REACTION + END OF SEASON Q+A #1 | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | 27.04.2024 | Redditch United v Needham Market

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's defeat at Redditch United, and reflects on the season. 

DK: A bit of an anti-climatic way to end to a terrific season? 

KH: Not really. It's to be expected. We obviously won the league with three games to spare. Look, we'd love to have won the last three games, but in reality, obviously, the highs that we've gone to, then there's always going to be a backlash to that. We've actually performed quite well today, I thought, without creating too many chances. I thought we matched them and showed a passion, which is, like I said, quite difficult to do when you've already been crowned champions and the lads are looking towards the summer. We'd love to finish with three wins, but I'm not disappointed in any way. It's been a historic season, unbelievable achievement by all involved. The lads have been magnificent and I think they don't deserve the three results that we've got. I think I can turn a blind eye to it.

DK: What's been your highlight this season then, Kev? 

KH: I think the information that we took on board and obviously after the first game of the season that I keep alluding to seems a long time ago. We've tried to implement different things in terms of timespan, a little bit more direct, not always through the thirds, which the lads have took to really well. Just defensively, we've been really hard to beat and we're a high-press team. We've got energy and to carry that from the training ground into matches and turn it into winning games consistently as a manager is what you're after. It's difficult for me to pick one thing out, but I think it's probably just the consistency and just working with the lads where they're so open to new ideas and training and working hard for each other. They buy into what me and Tom have tried to implement and this has paid off.

DK: You talk about how the performance has been up there with most of the season. It's just one of those things, that extra percent not there because we don't really need it.

KH: It's difficult, obviously. We're really light today as well. There's lads with knocks. There's lads not well. There's lads away with family commitments. So, yes, it was difficult. I think we've turned up today and we've got 13 lads today. It was always going to be a struggle. Obviously, the last three games, we've played teams that are fighting to get into the playoffs. So, three teams fighting to get in the playoffs, playing a team that's already been crowned champions a couple of weeks ago, is always going to be a difficult one for us to get three wins. But in all, what a season. It's been an absolute pleasure. I said the consistency (stands out most). I just think we've really become a team that can win ugly. Before, we were playing lovely football and everyone was saying we were the best team they played against, but they beat us. This season, we've maybe not been the most pleasing on the eye all the time. We have had spells and games where we've been absolutely magnificent. We've played great stuff, but we now can play a little bit ugly. Teams don't like us as much, which I'm pleased about, because the season's gone by, we're a little nice old Needham, a little team from Needham that everyone loved to watch, that we could play great football, but ultimately didn't win enough games of football. So, no one likes us as much. We got booed, I think, coming out for the guard of honour today, which I love, which tells me we've done well.

DK: What is your favourite game this season?

KH: I don't know, there's been a few. Obviously, there's been some big results. I think beating Telford away was massive. Going to Mickleover with a patched-up team, lads missing and getting a draw was massive, because that was when Mickleover were obviously flying. I think if we lose that day, the gap would have been even bigger. But that gave us a little bit of hope and wind in our sails. So, yeah, I'd probably pick out them two. 

DK: Any particular goals stand out? 

KH: There's been so many good ones. Obviously, Tev's chipped in with a number of good goals. I think the one that sticks out for me is Ingers' one, where he's clipped it in from near halfway. I can't remember who it was against, if I'm totally honest. But, yeah, there's been so many moments and games and goals. I'll probably have a little bit of time to sit down and reflect on it all. It's all been a bit of a blur and a whirlwind, especially with the celebrations, with everything, and obviously the Premier Cup. So, I'll have a bit of time in the summer to... Well, I say a bit of time. We've obviously got to recruit and think about next season and pre-season friendlies, and it all starts and going in the league above. But I'll have a little bit of time to myself to sit and reflect and look over the season.

DK: I hear plans are already in motion for next season.

KH: Yeah, they have to be. They have to be in terms of the football club. Obviously, we've met and spoke, and there's talks of turnstiles going in and new stands going in. Obviously, there'll probably be a couple of players added. So, yeah, you've got to look forward and pre-season games, obviously preparing for what will be our first season in that second Step 2 against some massive teams. I think at the minute, I think Scunthorpe are still in it, who I obviously went to late on in my career. I didn't actually play in the end there because I was injured, but they were in the Championship when I went there, and now a little old Needham playing against them, potentially, if they don't go up through the play-offs. So, we've got a big summer ahead, but a big season ahead next year and everything to look forward to.

DK: How much did the celebrations mean to you? 

KH: Yeah, it was important to enjoy the good moments in football. I've been lucky enough to have a few over my playing career and as a player. But there is a lot of disappointment in football as well, loads of it. So, you've got to enjoy the good moments.

So, it was important and I'm pleased the lads got together and celebrated long and hard, as you can tell by the last three fixtures. But I think they'll go away together in the summer, which is important, team bonding and all that for next season. But when push comes to shove, once we're back training for pre-season, this group, I know, will give everything and be ready. And I think we might surprise a few. 

DK: Being a tight-knit squad, you're not expecting many outgoings?

KH: No, no, not really. So, we're keeping the core together, that they deserve that chance at Step 2. They've worked so hard to get there and I think they're capable. So, we might surprise a few. Little old Needham might keep surprising people up the football pyramid. So, if they do underestimate us, then who knows? It could be a very good season for us.

REACTION | Marcus Garnham | League, County Cup Double Champions | 20.04.2024

Interviews from double trophy lift day

Reaction on our league win.

Goalkeeper Marcus Garnham reflects on the historic league and cup double.

DK: How does it feel to have finally got your hands on both trophies? 

MG: Yeah, it's a fantastic feeling. I think there's no other feeling like it, really. You know, we've worked so hard this year, been through some tough times at this club in the past few years in the league and to turn that all around is really special, I think, and it's special for all the people involved at the club, you know, like Mark and the chairman and Graham, people who do the tannoy, people behind the bar, Clarkey, like there's just so many people that just do so much for us as a team that you can't really put into words. It's just a bit ridiculous, really, considering where we were last year and Kev kept telling us, you know, that we're so close to being an unbelievable team and we didn't believe it and we've just proved them right this year, to be fair. I mean, we haven't had wholesale changes, we haven't changed totally as a team. We've signed three players, four players, sort of thing and they've all been fantastic and I'm really proud of everyone, to be fair. It's a fantastic moment for Suffolk football as well because I can't remember anyone winning the league at Step 3 going into Step 2. So, yeah, I'm really chuffed for everyone at the club and to have the club, you know, lift the trophy, you know, Tom and Kev do so much for us. They take the pressure off us, they give us the information that we need, you know, they're just brilliant guys and, you know, I owe a lot to Kev and Tom for everything they've done for me, to be fair. 

DK: When did you think we were going to win it, the league? I never really thought it, really. 

MG: I'm a bit like, I feel like Keiran in that sense, like a bit of a pessimist, like you kind of think of the worst case situation and you kind of just want to keep winning until it's like done. I don't, I didn't think we'd won it. It didn't really sink in even after the other week when we won it and it was all mathematically sorted. I was like, it didn't sink in and I was like, oh okay, we've won it and I couldn't believe it. Then it was, I've never had a feeling before, I was a bit numb, I didn't know what to do until that day and then the whistle went and we'd won the game and the rest is history and that's when I, that's the only time. Then today's really the only time I've really believed that we're gonna, we've got it because we had the trophy, you know, so yeah.

DK: How did it feel to take all those photos with teammates and family? 

MG: Yeah, it's brilliant. You know, as I've said before, it's people, I think I said it at Yeovil, like people go into situations and play football, never achieving anything in their whole career, never do anything. I mean, I wouldn't call this a career, I'd call it a hobby I get, you know, I travel around the country and enjoy it, you know, I'm not at that elite, elite level but you go for it, some people go through a whole career of not doing anything, don't achieve anything, don't win anything, don't, just play football for fun and we've had some very special moments at this club in the past three, since I've been here really, we've had some very, very special moments and this is just the cherry on top of everything that we've done as a team, you know, I'm one of the, I'm the oldest person in the team, we've got a lot of youngsters come through and, you know, they might think today this is going to happen year on, year out, it doesn't, you know, you'll be 15 years down the line and it might happen if you're lucky one more time. 

