been a tough game for them, but I knew they could handle it and as I said, I think they both came in and did really well. 

DK: Lettsy with his first First Team goal, was it a bit more pleasing for you that it was also set up by a Flynn (Crosthwaite), another Academy player?

KH: Yeah, both lads have been brilliant, again I've known them for quite a while now, so I know what they've got, they're both different in the way they play. Flynn is (/has an) aggressive, tenacious mindset, winner. Lettsy's a little bit different, quieter, little bit less aggressive but technically really, really good, he's got that trick or whatever you want to call it, that natural ability to go to receive the ball and let it run across his body it, just opens play up. They're both good players and lads that I envisages having a really good future. 

DK: League fixtures are now out, what did you think of them?

KH: I've not studied them, if I'm totally honest, they are what they are and obviously I know we're away at Stratford Town first game, it could've been better, it could've been worse. So at the end of the day you've got to play every team in the division home and away, so when you play them doesn't really matter. All I will know is that we'll be in the right, or the best, possible shape when we come to play that, so it's about getting the lads to that level, we're getting consistency and winning games, which is nice, so I'm hoping that when we get to the Stratford game, away first game, we're in good physical shape, I've got a full squad to pick from so I'm going to have a headache, hopefully, and we go there and perform, because if we do we've got a chance.

DK: Returning to today's game, do you think the result kind of reflected the game?

KH: I don't think we where nowhere near as threatening, or anywhere near as good as we obviously could be or have been, but that's always going to happen when you've got 5, 6, 7 of the lads missing, but I don't know, maybe a draw would've been a fair result, I think they've had several chances and obviously not hit the target. Marco (Marcus Garnham)'s made a few saves, but it's about taking your chances, so I'll take that. I'm not going to sit here and grumble that we've won a game of football, or maybe it should've been a draw, because more often than not last season I was sitting here frustrated when we should've got more out of the game than we didn't get anything, so I'll take it. 

DK: No injuries so farr (touch wood)!

KH: Obviously Reece (Harris) just precaution really, left him out, Taylor's played a game yesterday so I didn't risk him and the others were away so touch wood we're quite good at the minute. I think, well I took Ollie (Fraser) off, because his hamstring was tight, I just think it's important, especially with young players as well and all players, that if you have got niggles through pre-season you need to manage them. Because if you don't and you feel like you've got to play and your manager puts you under pressure to play, that's when you get longer term injuries. So I'm never going to do that and obviously work with Bex (Easy, physio) and be guided by what she thinks as well in terms of should they play, shouldn't they play, it's important.

DK: Moving onto Tuesday, kind of a bit more competitive fixture with it being for the Suffolk Champions Charity Cup, will that help?

KH: I think so, Framlingham will come here, it's obviously a massive game for them in terms of they'll obviously want to put in a calling card and show how good they are, against a team that's several leagues higher, but it's a game of football. I think I've got a group of lads that approach every game in the right way, so the fact that they are lower league shouldn't be an issue. The fact that there's something to play for adds to it, of course, and I think we've got a couple of the lads back as well, which makes us a little bit stronger as well, but we won't be far off what we were today, but it's a game we want to win, we want to win every game.

(ON players back) I'll have to double check, because it is like a conveyor belt at the minute, they're lads coming back, there's lads going away, but I think we'll have a couple of bodies back. I think Jake Dye's one that's back, I think Tev's back, Tev Allen, so we'll see. I think Keiran might be missing, I don't know, I'll have to check, there's a couple back, and maybe one more missing. We'll have a squad, we've got young lads anyway, so we'll be all good.

REACTION | TOMMY SMITH POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V FELIXSTOWE + WALTON UNITED | 15.07.2023 | 

DK: Your third game for the club, how have you found it so far?

TS: I've enjoyed every game, I thought that the game at Newmarket was good to get the rust off the legs, don't think I played my best, but that's not the main thing. For the first game of pre-season I thought I thought I got the rust off quite well. Obviously the game on Tuesday night (at Holland), a really good team performance against lower opposition, but nonetheless I thought we played really well. Personally nice to be 2 in 2 for goals and obviously today nice to carry on the win streak - maybe not as good a performance as Tuesday night - but another win's always good. 

