REACTION | Danny Cullum, Brad Smith Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Trimley Red Devils | 30.07.2024 | Suffolk Champions Charity Cup |

DANNY CULLUM INTERVIEW: 

Goalkeeper and match-winner Danny Cullum reflects on last night's Champions Charity Cup win. 

DK: Congratulations on the win tonight, what did you make of the game?

DC: It was very good game. Very enjoyable. Both teams done very well. And was good to come out winners. 

DK: You're no stranger to silverware, but it must feel nice to win something not long after joining?

DC: Yeah it’s always nice to win silverware at any club. But yeah makes it more special that it was here at Needham, a club that’s isn’t strangers to not winning anything. 

DK: Did you think we deserved to win that tonight?

DC: ⁠Yeah, I think we did, all the young players done very well to maintain their standards in the later stages of the game, and then to go on and win it is something everyone deserved.

DK: A terrific save and penalty from you to ultimately win it, what was going through your mind at those moments?

DC: ⁠After we missed our 5th pen I felt more weight come onto my shoulders. And being a senior player in the team, I felt I needed to step up for the team and produce some magic I say. But after saving and then scoring, my focus ultimately returned to the next spot kick. 

DK: Have you done before in shootouts, taking a penalty? 

DC: No I haven’t to be fair. When I train during the week I always have joke penalty shootouts with the other goalies at town and funny enough today at training we had a penalty shootout which we won. In my mind putting my name down to take a pen doubles my chances of being a hero. 

 

DK: How have you found the full month's games, been a busy schedule for you?

DC: Yeah it has been busy but that’s reason for it, but preseason has gone well so far. Plenty of different challenges which prepares us for an exciting season ahead, a season I look forward to being part of. 

DK: Still got 2 friendlies to go but you must be excited for the competitive games to begin?

DC: I’m buzzing for the 10th. 2 friendlies to go and we kick start the clubs first campaign at step 2 which should be very fun and exciting.

BRAD SMITH INTERVIEW

Defender Brad Smith gives his thoughts on last night's win. 

DK: Congratulations on the win, you must be pleased to have won that nailbiting game?

BS: Yeah it’s a good feeling to be involved in a game like that, end to end and a thriller for the fans to watch 

DK: A superb penalty from you, can you talk us through what you were thinking at the time?

BS: For me I’ve always preferred to strike the ball across goal from a penalty and find the left hand side so I had no doubts that’s where I wanted to go.

DK: A second County Cup win for you at Needham, and one for the first team must make it even more special?

BS: Winning a first team trophy will always be a special feeling as I’ve been at the club since u12s and another county cup to add to the collection is a nice personal note.

DK: Not often you win trophies with your family sponsoring the kit?

BS: Yeah nice to have something personal involved and I’m sure dad will be pleased with that one.

DK: After a tough result Saturday, it must feel even nicer to win tonight?

BS: Yeah it’s a good relief feeling for me and I’m sure the rest of the squad as the step 6 league is something that will always be a real challenge for us as such a young side but games like this help us reach the point we need to be at as a team.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Ipswich Wanderers 2-6 Needham Market | 26.07.2024 |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's game. 

DK: Good win tonight, you must be happy with that?

KH: Yeah, it was a good performance to be fair. I thought we moved the ball really well obviously. They've scored a great goal early on, a good strike obviously, and then from that moment we sort of dominate possession. Moved the ball with real purpose, good movement and scored six really good goals. I suppose the only negative on the night is we could have scored more, then maybe we should have and conceded in a second where we just get a little bit sloppy late on. Overall, I'm really pleased.

I was able to rotate a little bit. We have got some missing again tonight, but we've got more minutes in people's legs and we're starting to look sharp. Pre-season is going quite well.

DK: As we're getting on with pre-season, more and more goals are coming in each game. 

KH: Yeah, I think, look, let's not kid ourselves, we're playing obviously Ipswich Wanderers who are a couple of leagues below us, so we are expected to win, but it's not actually the result that pleased me tonight. I thought it was just the way we dominated possession. Our movement was really good. We created chances, got in good areas and looked sharp. We looked sharp, so pre-season is obviously closing down and coming to an end soon, so it looks like we're hitting fitness and hitting form at the right time. 

DK: As we've talked about a few times, the squad is shaping up very nicely and even more so tonight.

KH: Yeah, with the lads we got missing tonight and the lads we had on show, I thought we looked quite bright and we're in quite a good place as a squad. 

DK: Not many times do we score three in both halves?

KH: No, but I think tonight it probably showed the levels that both teams play at. I thought we moved the ball really well and they tried to play, but we looked sharp and we shut them down and won the ball back high up the pitch. When we're in that sort of form, we're a match for anybody, let alone a team a couple of leagues below us. 

DK: You talk about headaches with players still to come back. That's going to make it an absolute mad decision who starts on the 10th.