So, you know, you've got to enjoy it, let it sink in, don't take it for granted and take that into next season. 

DK: Must have been more special to have the photos with not just the league but your favourite county cup? 

MG: Yeah, it was nice, you know, I've won it a few times over the years and it's always been a good cup to me, I've always been quite successful playing in that cup, it does help playing for, you know, some of the bigger sides in the county to get in those situations but, you know, you've still got to win the games, still got to beat the teams in front of you and it's just, you know, it's a special cup to me, I've won it 10 times and, you know, the league on top of that and having done the double is a fantastic feeling and, you know, I want to thank every single player that I've played with this year for making that possible, Keiran and Dan have been immense, unbelievable all season. We just seem to know each other really well, how we play, what to expect from each other, we get each other out of trouble on numerous occasions and it goes, you know, without being noticed. Tommy Smith stepped in at left back and been phenomenal, just been solid as a rock all season and then Jakey Dye, just doing what Jakey Dye does, you know, and then we've had Hammo just can play literally in any position on the pitch and give you an 8 out of 10 and he stepped in the past few games and been brilliant so, you know, those lads have helped me massively, you know, it's been one of my quiet seasons to be fair, I haven't been having to make saves after saves every game but, you know, I like to think I've contributed when I've had to when we've been up against it, you know, and yeah, the lads, it's just all about the lads, it's nothing, it's not me, it's, you know, it's a team effort and everyone's, you know, contributed in some way this year to get us over the line. 

DK: Surely though, no one's won the Premier Cup six years in a row like you have. 

MG: Yeah, I don't know, I don't know, I haven't checked, I don't know, all I checked was to see how many that I've won and I've won 10 now, six on the bounce is not bad, you know, I'm fortunate, you know, it's very fortunate, I can't take it for granted, there's people that play in that cup every year and don't win it ever, just one of those things, isn't it, Drew, to be fair, it's a cup that's been good to me so I've just got to enjoy it while it lasts. 

DK: What do you do with all your medals? 

MG: I normally give them medals to my mum and she puts them away for me in a box and so when it comes to the time when I finally call time on my time playing football, I can reflect back and enjoy, you know, all the things that I've managed to achieve locally. 

DK: Where does this rank with your career because you've, I believe you've won a few leagues and even leagues and cup doubles? 

MG: I mean, this is, this is everything, isn't it, really, step three, I've never won step three before, this is it really, this is the pinnacle, this is the highest I've managed to achieve, so yeah, this is it, you know, the lads are fantastic and yeah, I love it and yeah, this is it, this is the best it's been so I'm going to enjoy it as much as I can and milk it as much as I can into pre-season, hopefully. 

DK: Pre-season staying with us?

MG: Yeah, hopefully, obviously, there's things to sort out regarding work and stuff, you know, with travel and things like that but, you know, I'm going to go into, I'm going to go into it hoping that I can do it and we'll see what goes with me. 

REACTION | KYLE Hammond | League, County Cup Double Champions | 20.04.2024

Interviews from Saturday's title lift

Interviews from winning the league 

Kyle Hammond reflects on winning the double. 

DK: How does it feel to be double champions? 

KH: Yes, unbelievable feeling. Just, I don't know, really can't put it into words. We came into the season hoping we'd just be fighting in and around playoffs, but as the season's gone on, we had a little sticky spell at the start, but as soon as we got the right formula, there was just this feeling around the camp, especially for me. I've been saying it for a while. We're just going to win the league. I've been saying it before Christmas, and we just kept churning out results when we haven't been playing very well. We still won, and at the end of the day, that's what football's all about.

DK: How'd it feel to be holding it finally in your hands? 

KH: Oh yeah, it's been a bit of a long, long while, really. Like, since we've actually won the league, we've had our sandals on at the end of the day, you know what I mean? Just to be honest, you do lose that little bit of, like, we need to win. It doesn't matter if we lose now, and then there's just that tiny, like, one percents, and when you lose one percents, that's the difference between winning and losing in football, because there's no bad, bad, rubbish teams as such, but it's just those little one percents, that extra one percent running, extra one percent everything else. That's what makes you win games. And we've had that this season. I think the players we added in the summer just added that little bit of difference to us. A little bit of just, just a bit more, just energy, passion, just experience. And look, at the end of the day, we've turned, since I've been at the club, other than a few cup runs, which is good, because cup runs are just one-off games, so, like, you can keep going through a one-off game, but in a league, we've been poor, let's be honest. And this year, it's just, we've been just so consistent, and consistency brings you consistent performances, which gives you chances to win games, and we've won a lot of games this year. And it's been strange, like, we've been laughing on the coach home, or, like, thinking, like, how are we in this situation? But we've earned it, we've earned it. So, we're there on mirror, and we've done it.

DK: You're talking about how we've made history with the trophy, then the FA Cup, now with the league, and we've had the county cup all throughout. 

KH: Oh, this team, for the last three years, or four years, whatever it is, has to be the best team in and around this county ever. Because over the four years, no one's ever done what we've done every year. So, yeah, but we've gone, every year we've made history for this club. And that sums us up, you know, and to be honest with you, that is for the likes of the people who have been here the longest. And, you know, your Keiran's, your Luke's, you know, Kev's been here, Tom, you know, all the supporters who follow us every week away games, you know, but it just needs to be realised how big of a feat with what we've done. Because I don't think people understand quite what we've done. And next year will be, in my opinion, next year will go one or two ways. It will, we'll do really well and people won't respect us. So that means we're better like that or it'll be a struggle. No bones about it. But I think we've got enough in our dressing room. Maybe add a couple more players and I think we will be alright.

DK: Yeah, and in the Premier Cup to this season, four on the spin, that's another special achievement. 

KH: Oh yeah, yeah. I mean, I've been here for three, I think. Yeah, I think I've been here for three and all of the finals, in my opinion, we've played not very well, but we've won. And again, we just find a way to win. And yeah, four, I've got now, I think I've got five now. So I'm trying to beat Marco's record. So hopefully I'll do that. Get another one next year. Marco will get another one next year, I suppose. And then once he retires or whatever, hopefully I'll take him over.

DK: Yeah, you're halfway to Marco's.  

KH: Oh, he's unbelievable. He's unbelievable, isn't he? Like, you know, he hasn't had exactly loads to do, but when he has loads to do, he moans.

When he doesn't have loads to do, he moans. So, but it's been quiet this year, to be fair. We've done, as obviously, I played right back the last few games since Jake's been injured. But as Marco, back four, and then just me, the midfield, I think we've just been so solid this year. I think that's just changed us a little bit. You know, just that little bit of oomph in there. And just, I think we've done, I think we've been so solid in the midfield. It's a bit, you know, not midfield, and just defending as a team. That is as a team, because the forwards do everything.

We back it up, and then, you know, back four just head, kick, defend really well. Do you know what I mean? And then Marco's just there when it doesn't, we don't do it, our job. Marco's just always there.

So it's just been, mate, the formula's just been really good. And we just got it, and to be honest with you, we've got personalities in the team who self-manage the team as well. And that's not a bad, that's not, I'm not saying that's a bad thing, as in Tom and Kev tell us, but we can manage the game as well in the game. And we've done really well at that as well. 

DK: How did it feel to take all those photos with all your teammates, but also your family as well? 

KH: Oh yeah, a special moment, isn't it? You know, you've got to just soak it in, because this might not ever happen again. So you've got to soak it in, and just these moments will be there forever. So you've just got to take every opportunity to do that.

So just, yeah. You know, family, friends, partner, whatever. You had to do it. You know, it's just, not had to do it, I mean, as in, you know, they're the thing, that's what you want to do. You know, soak it in. Yeah, I mean, my dad comes and watches every home game. He used to come watch every away game, but since he's got a big dog, he doesn't now. You know, it's just, there's little rewards. You know, he's my biggest critic. We have a conversation most Sundays about the games. He's just to the point, you know, I listen to him a lot. So he's been there throughout my career as such. And he does tell you if you've had a rubbish game, and I'll take it on board and try and do better. You know what I mean?

DK: I can tell how much that medal means to you because you're holding it as if it's like, not really there. Where is that going to go after? 

KH: Oh yeah, I haven't really thought about it.