DK: Definitely, and as you said there you scored 2 quite good goals for the club, what a way to start!

TS: I know, I didn't imagine starting like that, but I'll always take them so it felt good.

DK: It seems like you've settled in quite well?

TS: Well I'm still settling in, I've enjoyed my first 3 games, I'm very happy with what Kev and Tom want me to do, and want from me, I'm very open to anything. As I feel I've started the three games relatively well and I hope to continue like that and build up my fitness ready for the season!

DK: Having had your first home game at Bloomfields, how has that felt?

TS: Loved it, it was really good, pitch is lovely, atmosphere was really good, but like I said it wasn't a great performance today, but the win was still really nice to do. 

DK: Was it nice playing in front of all the home fans today?

TS: Yeah, it was, it was really good to get the feeling in ready for the season. We all felt the atmosphere and we really enjoyed it!

DK: Tuesday will be kind of your first semi-competitive game for the club.

TS: Yeah, first cup final, it will be a good game, against lower opposition but pre-season, you know, don't know who's playing, don't know what's going to happen but it's just good to get the minutes in.

DK: Have you looked at the league fixtures at all?

TS: Yeah, I looked at them briefly, looked at the first five, I looked at the ones around the festive period and all stuff like that and it's a nice opening start. Nice tough opening start, which is good, you're going to have to play every team in the league at some point, so it's nice to start off with an away game.

DK: I think we spoke about in your new signing interview, how playoffs and higher is yours and the other lads' target, having played those games so far, even with players in and out, do you feel like that's very much achievable? 

TS: I think with 3 games, 3 wins, with some good performances it shows the depth of the squad that we have, obviously we've got players out still to come in, so it shows that we're still winning - maybe not playing as well as we can - but with a deep squad, we're going to need all these players throughout the season. So it's really important to get the wins in and get everyone fit.

DK: Have you been impressed with the young lads that have came in?

TS: Yeah I have, I've met a few of them the two previous games and training, there's a couple of new lads today, but I thought they've done really well, but everyone's impressed me so far. I've been really, really impressed with all young lads and that's really good, I know that the Academy is one the best so it's really good.

REACTION | TOM ROTHERY PRE-SEASON SO FAR | 12.07.2023 |

Assistant Manager Tom Rothery reflects on Tuesday's 8-0 win at Holland as well as a look ahead to Saturday's home game against Felixstowe & Walton United (2pm). 

DK: Starting with Tuesday's game, how did you feel it went? 

TR: I thought we did pretty well, there were improvements from Saturday and things that we’d spoken about after Saturday that we needed to improve on and do better so that is always pleasing as I feel those things were better last night. 

DK: How pleasing was it to have most of the squad available last night? 

TR: We still have players away, Taylor, Seth and Hammo were not available last night and Saturday we have 4 away. That’s kind of pre season and it’s better to have players missing time then rather than in the season. 

DK: You must be pleased to have been able to work on some areas from last season? 

TR: As we said at the end of the season there were clearly things we needed to improve within the squad on and off the pitch. Kev and I both feel that with the players we’ve brought in we’ve added competition in all areas and that we believe will drive the squad on and create a really good environment and get the best out of us as a squad. 

DK: What do you make of our pre-season so far? 

TR: Early days but attitudes to training and games has been excellent and there’s a good atmosphere and a good work ethic so that’s a good start. 

DK: How pleased are you with how quickly the new signings have settled in and impressed - three of them scoring in both games so far? 

TR: They’ve all contributed to the games which is pleasing as it will help them settle and the quicker that happens obviously the better it is for us. Like I said previously we have full confidence that we’ve added real quality to the quality we believe we had already but added competition and plugged the gaps we felt were there. 

DK: Saturday, we're finally back at Bloomfields, that must be a nice feeling? 

TR: Always nice to play at home especially in the league season as it means no long coach journey. The pitch looks excellent so that’ll be nice for the lads and it’ll be also good to see all the supporters and for them to see most of the squad although as I said we do have a few away. Home is where the heart is as they say. 

DK: There'll be a few familiar faces with Felixstowe on Saturday, do you think that might make it an even more interesting game? 

TR: Felixstowe showed last season that as a club they’re continuing to grow on and off the pitch and I like their profile I would say it’s quite similar to Needham in that it seems to be done on a sustainable basis with continuing but gradual growth. They’ve added some good quality and experience to their squad with players like Jack Ainsley, Tom Bullard and Josh Mayhew so I’m sure it’ll ge another good workout for the lads.

DK: Are the goals we've scored this pre-season so far pleasing for you?

TR: Yeh obviously it shows we are doing something right and was something that we clearly needed to improve on from last season. It’s a good start and a good sign that potentially we’ve added some missing factors from last season but equally it is only a start so still things that we believe we can improve through more training and repetition and players fully understanding what kev and I are looking to do.

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEWMARKET TOWN V NEEDHAM MARKET | 08.07.2023 | PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on the first game of pre-season ahead of the 2023-24 season.

DK: Nice to be back?!

KH: Yeah, look obviously the off-season tends to go fairly quick, it's been quite a hectic one for myself. Obviously lads have been away on holiday and here we are! Look, the group's a good one, we've obviously added I think very wisely and we've got some really good players in, and the lads look fit! We've had a couple of training sessions and we're looking pretty sharp and it looks like we could have a good season ahead of us, it looks like I'm going to have a headache, because we've got competition in all areas now, which is really pleasing, so yeah it was nice to be back!

DK: Some good goals as well?

KH: Yeah, yeah, we scored five, three debuts getting goals as well which is pleasing. Jamie, obviously being a striker getting off the mark with a header, which we didn't score too many of them last year, so that was nice. Obviously conceded goals we want to eradicate, but first game of the (pre) season. It is about fitness, obviously it's about monitoring the lads' minutes, not overdoing it. We've introduced a few young lads today as well, which is good. So we're always going to moan about goals we've conceded, but we've won, that is important. I don't care what anyone says, it is about getting the lads fit and ready for the season but winning is a mentality and it becomes a habit, so I'd much rather the lads get fit and win every pre-season game than lose.

DK: How did you think the new signings did today?

KH: Yeah, they done well, I thought, look we knew what we was going to get. We know we've got quality, we know we've got lads that are going to work hard, that are winners themselves. So I thought all of them did really, really well today.

DK: You talk about the group and giving you a selection headache in a good way, do you reckon this is the strongest squad you've had?

KH: We've had some good players, we've had good players leave, so I'm not obviously putting that down, at all, but I just feel that we've got a more balanced squad this year, I think we've added real quality. We've added personalities in areas that we need, and it's giving me a more balanced squad in terms of more competition for places, because that's really important. That keeps lads on their toes, it means lads have got to perform to a high level to keep their place and if they don't, there's someone waiting to take it, who is their own right is a good player as well. But I think the toughest thing for me and Tom is going to be picking the first eleven for the first game of the season, because that's when lads are going to be disappointed, well I'm sure they'll react in the right way - whatever that may be and they all know that they're here to start. If you don't start games then you need to make sure you can get in there when you get opportunities. The environment that we create, or I created when I first come in, you have to train properly, you have to play well to keep your shirt, doesn't matter if you played 400 games or a young lad coming in as a sixteen year old, if you play well you keep your shirt - that's how it should be. 

DK: You talk about the importance of getting into the right areas and all that kind of thing that we didn't do last year, obviously you're pleased with that?

KH: Yeah, obviously I think we get in good areas of the pitch, we didn't score nowhere near enough goals, that was 100% our downfall last season, we've scored goals today, albeit the first pre-season game. Jamie's obviously been brought in, he's - I don't know - 6 foot 3, 6 foot 4, willing to run in behind, scored a header today, which is pleasing. We've got energy coming from midfield, so I'm hoping we've sort of addressed that in terms of we needed players in those areas up top to score more goals, or more than we did last season. Because if we'd have had more goals we would've been in a way better position, so I'm looking forward to it. I'm pleased with the squad, really pleased with the squad  and can't wait to really get started and get pre-season out the way and start playing league games. 

DK: Yeah, the onus is very much on improving on last year and righting those wrongs. 