I don't know. I mean, I don't know. Where do you put a medal? I mean, my Premier Cup, I'll be honest with you, my Premier Cup medals, I don't know where they are. These, these are decent. They got a little strap and all sorts. But yeah, this one, I like this one. This one's good.

REACTION | Keiran Morphew, Luke Ingram, Adam Mills | League Champions Reaction | 20.04.2024 |

Click the above photo, or this text, to watch the video interview.

Captain Keiran Morphew, Adam Mills and Luke Ingram reflect on the season. 

DK: Start off with you Keiran as a captain, how does it feel to be holding two trophies? 

KM: Yeah, quality. Can't believe it's really going to happen to be honest. During the year you never think you're going to win the league, but you find yourself top of the league for about three or four months and then you win it three games to spare. And then you find out you're not bad as a team. No, quality. To do the cup as well with Suffolk, never done that before I don't think. League and cup double at step three, so one for the record books. 

DK: Lukey, how does it feel to have done it with the three of you, being here last time you won the league? 

LI: Yeah, special. Millzy's done a world tour, then he's come back. He didn't realise that this is the best place to be. But yeah, like I say, I'm with my best mate Morphs. So yeah, special. This is by far and away the best club to be at. You get treated like kings. It's just a special thing that happened to us. Very happy. 

DK: And Milzy, how does it feel to be back as champions? 

AM: It's good to be back. It was a no-brainer really. Come back with the lads. Been here enough times now. It's good to be back.

KM: And he gets a medal as well! Love it baby! 

DK: You're not going anywhere then anytime soon? 

AM: No, I'm staying until I retire. 

KM: Heard it here FIRST! 

LI: I want that in writing! 

DK: That's going to be the headline now! What's the most special thing for you boys in particular? 

KM: To do it with Luke. Both hitting 500 appearances soon, 10, 12 years. I think that's paid off. Staying at one club and then doing this. That's just everything you wish for really. To have such a successful season. Can't ask for much more.

LI: It's all the same people here as well. The people behind the scenes all driving the club. It's just a small village. We're only going to get so many people watch games. We're only going to be able to generate so many funds. They've done it the right way. No one can say they've ever won the league and kept their finances in check and stuff like that. This is by far and away the biggest achievement of anything I've seen in Suffolk non-league football. It's pretty special.

DK: Has it sunk in for any of you yet? 

KM: We won it last month. It sunk in last month really that we won the league. 

LI: We would have rather won it last minute so everyone's still buzzing. We've been out on the lash and had a hangover for a week then lost a game and then lost another game. At the end of the day... KM: We're on holiday! LI: Yeah, we're on holiday! It's happy days! You win it early and it's such a good achievement. It's unheard of really. 

DK: It's a quick return from holiday for Tuesday night though. 

KM: Turn it On then turn it off for Tuesday night. LI: Stamford are good lads. We wanted them to go well. What can you say? We've lost today. We've won the league nearly a month ago. It's outrageous. We're going to have a few beers now, a bit of karaoke. We're going to enjoy it and celebrate. None of us ever thought this would happen. 

DK: When did each of you think we were going on to win it? 

KM: I'm pessimistic. I still didn't think we were going to win it. On the actual day we won it, Ings thought we won it at Christmas. He wanted to book the end of the season due for the 4th of May. 

LI: I thought we'd won it just as we finished the first game of the season when we lost 6-1. I thought, yeah, we've got a good chance. Outrageous achievement. We should probably really thank the management as well. They've brought in some good players. They've driven us forward. They've been telling us we'd win the league for ages. Even when we were behind their backs, what the hell are they on about? Happy days. Time to enjoy.

DK: What about you, Milzy? When did you think we'd won it? 

AM: I don't know. LI: When he was at Chelmsford, I reckon.

REACTION | Jamie McGrath Post Match Interview | Suffolk Premier Cup Final 2024 | Needham Market V Felixstowe + Walton United | 16.04.2024 |

Matchwinner Jamie McGrath reflects on Tuesday's Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup Final win, the battle for club's season top scorer and more.

DK: Well, that's the second trophy you've won us this season now. 

JMcG: I don't know about me, but it was a massive team effort and it wasn't the best game tonight, but finals are all about winning and we managed to get over the line, so that's all that matters. 

DK: Two trophies now, we'll get the second one later this week, you must be buzzing with that?

JMcG: Yes, it's going to be an unbelievable week and this was the perfect start to that week. We knew we had a job to do today and then that meant that we could enjoy whatever happened Saturday with the second trophy lift, but just to get over the line today was excellent. 

DK: Talk us through your goal from tonight.

JMcG: I saw Tommy Smith was free down the left-hand side, just managed to get in front of the defender at the near post and just about getting any sort of contact on it and then thankfully it flew into the back of the net. 

DK: I don't think there'll be many times so far that you've won one trophy, let alone two in the space of two weeks. 

DW: J-Mac, J-Mac! 

JMcG: Yes, it's not something that happens regularly, so I think when it comes around you've got to really enjoy it because, like you say, it's a pretty rare thing to happen, but it's awesome.

DK: Has it set in yet, the double champions? 

JMcG: Probably will more on Saturday when we get the second trophy, but it will just sink in what an incredible achievement it's been for everyone involved with the club. 

DK: Must feel nice to have won this, second on the trot for you and then fourth overall for the club in a row? 

JMcG: Yes, it's brilliant for me. I mean, I didn't really feature that much in this cup last year because I got injured towards the back end of the season, so to be able to play in most of the games this year, contribute, score goals, etc., it's even more pleasing, but like you say, for the club to win it four times on the bounce, it's just ridiculous and just a testament to all the hard work that everyone puts in at the club. 

DK: Having scored, what, you must be north of about 20 goals now this season. Do you ever get bored of it? 

JMcG: No, you never, ever get bored of scoring goals, no matter how many you score. And I think particularly on occasions like tonight, it's extra pleasing. 

DK: I think you're, if not dead level, I think you're within one or two away from Seth, as overall top scorer this season. One mad battle you two are having.

JMcG: Yeah, you know, Seth's been excellent, particularly in this competition. He's scored, it feels like, hundreds of goals in this competition. So yeah, it's been a credit to him, the progression that he's made this season. Not just the goals, I think his all-round play, he's been excellent and he's been a threat all season long. So yeah, neither of us really care about who finishes on top. It's just been great that we've both been able to contribute so much more this year.

DK: After the first half was a bit more of a tighter battle as such. The second half, we imposed what we've done all season.

JMcG: Yeah, I think there's been many occasions this year where we've come in at halftime at 0-0 and then come out second half and won 2, 3-0. So there was no panic stations at halftime. We played OK, could have probably played a bit better. They were decent, to be fair to them. They passed the ball around nicely. They worked hard. They pressed us and made it a real battle. So yeah, we had to get through that first half. And then obviously the sending off helped as well. But like I say, we've done it so often where we've come out second half and then really took the game to the opposition. So I'm sure we'd have done that anyway. 

DK: Did you enjoy your first of two photos with the trophy?

JMcG: Yeah, it's always nice to get a picture with the trophy. And I'm sure there'll be more from the dressing room and there'll be more to come on Saturday as well.

DK: Yeah, you'll have both on Saturday. 

JMcG: Yeah, exactly. The photos, the celebrations, everything. It's just incredible. And yeah, we're really looking forward to the occasion. 

REACTION | Kevin Horlock, Tom Rothery Post Match Double Interview | Suffolk Premier Cup Final 2024 | Needham Market 2-0 Felixstowe + Walton United | 16.04.2024 |

Manager Kevin Horlock and Assistant Manager Tom Rothery reflect on winning a league and cup double.

DK: I don't know which one of you wants to start us off by recapping that game. 

KH: It weren't a spectacle, but obviously off the back of getting promoted, and which was an unbelievable feat from everyone involved, to put the cherry on the cake, to win a Premier Cup, it didn't matter how it happened and we got the job done. It wasn't a great game. It was slow tempo. They sat behind the ball. I know it's going to be said that they're sending off changed the game, but the outcome was going to be the same no matter what happened. And in the end, it became a little bit of an end-to-end training game, which wasn't great on the eye, but it's about the trophy, four in a row and a double. So we're all very pleased. 

DK: Did your tactics come to fruition tonight, Tom? 

TR: No, not really. I didn't think we were brilliant in the first half, to be honest. We got better towards the end of the first half, but obviously, like Kev said, the sending off does change the game. But I was still confident. And that's what we said at half-time. You know, we've been in the changing room a number of times at half-time, nil-nil, still felt we'd go on and win the game. Obviously, you know, them losing a player potentially helps us go on and win the game. But I still think we would have gone on and won the game. But we don't know that now. And at the end of the day, all that matters is you win the trophy. And I said that last year when we did the interview about, you know, is it going to be a spectacle? You hope it is. And, you know, you always hope the final's a great game and you play the best that you can and you win. But ultimately, I'd rather do ugly and win than play brilliantly and lose. So, you know, that is all that matters in a cup final. It just wasn't a great game, unfortunately, for people that watched. I don't think it would have been that enjoyable for the spectators. But, you know, from our point of view as a management team, you just want to win. And that's what we've done. That kind of is what we've done all season. We didn't concede again, you know, and we've found a way to win. So we've been very good at that this season. 

DK: Did it seem poetic that it was Jamie to win the league and this cup? 

KH: He scored, yeah, he scored the hat-trick, didn't he? And he scored again tonight. He's a player that obviously... It was Tom that... He got mentioned. He came to the club and we see something in him that was transferable to any level of football. And he's obviously got up to speed with it. He's got stronger. He's got to the pace of the game at the level we play at. And he's been sensational, to be fair. I know he had injuries, but when he's been in the team, he's contributed. He's not just scored goals, but he's brought the team into it and hold-up play was really good. So he's been a really good signing. So I'm pleased that he's got the goals. It just shows there's good players at lower levels that all they need is an opportunity. And we've just basically given him the platform to go and show what he's got. And he's done that. And he paid us with goals that he scored. 

DK: How does it feel to both of you, personally, to have made double history in both ways? 

KH: Yes, look, since I've come into the football club, obviously, as academy manager first.

And then, obviously, the upheaval of a manager losing his job, which is never nice for anybody. The best signing I made was convincing Tom to stay because he's a loyal man. And obviously, Wilks had brought him in and we had a conversation. And I'm thankful he stayed because it just works. We're different characters, but we get on like an house on fire and we bring different things to the party. And Tom does things that I can't do. And I do things that Tom can't do or don't want to do even. And it just works. We work so well. And I'm lucky to have Tom here. And the group of players we got to work with is a pleasure as well.

DK: How about you, Tom? 

TR: Yes, I mean, to be brutally honest, when Wilks left, the first thing I wanted to do was leave because that's kind of how I'm made up. And that was my first initial reaction. It was Graham Emerson that made me sort of think about it, really, and then meet with Kev.

And once I met with Kev, really, to be honest with you, it's just like I've said before, he's a very infectious character. So, you know, Kev says about it being a good decision. It was a great decision by me as well because I thoroughly enjoyed working with him. And, you know, and I've always said, I've always felt we weren't a million miles away. But, you know, this season, obviously, to achieve the league promotion and then get the cup as well is brilliant. And the lads deserve a hell of a lot of credit for that and should be very proud of themselves, and obviously we're very proud of them. And hopefully the whole of the club is. And it's brilliant for everyone behind the scenes as well. You know, like I mentioned, Graham Emerson, Dave Clarke, Keith Nunn, you know, people like that, Cracker, Mark Easlea, do you know what I mean? Ken. There's so many people behind the scenes. Dave Hales, so many people behind the scenes that do a lot of work. And, you know, I'm really pleased for them as well, because, you know, we've had some tough times.

KH: For me, my driver was always Graham Emerson. Graham was obviously at the club when I first came here. He's been at the club forever and put a lot of time, effort, money into the football club. But he understands it. He's always backed us, me and Tom. 

TR: Yeah, 100%.

KH: So what we've achieved is, for me, for Graham, as well as anyone else involved. But the club's as good as it is and as great as it is. And it's getting loads of publicity at the minute. It's because of people like Graham Emerson that build it from the foundations up. It's not silly with the budget. We stay within budget, but he's there if we need help. And he's the reason why we're having all this success. 

DK: Four in a row, though, the third  team to do it just seems fitting. 

KH: I don't think anyone's won it five, but we're definitely up there with teams that have won it four times. So we're really proud of that. It's a competition that we take seriously.

We want to win every game we play. But the Premier Cup is one that we're proud of. We've obviously won it four times. And as much as we've got to deal with now, obviously going up a level is going to be tough. And trying to add one or two faces and the travelling we're going to have to do and the better teams we're going to come up against. We're still going to take this competition seriously and we're going to try and be the first team to win it five.

DK: It's the first of two trophies this week with the league title on Saturday. The continuation of the trophies. 

KH: Yeah, I think it's important. I think you're always judged as a management team, as players. Everyone asks you at the end of your career, what have you won? And it doesn't matter what level it is. It's still difficult to win league titles. It's difficult to win cup competitions. Obviously, it gets even more difficult when you go higher, but it's still tough. And not too long ago, I remember the club had a nice brand new trophy cabinet put up in the boardroom that looked blooming empty. I ain't going to lie. But obviously, over the last three, four years, we've added a few trophies in there and we keep striving for more. It's still got a load of space in it. So there's still loads to learn and still loads to do and loads to achieve. But we've made a solid start on filling that cabinet. 

DK: Do we start to call it the Horlock and Rothery trophy cabinet? 

KH: Well, I won't go that far. We might lose the first six games next season, they'll be calling for our heads. So don't engrave that on there too soon. Football's fickle at the minute. We're the flavour of the month. Obviously, we've done really well as a management team, as a pair. The team have been incredible, but football can change quickly. So we'll enjoy it. We'll enjoy it. But then we'll start working hard, trying to prepare for next season. 

DK: What's been the most pleasing moment? And don't say winning the trophies.

KH: I don't KNOW. I think the pleasing thing for me is obviously we discussed at the start of the season that our league form or league position had to improve. We've created history again. For me, the seasons before that have been really successful. The Premier Cup, the FA Trophy, to quarterfinals for Needham Market, the quarterfinals, two games for Wembley to lose to Stockport, who by the way are in League One now. The FA Cup run to get to the first round for the first time in the club's history was monumental. But we spoke and me and Tom said we want to improve our league position. We knew we were close, not a million miles away. We've added good players. The best squad, I think, or most balanced squad we've had, and it's proved that. Lads have took on board what we've done on the training pitch and Tom's done final third stuff and we're scoring more freely now. And all the little things and all the hours of work that we've done have contributed. And that's, for me, the most standout special thing is the progression that the group have made.

DK: What about you, Tom? What's pleased you the most this season? 

TR: A lot of things, really. So one being proven right for me and Kev, because we always felt we weren't a million miles away. But obviously you sound a little bit delusional when you're 18th in the league. But I never thought we was a million miles away. I think the cup runs sort of told us that and showed us that. But I think the most pleasing thing for me is I think we made some decisions in the summer, like getting Patch involved with doing warm-up and doing a bit of coaching. Munno obviously coming back in the building. The signings that we made, so that's pleasing. And then for me, the other pleasing thing is just watching the players grow as individuals and as a collective and really showing what they can do consistently. I think that's where they deserve so much credit because I think that we've always known the players are good players, but we haven't been able to show that consistently. And whether it's the little tweaks that we made, whether it's the momentum from winning games or what, I don't know. But like I've said previously, Kev's said about it before about us being relentless. I think we've done that this season. We've been relentless. The lads have continued to turn up, whether it be at training or games, with a good attitude. And off the back of that, they're now reaping the rewards. Obviously, a trophy tonight. They're going to get another one Saturday and they really deserve it. They genuinely really deserve it. I know that's a bit of a throwaway comment and anyone could say that. But me and Kev see how hard they've worked and I really do feel they deserved it. But I think we've made lots of little changes, not monumental ones that have worked. And we'll have to do the same again this summer to be successful again next year, which obviously is what we'll aim to do. So, yes, it's just nice when you put things together and all the hard work that you do, whether that be us as a management team or the people behind the scenes, like I mentioned before, it's nice to then get success and hopefully everyone enjoys that success. Because like Kev said, it can turn. We know it can turn. It can change. So it's important that you do enjoy those times. And for me personally, Saturday's a day I'm actually going to enjoy for once because I don't enjoy it enough. 