KH: Yeah, league position - I've said it all along - I was disappointed, we underachieved, we should've been way higher, yes we had the cup run, FA Cup run, which was lovely. FA Cup getting to the First Round was creating history for the football club, which was brilliant for the lads and everybody involved, people that do so much for the football club, but winning the Premier Cup was nice - third year on the spin obviously was massive. BUT this year, the league's what it's about, we obviously want to try and do as well as we can in the cup competitions - like we will do every year - but the league's our bread and butter. It's week in, week out, Saturday/Tuesday, tough away games let's see what we're about. I think mentally we're stronger as well this year, so I'm hoping for a way higher finish than we finished last year. 

DK: Looking at last year, positively, do any highlights standout for you?

KH: Look, I always see as a highlight me managing Needham's First Team, something that I always wanted to do. In terms of the football where we had highlights was generally in the cup, obviously we had some good wins in the league, but they just weren't often enough, we did the double over Tamworth, who went onto obviously win it and get promoted, so we did have highlights in the league but they was just so few and far between, it's hard to pick them!

DK: Looking at the squad, do you reckon it's set for playoffs?

KH: Look, I'll always aim for setting out to win the division, I think you've got to. I think we're more balanced, I think we're stronger, so I think we've got definitely a better chance of achieving stuff than we did last year, so look we'll aim to win every game - obviously we're not going to - we want to win the league, if we do, we do, if we don't, we don't. If not the playoffs, if not we'll end up finishing where we deserve, but I'm hoping we've got the players and we put in the performances that mean we deserve to be right up there.

DK: Do you reckon it helped having almost most the lads available today?

KH: Yeah, there's obviously still a couple missing, obviously Jake (Dye) and Ingers (Luke Ingram) aren't here, who are obviously a big part of our squad and have been for years, lads have only just, Dylan (Williams)'s come back from holiday yesterday, so it happens this time of year. It is what it is, there's lads missing Tuesday, there's lads coming back, it is a bit of a miss mash and it's the time where I like to get it done and dusted really, pre-season, out of the way, where you know when all the ladss are available when you can really plan and concentrate on games. 

 

MOLLY HALL | END OF SEASON Q+A | 13.06.2023

Womens top scorer and forward Molly Hall reflects on the season, including scoring at the home of English Football - Wembley. 

DK: How do you feel the season has gone from both a personal and team view point?

MH: I’m really happy with how this season went. As a team, considering we were only just promoted into the Eastern Region Premier league, to finish third is an huge achievement. We seemed to get stronger and stronger throughout the season and managed to get some good results against top teams. From a personal point of view, I’m pleased to have been top goal scorer for the club and I’m proud to wear the Needham Market shirt.

DK: It's been another successful season for the team, but do any moments standout more than the rest?

MH: For me, our Suffolk cup run was the highlight of the season. Beating Sudbury early on and then going on to win the whole competition at Colchester United was a great experience and one we as a team have been focusing on for a while.

DK: Can you put into words how it felt to win the County Cup?

MH: It was an incredible experience to play in the cup final but to win it was the cherry on top. Knowing how hard all the girls had trained and the work the coaching staff had put in made it even sweeter.

DK: How pleasing was it to reach the first round of the FA Cup?

MH: It was exciting for sure and good to put Needham Market on the map. We are focused to get even further in the FA cup competition next year!

DK: What was it like playing and scoring at Wembley earlier this season?

MH: Playing at Wembley was like a dream come true, I still can’t believe it was real! Scoring a goal there was a magical experience and one I will never forget. 

DK: How do you reflect on the league season?

MH: Overall I’m proud of the team for how we have performed on the pitch and how hard we have worked together to achieve everything we’ve done this season. We have made mistakes throughout the season however I believe it has made us stronger and set us up to be in a good position to compete for promotion next year. We have a great team atmosphere and I’m excited to get started for next season already!

DK: I know there's a massive togetherness in the squad, but was it pleasing to finish as the team's top scorer?

MH: I’m very proud to finish as the teams top goal scorer and I’m hungry for more goals next season. However it certainly wouldn’t have been possible to achieve this without girls and the knowledge I have learned from the coaches.

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

MH: As a team our biggest goal next season is to push for promotion and I believe we have the ability to do so. To get further in the FA cup and hopefully win the Suffolk Cup again is another aim of ours. Personally, I’d like to score more goals next year than I did this year and continue to learn and develop my overall performance. Bring on next season!!