DK: How do we, obviously you're going to say go out to win the game, but how do we mark Saturday in an even more special way than it will be already? 

KH: To be fair, I don't think it really matters what we say now because you've got that much writing up to do, mate. I'm not sure this is going to be ready to be printed by the weekend.

DK: It will be, trust me. 

KH: I'm hoping people turn up in their numbers. Obviously, we had big crowds against Stockport in the trophy, in the FA Cup run. A lot of people have been through the turnstile, but not too often do they come in their numbers altogether. Obviously, we've got a group of loyal fans, not massive amounts. The young lads have made a big difference. I'm hoping they bring their drums. I'm hoping it's a big crowd. I'm hoping it's a nice game. I'm hoping it's nice weather and we can celebrate because what this group of players have achieved, and I've said it before, this season for me has been the highlight of my career, even when I was playing. So, I want us all to come together and enjoy and celebrate what we've achieved as a collective because I don't think it'll really sink inhow special it is until later years down the line. It's an unbelievable feat. A little team like Needham Market is going to be playing Step 2. And we've just won the fourth Premier Cup in a row when they'd only won two in their history. So, it's bigger than probably what people think. So, I'm hoping we can get a crowd there and celebrate. 

DK: What, bigger than winning at Wembley? 

KH: Yes. I suppose, obviously, as a career, as a footballer, that was massive for me. But the group of players I'm with here, obviously, being with Tom and the rest of the staff is special and it's something that is different to playing. As a player, you can affect it physically by running around more often than not. It was me kicking people on the pitch when you could. But it's different as a manager. I don't know, obviously, your head's there for the chop. And I've said it before, I get all the praise when we win. But I couldn't do this job without Tom. And obviously, we couldn't do this job without the group of players. So, it's about everybody. And that feels really special. 

DK: And Tom, how do you see Saturday without giving much away? 

TR: Me being me, it will put a damper on it if we don't perform, if I'm being brutally honest. So, I still will prepare for the game. And I'm hoping the players will. And I know Kev's laughing because that's just where we're different. I was still fuming after Stamford on Thursday when we turned up at training. So, for me, it's another game. But I am going to try so hard to just enjoy Saturday because it is an amazing achievement. And I want to enjoy it without being a grumpy little brat like I always am.

KH: If the deadline hadn't passed, I would have let them play. I'm not sure where I would have done that. 

DK: So, the players got absolutely racked with fire in your belly at training then on Thursday? 

TR: Not really. I didn't say too much. I was too busy moping about, really, to be honest. At the end of the day, there's going to be a drop-off because we've won the league. That's natural. I think that is natural. 

KH: And the fact that they'd been on the beer... 

TR: And the fact that they'd gone out Saturday and obviously enjoyed themselves. But, like I said, just for me, when you turn up to a game of football, you make a lot of effort to get there. You make a lot of effort in the preparation and you want to win. That's what football is about, isn't it? It's not about turning up. It's about winning. So, that will be the aim for Saturday. But once the full-time whistle goes, I'm going to try and forget whatever the result is and try and enjoy it.

REACTION | Tommy Smith Post Match Interview | Suffolk Premier Cup Final | Needham Market V Felixstowe + Walton United | 16.04.2024 |

Defender Tommy Smith reflects on last night's Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup Final, and winning a league and cup double.

DK: Well, nice for you to finally get your hands on it a year later. 

TS: Finally, second time lucky. I think it was more than deserved today.

DK: Yeah, do you think the red card changed the game, maybe?

TS: I'd say it had an influence on the game. I still thought we were in control of the game. I didn't think they really, really threatened too much. They do have dangerous attacking players, but I didn't think they caused us too many problems, but obviously a red card is going to be an advantage to any team. 

DK: I believe it was you that got the assist to the second goal? 

TS: Yeah, it was. The first actually decent cross I put in after about 100, so I'm glad that it resulted in a goal.

DK: After losing out to us last year, it must be nice to win it with us? 

TS: Yeah, it's lovely to do it with us. Hopefully many more, and I believe there will be many more. 

DK: Caps off an absolute bonkers season, winning a historic double.

TS: To be honest, I can't believe it. It's been an absolutely incredible season. I'll be honest, I did not have any idea of what this season was going to be like when I signed, but this didn't think was even a chance. I think we've had one of the best seasons in Suffolk non-league of all time.

DK: How do you have a better season than this? Is it possible? 

TS: Yeah, I'd say it's possible. I'd say we can really, really fight in this league next year. We've definitely got the players for it and definitely got the squad to really compete next year. We're going to do everything we can to finish as high as we can. 

We haven't been in that league before, so it'll be a good opportunity and a good experience, but I feel we can really hold our own in the league. 

DK: Yeah, it's going to be a bit more travel, but I think this year has given us a taster for what's to come. 

TS: Yeah, exactly. I mean, this league's a nightmare for travel, so all you're doing is adding a bit more onto that. The Tuesdays is what will hurt, but hopefully there isn't too many of them. I think Saturdays will be okay because we leave pretty early anyway, so we'll just have to wait and see and see how we go.

DK: Returning to tonight, did you expect it to unfold in the way that it did? 

TS: We know they're a good team. They're up there in the league below. We knew it'd be a battle because in cup finals anything can happen and form sort of goes out the window, but I still think we would dominate and we did. I still think we'd had the better of the chances and we did, so I thought the game went how it should have, but obviously a red card obviously helps us a bit as well. 

DK: Next up, we get our league title on Saturday against Mickleover. 

TS: Yeah, exactly. We're going to do everything we can to win that game. We want to win that game to show our authority in the league to the team in second or third. I'm not sure where they are now, but we're going to give everything for these next two games and finish on a high.

DK: It'll be one savour though on Saturday when you get the champagne in your hands yet again. 

TS: Yeah, it'll be a great feeling. It's already a great feeling no matter what happened before tonight, whether we would have won or lost. We've had an unreal season, so this just puts the cherry on the cake. There's nothing more we could have done this season, nothing more. We had a good cup run. Unfortunately, we didn't get into the first round of the FA Cup, but you wouldn't have expected this at the start of the season, so it's been nothing more than unbelievable.

REACTION | Byron Lawrence Post Match Interview | Needham Market V Stamford | 09.04.2024 |

Midfielder Byron Lawrence reflects briefly on tonight's game, as well as being crowned Champions on Saturday.

DK: Bit of a frustrating night tonight but nice to see you back out there starting a league game. 

BL: Yeah thanks Drew, I mean with us winning the league on Saturday it's a good chance for me. Kevin told me he wanted to give a few boys a run out, like so it's good for me tonight to get a get a start, and I just I love being back playing football again, so it was, as much of a frustrating night as a team, I still enjoyed myself out there it's good to be back with the team. 

DK: Yeah it must have felt nice being part of the team this season winning the title.

BL: Yeah I've loved it I mean when I came back into the squad two or three months ago I knew that there might not be lots of game time for me but I've probably got more game time than I thought I would, and I've managed to be involved with the lads so I've really enjoyed it and to come into a team that is doing so well. It's not bad, is it, it's not a bad team to come into, to end the season with a win and winning the league. It's kind of nice for me personally as well because it's been a frustrating couple years in football, so but Needham have been a part of my journey so it's nice to end of the season win the title with everyone. We'll see yeah I mean we'll see what happens in the summer but I've kind of been so focused on just seeing if my ankle can handle step three football again and I've played enough football that I think it probably can but my ankle's still not where I want it to be. I think I can get more out of it but overall I'm pleased with how I've come back into the squad, so we'll see what next year has in store - it'll be exciting for the club anyway whatever happens. 

DK: Definitely what did you enjoy most about Saturday? 

BL: Well I've never won a league title, so just winning the league I think. That was great I mean the celebrating afterwards was good fun. I mean that you could sense how happy everyone was after the game and it's like a relief and happiness. So the boys have worked so hard all season, the whole team, the whole club to get to that point, so it's just nice to see everyone smiling you know it's great! And it was nice to be a part of, whether, you know, however big or small my part was - it was just great to be involved with, it was good fun.

DK: Yeah you lot are such a close-knit team that makes it even more enjoyable. 

BL: Yeah everyone's really close this it makes it that's probably why we've gone and won the league the boys are all so close and you can see that and you can see that on Saturday night as well when we were celebrating so any team that wins the league have got to be close really you can't and the boys have stuck together the whole season and we'll stick together after today frustrating result and just enjoy the rest of the season. A few more games of the cup finals so we've just got to go and have fun and do the job properly. 

DK: Now, as you said, next up's the Premier Cup which means a lot to this club and I believe you've won it quite a lot of times as well so it'd be nice to win that again.

BL: Yeah I've won it a few times it'd be nice to win it again as a we're on a run now aren't we of should be the fourth year winning it if we do so the club will want to do that all the boys want to do that a league and cup double would be a perfect way to end the season and I'd obviously love to be involved in that as well. 

DK: Now it'll be double history if we do that first step 3 side Suffolk to win this division first side to win that cup four times on the trot that would be absolutely madness. 

BL: Yeah I mean it will be what we deserve if we get the job done because you know I haven't lost many games this season anyway and obviously the run we've had in the cup has been good so if we can just finish the job off on Tuesday and get that victory that'll be perfect and I'm sure the boys everyone will be well up for it and we'll go get the result hopefully.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Stamford AFC | 09.04.2024 |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's home game.

DK: Bit of an anti-climatic one, that?

KH: Yeah, I think it's always going to be. Obviously, the heights we reached on Saturday, winning promotion. Obviously, the lads had the right then to celebrate after being obviously crowned champions.
So, I think tonight was always going to be a difficult night. I tried to rotate it a little bit, give lads a chance, rested a few players. Obviously, looked after Luke and Keiran and So, I think I can't be too critical of the lads. I can't be too disappointed with the result. We're champions of the league and, obviously, we've got a cup final to look forward to. So, for me, the night was about, well, I wanted to win. I want to win football matches, but it's about getting boys' minutes and getting through it unscathed with no injuries, which we've done.

DK: What could have been better tonight, if we're being honest? 

KH: I think preparation. Obviously, if you've not been out in the, sorry, if you've not been out celebrating, it would have been probably a different story. Look, without being disrespectful, if we'd have needed a win and we hadn't got over the line on Saturday, I think it would have been a different story. But that said and done, the lads have earned the right to let their hair down on the weekend and it probably showed tonight in the legs that we hadn't probably prepared like we have done for all the other games that we've won. So, look, I'm not too disappointed. I know it sounds terrible, but we're champions of the league. Yes, I would rather have won the game and lost it, but we've not got injuries.
We've obviously got the weekend off and the cup final to look forward to next week with a full squad. So, I'll still sleep tonight.

DK: The only disappointing thing about tonight is the fact that's our unbeaten home record gone?

KH: Yes, I suppose when you start looking at records and feats, yes. But we've obviously got bigger things to look at than keeping undefeated at home. So, that would have been nice to go the whole season undefeated. But on top of that, if you'd have said to me that you're only going to lose one game at home and you're going to win the league the week before you do that. So, I'd have took that. I'd have snapped your hand off.

DK: Like you said, next up we've got the Premier Cup, which is important. 

KH: Yes, it's massive for us. Obviously, the focus as soon as we've crowned champions on Saturday turns to that game. Obviously, we haven't got a big squad. So, obviously, I wanted lads, important players, to come through tonight unscathed, which has happened, which was the main thing. So, we're looking forward to it and, again, to make history for the football club. In terms of that competition, as you're saying no-one's ever won it four times, we'll be looking to do that. The good news is we'll be at full strength and I'll have, obviously, a full squad to pick from.

DK: How much would it mean to end the season with double history?

KH: Yes, massive. It's been a big part of my time at Needham as manager. We've been really successful.
I think initially when I came in, the club had only won it twice in the history and we've won it three times on the spin. So, we're up to five. So, look, we're looking to make it six. I'm glad you give me that stat of the only team to win it four times. That adds that little bit more spice to it and more meaning for us. But it's a competition that we're quite proud of winning and we want to do it again.

DK: So, talking about the lads deservingly celebrate, how did you celebrate it?

KH: Nothing too major. Obviously, it's about the lads. It's not about me. It's about the lads. Obviously, we had a couple of beers here and we went down to the local pub and had a couple more and then obviously the younger lads and the older lads in the squad went off into town and had a long night of it, I think, which they deserve. Obviously, I left and then went home and had an early-ish night. I'm past all that celebrating, but I'm just so proud of them. I said to them, go out and enjoy yourself and hopefully you've got terrible hangovers on Sunday, which I think they had. Feeling like some of them might, by looking at the legs tonight, it looked like maybe some of them carried on into Sunday, but they deserve it.
They've had an incredible season and we just want to finish it off right now and hopefully put a good account of ourselves in the Premier Cup and it'd be great to lift that. Obviously, we've got two tough games, Mickleover at home, where I believe we're going to get the trophy, which is going to be a good occasion for everyone. Then, obviously, the last game away at Redditch.

DK: Did you have any celebratory Haribos? Did I have Haribos? 

KH: I don't think I did, but I might have some against Mickleover. Obviously, the trophy and stuff, so I might treat myself to a few bags.

DK: Well, I must have done it in your place then, because I did. 

KH: Good, that's all right. 

DK: Looking to the Premier Cup, Felixstowe are a side who we've had some very good battles with.

KH: Yeah, look, it's obviously a big game for them, obviously, but it is for us as well. We want to win it the fourth time on the spin. Whenever I play teams in a division high, obviously, they're looking to come into the division that we've just got out of. So, no doubt, they'll see that as a marker for them, where they're at and will they be able to compete, which I'm sure they will be. They've got some good players. So, they'll be up for it and it'll be a game where we'll have to be on full tilt and front foot and do all the things that we've done well to obviously get us where we've got this season to win the game. So, it'll be tough and hopefully it'll be a spectacle and hopefully there'll be a big crowd there to win. It's a game and hopefully, at the same time, they'll witness Needham picking it up for the fourth time.

DK: Hopefully. Big positive, like you said, was being able to give Hugh, Byron, Reece and Ollie minutes.

KH: Yeah, obviously, Reece has come back, so he's gone on and in the same breath, I've looked after a few. Obviously, Jacob Ley has come out, Keiran's come off, Ingers has come off, Dylan's stepped out.
Tommy Smith has played about a million games this season. I don't think he's missed one. I think he came off at Mickleover for injury and then maybe missed one, but they played a lot of minutes. So, I had to rotate. It was the right thing to do, but I think we're still strong enough to maybe get something from the game. After 24 hours on the juice and celebrating, it's probably took its toll, but we'll move on from it.
We've got a weekend off and then we'll prepare and try and lift that Premier Cup for the fourth time.

DK: Is that the main thing that, obviously, now we're just playing for pride in the league?

KH: Yeah, I think I want it to win tonight. Obviously, I want us to perform well all the time. It's difficult to drop your standards and then get them back, but come on, I'm a realist. Tom's fuming down there and I get it. He wants levels set and tonight we were below that, but come on, I've got to give the lads a little bit of a break. We're champions of the division.
I've rotated it, so there's always going to be disruptions within the squad and within the team. They're probably a little bit leggy from the weekend and all the dancing, so it is what it is. Tom didn't want to talk tonight. He's fuming and it's great because that's what Tom's about. He doesn't change whether we're on top of the league or near the bottom like we were last year. He demands standards and he sticks to his guns. I understand that and I love that about him. I'm as competitive as anybody, but in the same breath, I understand what this group's achieved. So, you've got to give them a little bit of leeway tonight. It wasn't a great performance. We've been much better, but in Stamford, we come up against a team that's trying to get in the playoffs. It was a game they had to win and you could tell that they had to win and we didn't have to win.

REACTION | Tevan Allen Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Royston Town | 06.04.2024

Saturday's interviews: 

Horlock and Rothery's reaction

K.Morphew and McGrath on Saturday's title win

Lay on Saturday's win over Royston

Midfielder Tevan Allen reflects on Saturday's title winning victory over Royston.

DK: Absolute bonkers day. How do you put that into words?