KYLE HAMMOND | END OF SEASON Q+A | 28.06.2023

Defender/Midfielder Kyle Hammond reflects on the 2022-23 season, retaining the Premier Cup and talks about his brace against Ilkeston.

DK: How do you feel the season has gone from both a personal and team view point?

 

KH: On a personal note I think I was consistent throughout the season, chipped in with a few goals which was an improvement from last year. Team point of view as everyone has said it was up and down too much and not enough consistency. Struggled away from home which we need to sort out but on the other hand we know we can get to the levels we need too with certain games we played like especially in the fa cup run. 

 

DK: Can you pick a goal you scored this season that stands out most go you and why? 

KH: My favourite goal was the second against Ilkeston little outside the foot past the keeper and was an important goal at the time, was a shame we couldn’t hold on to the win in that game. 

DK: How much did it mean to you to have retained the Suffolk Premier Cup again?

KH: Always nice to win a cup at the end of the season that’s something everyone wants to do and should be aiming for at the start of the season. 

DK: What did you make of the Suffolk Premier Cup final - the game itself?

KH: Was good for everyone watching that’s for sure, we should have been 2/3-0 up in the first 20 mins didn’t take our chances and kind of bit us in the arse as Stowmarket have good players and can hurt us at anytime and we gave them a sniff and made it hard for us. 

DK: How do you reflect on the FA Cup run? 

KH: Fa cup run was brilliant loved every minute of it, playing against better teams in terms of leagues and better players is what I love doing to show people how good we can be. I thought we gave Burton a really good game and credit to them they played their full team. Was the furthest I’ve been in the fa cup so proud of myself, the team and club. 

DK: What memories standout for you from the FA Cup run? 

KH: Just experiencing the whole day going up to Burton playing against them having all the fans travel up to watch. And doing ourselves proud. 

DK: Do any league games standout to you in particular for any reason and why? 

KH: Probably the Royston game at home on a Tuesday night think it was 5-1 or something. Thought we were ruthless that game and didn’t give nothing away and took our chances. Got two goals myself that game as well haha.

DK: Congratulations on signing a new 2 year deal with the club, how pleased and proud are you to have committed your future to the club? 

KH: Thanks bud. Really pleased I’ve loved being here from the moment I came through the door. Hopefully make more history for the club in the time I’m here. 

DK: What targets do you have for next season? 

KH: Targets for me are as a team be more consistent which ultimately means you win more games and finish higher in the league than we have in the last 2 years. Have another good cup run in the fa cup or trophy. Win the premier cup again. And personally try and improve my goals tally from last year.

JODIE SHARP | END OF SEASON Q+A | 13.06.2023

Women's team Winger Jodie Sharp gives her thoughts on the 2022-23 season, reaching 50 appearances for Needham and winning the County Cup.

DK: How do you feel the season has gone from both a personal and team view point?

JS: Unfortunately my season didn’t properly start until around October time as I got injured back in June during pre season training so I missed some games but since being back on the pitch I feel like I have had a strong season making over 50 appearances in total now for the club. As a team we have had a good season to get promoted and then come 3rd in our first season in the Eastern Region Premier division with a great FA cup run and winning the County Cup is a great achievement for the whole squad and management team. 

DK: It's been another successful season for the team, do any games standout more than the rest?

JS: The game that stands out most is knocking rivals Sudbury out of the county cup. Most of the team played at Wembley on the Friday then we had the big game against Sudbury 1day later it was great to get 90 minutes in a game like that and you could see everyone working so hard to see the game through to the end no matter how tired everyone was we never gave up.

DK: Can you put into words how it felt to win the County Cup?

JS: It felt amazing to finally win the county cup with Needham Market, we had been challenging for it for years and the whole group deserved this success. 

DK: How pleasing was it to reach the first round of the FA Cup?

JS: It was big achievement getting that far in the FA cup, it is such a huge competition and you just never know what is going to happen. 

DK: How do you reflect on the league season?

JS: Considering it was our first season in this league to finishing strongly in 3rd position we should all be happy, of course everyone aims to win the league but we now know we can compete at this level. 

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

JS: I think our targets as a team would of course be to win the league, and it would be great to reach even further in the FA cup. On a personal level I’m aiming to get my fitness back to the level it was before I got injured and polish up on my finishing.