TA: Speechless. I think that's the only word that we all have really. As a group, before I even signed here, when I spoke to Kev and Tom, the general consensus was, it was kind of playoffs to be honest, because there was a bad start or a bad end to the season last year. Coming into this team, I definitely saw the team and I thought, it's definitely a team that can push for playoffs. But even after the first game, the way we grew as a team, as staff, as just a collective, as a family, I feel like it's really gelled together this year. Simply based on the fact of the players, we feel like we just coach ourselves, which is amazing at this level, at any level. And I think everybody in the league can say it's thoroughly deserved on all parts. So crazy day. Honestly, I don't even know. I've never been in a winning position ever. I've won one Premier Cup and that was it. I didn't even play in the final. So it's crazy for me, crazy for the boys. We'll definitely enjoy it tonight. But yeah, it's been a crazy experience the whole year. 

DK: How do you describe the game? 

TA: The game today was horrific, if I must be honest. Only reason I say that is because we didn't play our best. We haven't really played our best, but we've just found a way to win a lot of times this year. And I think that is a sign of a team that are going to be champions, no matter what. We're talking about in Premier League, in every league in football. If you're just industrious and you know how to win, then you get through games. And you saw, we didn't panic because we knew what the Stourbridge score was the whole time. Yeah, the whole time. Yeah, the whole time. We knew what the Stourbridge score was. So we knew what we had to do. None of us panicked. And we've got super J-Mac. So we never panic when McGrath's on the pitch. So yeah, that's all I've got to say about today's game. Because I don't think it was a great watch, but got the job done in the end.

DK: How did it feel to celebrate it on the pitch with the supporters and in there? 

TA: Unbelievable. Honestly, I can't actually believe it's happening. I know it sounds stupid because people will look and say it's only step three, but it means a lot. For this club, for the whole of Suffolk, I think I'll make a big statement when I say there is not a better Suffolk team ever. Because nobody has won this league. Not one, if I'm corrected or stand corrected. I think nobody's won this league in Suffolk. So it's an amazing achievement. And I think everyone deserves the plaudits that we're going to get.

DK: After you've celebrated wildly tonight and deservedly so, how do you bring yourself back for Tuesday? 

TA: Got another job to do. It's literally what we do. We've still got games to win. We've got a record at home. It's unbeaten. So we're going to protect that no matter what. I think that's the major one. Still got another cup to win. So it's just coming back down to earth after we finish, celebrating, coming back down to earth, getting back to the job and just winning games again. Because I don't think we want to lose at the end of the season. What's the point? We're not going to sack it off. None of the players would do that. None of the management would do that. So we've still got jobs to do, but we're glad that we got it done with three games to spare. 

DK: And how are you going to celebrate tonight? Do you know? 

TA: I don't think we want to talk about that on here.

But we're going to celebrate wildly, just put it that way. We celebrate how we should, I think how we deserve for the whole year of grafting, because I think it's been an absolute slog of a year. And it's going to be a lot of travelling next year. So we need to get our minds right for that. So, yeah, we're just going to celebrate how we should, I think, how we deserve to celebrate and just enjoy the time. Enjoy it while we can. I don't think a lot of people have said this to me in my career in non-league. You don't get good moments like this very, very often. So you just have to take them as it comes and enjoy it while they're here. Because football goes in a flash, whether you're a non-league, professional, it'll go in a flash. So enjoy the good moments.

DK: Have you ever felt the same jubilation that you do now? 

TA: Never. Me, personally, in my career, I've been through three relegations. And that's it. Like I said, I've won the Prem Cup. But even as under-18s with the Suffolk team, we got to the national final, lost in that 120th minute. Yeah, I've been in some downpours, but it's good. It creates character and it builds what we needed to get over the line, I think. Because you need people like that, that know how to struggle, know how to suffer for you to win. And I personally think in life and everything, you can't really reap the rewards of winning unless you've suffered. So I think it's a perfect, perfect day, to be honest.

DK: It's finally your day, Tev. 

TA: Finally my day, mate. Finally my day. I'm going to celebrate it. Celebrate it with not only just the players and that, eventually with my family, with everyone. Because my friends, just everyone, because I think it needed to be. Because I think a lot of people had, not a stigma, but there's a lot of, you know what non-league's like, there's a lot of people that talk on me personally, on the team. Don't think they will do certain things. And now I've proved everyone wrong. And I think that's the biggest thing, just proved everyone wrong. I've proved everyone wrong. Coming to this league, I've never played in this league. I've played in Step 3, but I've never played in this league. And yeah, I just think it's unbelievable, personally and unbelievable for the team. 

REACTION | Jacob Lay Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Royston Town | 06.04.2024 |

Other reaction from Saturday:

Horlock and Rothery double interview 

K.Morphew and McGrath double interview

Midfielder Jacob Lay reflects on Saturday's win.

DK: What a day that was!!

JL: Yeah, just incredible. Still like, left speechless really. I think some of the lads were like, we're just looking at ourselves, can't believe we've actually done it really. And yeah, we're just buzzing. I think we're going to have a very good night tonight. 

DK: What did you make of the game? 

JL: Yeah, it was always going to be difficult.

We needed the points and sometimes those games become cagey. But I thought for long spells, we managed the game well and we eventually got over the line. We're just thrilled to just get it done so early as well.

DK: When you were subbed off, you're the ringleader on the bench. 

JL: Yeah, yeah. Just trying to get the boys going over the line. And yeah, well, I think it worked. So, and now we can celebrate and just so happy for me, for all the lads, for all the coaches, all the hard work. It's just amazing.

DK: What was going through your mind after we went 3-1 up?

JL: Well, some of the lads were checking the Mickleover score and they were 3-1 down. So when we went 3-1 up, that was, I think everyone was, we've done it and it was just so amazing. 

DK: How much does it mean to you personally? 

JL: Yeah so good. Like all my family were here today and some of them were in tears and so proud of everyone really. So it's just like such a good day and such a good day to be a part of. 

DK: When you eventually get out of here, how are you going to celebrate it? 

JL: All sorts, all sorts. I don't even know what we're going to do. Down to the pub, into Ipswich and see what happens. So I can't tell you where we're going to end up.

So yeah, it's going to be a heavy one. 

DK: You could end up on the other side of the country. 

JL: Yeah, probably at this rate. Yeah, the way some of the lads are going, yeah. 

DK: And we're not even done yet this season. We've got Tuesday's game still to come. So how do you get yourself back in the mindset for it? 

JL: I don't really know. I think we're just going to enjoy tonight and then when Tuesday comes, I'm sure the lads will put in some sort of performance.

DK: It's just surreal, isn't it? 

JL: It is, it is. It's just, like I said, some of the lads just can't believe we've actually done it. I think everyone must have wrote us off at the start of the season and probably wrote us off to even finish in the play-offs. So it's amazing.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock, Tom Rothery double Post Match Interview| Needham Market v Royston Town | 06.04.2024 |

Other interviews from Saturday

Manager Kevin Horlock, and assistant Tom Rothery, reflect on Needham's historic title win yesterday.

DK: Start off with you, Gaffer, that must have been an absolute mental occasion. 

KH: Yeah, there was a lot of emotion and to finally get over the line is massive, like little old Needham. Probably no-one gives us a chance outside of this football club and to perform how we have done consistently over the season after, and I keep mentioning it in interviews, I don't know why I do it, after the Stratford game 6-1, you wouldn't believe this would be possible, but we believed, we knew, me and Tom know what we've got in the dressing room and the lads have been fighting and they deserve all the credit they get.

DK: Absolute scenes in the clubhouse right now, it must mean a lot to you as well as everyone. 

KH: Yeah, this is massive. Obviously, I've been asked about highs in my career and this is better than any. 

As a player, I think you can affect it physically, but to work with players and then to listen and learn and take it onto the pitch, obviously we've had to improve in certain areas. We've created history in terms of cup competitions in seasons gone by, but me and Tom have spoke about it and this year we wanted to improve our league form and be up there and be contenders, which we believed we would be. Did we think we were going to win it with three games to go? Probably not, but the lads have been brilliant and we'll enjoy tonight and then probably Tom, knowing Tom, is probably going to be in my ear in a minute about planning for next season.

DK: Did today unfold in the way that you predicted it would, Tom, with your tactics?

TR: No, probably not. Obviously, we didn't take our chances and then I thought fair play to them. Obviously, once they got the equaliser, it looked like they would probably go on and win it. 

But again, the changes that were made, I thought, helped us. Milzy coming on and then Jamie going through as the nine changed, whether it changed the game or the second goal changed the game, I don't know, but it definitely helped one way or the other. And then we went on and won quite comfortable in the end, really, which at 1-1 definitely didn't look like it was going to happen, if I'm being brutally honest.

But again, that kind of sums up, I think, what we've done this season and what we've shown this season, I think, as Kev talks about what amazing lads they are. And I think the biggest change for me this season is we've always had ability, we've always had good players. I think the biggest change this year is that we're so resilient. 

We've got so much. Most teams, they lose the first game of the season 6-1, they're probably going to lose three or four games after that and then you're questioning what's going on. But every setback we've faced this season or every game where we've been up against it, we've just reacted and come out the other side of it.

That's probably the most pleasing. I've always known we could play football. I've always known we could score goals, even though at times we didn't maybe always score our chances that we created. 

But I think this season, the biggest change for me is just our mentality has been phenomenal all season. 

DK: You spoke about the Barwell and the Premier Cup final last year, about how this has to change or you wouldn't be here anymore. Look where we are now.

TR: I meant at the end of the day, all of us turn up because we want to enjoy it and we want to be successful. Ultimately, if we don't do well enough and last season we didn't do well enough, obviously there's always mitigating factors, there's always that, but you can't hide behind it. I meant every word I said. 

If we wouldn't have been better this season, I wouldn't have been here because my own personal moral compass is that you've got a job to do and you've got to do it to the best of your ability. I felt we did that last season, but ultimately, when you're not getting the results and you're not doing as well as you can and should, then they're going to look at Kevin, they're going to look at myself as the first two-points of call where you look at them. So last season wasn't good enough. 

I always felt we would be better, but it's one thing saying it and one thing doing it. If I'm being brutally honest, I set out every season trying to win the league, whatever team I'm involved in, but there has to be reality within that and I still think us winning this league, I don't think anyone would have given us a chance and I think even if me and Kev were honest, we would have said if we get in and around the play-offs, we'd be happy with that because there's huge clubs with huge budgets and I just think for us to win the league, a village club where we're based and the travel that we do, I think it's an unbelievable achievement. I think the lads have created history throughout the past four seasons with Kev, but this speaks to anything that we've ever done. 

It might mean anything by quite a distance as well. 

DK: What was going through both your minds when we got to stoppage time?

KH: I was going to ring Ben and get a picture of me and Tom, like I did at Hitchin. There was emotion. 

I got emotional at the end and it's been a tough year for me personally, but the reason obviously I left the academy and it would have been easy for me to have walked away with everything, what was going on. The reason I stayed and I don't mind, I don't mind bad, but I stayed because of Tom. I stayed because of the staff and the lads. That's the reason I stayed and I'm glad I did because it's proved that there was something special. I always knew there was. Not only good players, but there was, I say it, there was something different. 

You can't actually see it, you can't explain it, but this group, I knew there was something special within them. I played in promotion teams before in my career and they had that as well. I sensed it was there. 

I'm glad I stuck around to see it through and for the lads to kick on. The lads will get all the praise, of course. People will try and throw praise on me. We wouldn't have got promoted without Tom. Tom is the backbone of it all and we're a partnership. In many ways, I see us as joint managers.

I listen to him and we bounce ideas off each other sometimes. I go with what I think and sometimes I think, Tom, you're spot on and we're a partnership. None of this would have happened without the lads, obviously, and the good players. 

I know full well none of this would have happened without Tom being at this football club. Tom deserves as much praise as anybody. 

DK: Tom said about how at one point it didn't look like it might not happen, but like you've said, this just sums up our season. We found a way. 

KH: Yes, and that's what we've done. We can win ugly now. We can play teams off the park, but we dig in. Look, I don't know how many goals we've conceded this year. Is it 26?

TR: There's six at home now.

KH: It's not many and that gives you a platform to go on to win games of football. People have questioned us in the past about not having a recognised number nine and in truth we probably still haven't. We've got an emerging one in Seth, but goals have been spread out. The lads stick together. They've got a willingness to win. They can win ugly and they deserve to be champions of this division. There's no doubt about that.

DK: It just feels surreal to be sitting here like you lot have all said, let alone Needham Market step two. 

TR: Yes, like I said, in our wildest dreams, at the start of the season, we're hoping we're going to be more competitive and we'll be in and around the play-offs. I'll be honest, we've always got our aim to win the league. 

I didn't think we'd win the league, to be honest, because I just think to win the league at this level normally takes a lot of resource and whilst our budget's okay, I think if we're honest it'd probably be midtable-ish and I just think that's testament to that. 

KH: That's that other extra thing that I'm saying about. So the budget's great, but with a big budget comes pressure. So it's that extra something and I think that comes from lads respecting the environment we train in, the environment we create. They're respecting what me and Tom are saying to them. It's a collective. 

It's a player and management team coming together and there becomes, I don't know, something else implodes and it creates opportunities that have happened today. 

TR: It's not even the biggest of squads either, is it? That's the thing as well, do you know what I mean? So we had a really tough spell probably seven, eight weeks ago where we had quite a few players out. I remember going to Long Eaton and we had a patched-up team that day, didn't we? And then obviously Jake got injured, which turned out to be the fracture of his leg. 

Keiran was out, I think, if I remember rightly. So then Hammo ended up at centre-half and we were three at the back, do you know what I mean? So we've been quite fortunate with injuries. We've had that one spell where we were really struggling with injuries. 

Generally the squad stayed fit and again, we've had to manage that, haven't we? There's been times of training where we've still trained but it's been light because one to protect the players and one to make sure that we don't get any other knocks. But you look at the squad, I don't want to single anyone out, but you look at the back four and the goalkeeper, the base that they give you and then in front of that you've got Hammo, Dylann and players like that. And then Jamie's definitely kicked on this season, Seth's kicked on this season. 

KH: Tev Allen, you can go on.

TR: Tev Allen's been an unbelievable signing, even better than me and Kev probably realised who he was going to be if we're being brutally honest. I just think everyone's had such a good season. I mean, we spoke about it briefly, didn't we, the other day about picking a player of the year. I mean, I don't even know how you start. 

KH: I don't even want to pick it. 

TR: I don't know how you start because there's been so many, you know, everyone's played their part and everyone's just had such a good season, you know, from one to 18, 19, 20, whatever we are. Yeah, even down there now, Patch has been injured all year. You know, I think that was good business in the summer. 

You know, we kept him involved, he's been doing the warm-up and, you know, and obviously he's tried to get back playing but, you know, you see him now with the lads, he's starting off the cheers, he's, you know, he's doing sliding skids in the bloody change room, sliding through the floor, doing dives, like, Klinsmann dives. You know, he's been brilliant with the lads as well, do you know what I mean? It's just, there's been so many, like Kev said, there's been so many factors and I think that, like I said last season, that was my frustration last season. I knew we was better than we were but I probably still didn't think we'd go on and win the league, if I'm honest, but, you know, it's... 

KH: Obliterated the league? 

TR: Yeah.

DK: How are you two going to celebrate tonight then?

KH: I don't know, yeah, we'll have a chat. I think first and foremost, I need to get Tom to agree to staying for years, as long as I'm here, because I couldn't do this job without Tom. So we'll probably have a quick chat and say, yeah, we'll stay as long as the club let us and then we might have a cup of shandies in this, mate. 

TR: I had a beer, yeah, so it's got to be easy but I'd have to have Yorkshire tea in there somewhere, I reckon, just to keep things on a level keel.

DK: You say about you both staying here, you signed a three-year contract last year, you've still got two more years left.

KH: I signed a three-year contract in the academy as well, mate (all roar in laughter). No, look, I don't obviously want to leave here. I've said that openly to Graham. I've said in interviews before, my driver this year was, and I'll openly say it again, was Tom, the lads, obviously Bex and Graham Emerson. That was my driver, so I don't want to leave anywhere. I can't do the job without Tom, so he's got to agree as well.

TR: I think Graham's already messaged me and Kev, so I'll reply back to Graham. I don't think it happens without Graham. 

DK: Just lastly, how do you lot enjoy it, but don't enjoy it so much that you're already ready for Tuesday?

KH: Flip-flops are on, mate. To the National League, we're on our way. We're on our way, we're on our way.

To the National League, we're on our way.