KH: Yeah, at the end of the day it's a good headache to have. It's not one that we've always had at Needham since I've been here. We've normally had a real strong 12, 13 and then made up with young lads. This squad is as strong as I've had. I said last season it's probably the best squad I had last season and we've added to that. So yeah, it's going to be a headache for me, but the lads know the script.

Obviously, earn your place. If you do well when you get your shirt, you stay in. If you don't, you have to be prepared to wait and stay fit, ready for your chance.

DK: Next up, another team in Wanderers' division in Mildenhall away. 

KH: Yeah, we're on the road again, but again, I think I wanted to try and get teams from all different levels to play against who play different ways. The pitch will be played slightly differently.

I thought tonight's pitch was really nice. It's a good pitch over at Mildenhall, but a slight slope. So again, it's a different test for us, but it's one that we'll be looking forward to. Hopefully, we'll have a few bodies back as well so we can rotate again and give other people minutes and then we look forward to the final few games in pre-season. 

DK: Full squad almost fit then?

KH: I'm hoping so. I'm hoping it will be. Not quite sure yet. Harley's just a little bit away. We've got Patch not here tonight, but should be back. We've also got Dylan struggling with a knee. Milzy should be all right. So yeah, I should have a headache next Wednesday.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock, Luke Ingram Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Brightlingsea Regent | 23.07.2024 |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's win.

DK: Another good performance?

KH: Yeah, it was okay. Obviously, there's always things to work on. It's pre-season. I don't think you see a real reflection of any team in pre-season. I thought first half we looked a threat but we looked a little bit vulnerable. It's pre-season. I've asked lads to chase things down, and maybe that means we're obviously susceptible to counter-attacks because we're clearing out the midfield. But we worked really hard second half. We looked a little bit more structured but then didn't really look like we had a real threat going forward. So, there's loads to work on but it is very difficult, like I've said in previous interviews, where pre-season you're looking to get lads minutes. Teams or personnel is changing all the time. Obviously, we've got some missing as well but it's about just getting through pre-season, getting minutes and not getting injuries. So, on that front, it's not too bad. I don't think we've got any injuries from tonight's game. Obviously, Harley did the warm-up and then wasn't right to get minutes tonight. We're missing Milzy, Dylan and several others. So, it is another game out the way. We roll onto Friday against Ipswich Wanderers, another pre-season game where we look to get minutes and look to get a little bit more structure in the build-up to the season.

DK: Another good thing from tonight, were the three goals well taken? 

KH: Yes, the goals were really good tonight. Ingers looked really sharp throughout and deserved his goals. They were really good finishes.

With a few players still missing, like you spoke about, we got most of the group back, which is nice. Yes, it's just about managing it and getting lads minutes, enough minutes. Everyone's at different stages. Obviously, there's lads that are coming back from injury that you're trying to look after and give them less minutes. There's lads that need more because they've missed games. It's a bit of a juggling act in pre-season, but it's about coming through it with good team role. Again, winning games is important. I know Brightlingsea are a couple of leagues below us, but it's still a game that you want to win. They come here and see they're playing a team two leagues above and they want to impress.

I think we see that tonight. They look quite bright, I think. It's about getting momentum, getting fitness and being ready for Curzon Ashton in the first game of the season.

DK: The squad's shaping up quite nicely now, with Cam signing on the dotted line? 

KH: Yes, he's a young player that's got a good CV. He's been at good football clubs and not played a lot of men's football, but he's got real good attributes. He's someone that we've added to the squad. Like I said, I don't think it's no secret we're looking to add a couple of lads on loan as well. The squad will be quite rounded in terms of we'll have competition for places, but we'll have quality competition as well. I think that's going to be important in what's going to be a long, tough season for us in terms of the travelling and the teams that we're playing now.

We're going to need everybody. As manager, I'm quite pleased with what we've got. 

DK: With Curzon on the 10th of August, do you think the preparation's going well so far? 

KH: Yes, I think so. Obviously, I would have done with a few less injuries. Obviously, we've had quite a few missing. Dylan's missing, Harley Curtis, Addy Mills is not here tonight. So, there's a few that have got niggles and stuff. But other than that, I'm quite happy with the squad we've got and with the potential two loans that we could bring in as well. We're in a good place.

Goalscorer Luke Ingram reflects on last night's win. 

DK: Good game tonight, what do you make of it? 

LI: Yeah, it's a good workout, good to get another 90 minutes in the legs, good to get some goals. We probably didn't play as well as we'd like, but stuff to work on. Yeah, just keep sort of getting used to each other again and kick on for the first game of the season.

DK: Three goals in two games, two tonight, you're on fire. 

LI: Yeah, I should have had four really, because I missed an easy header. But yes, I'm glad the goals have come now, don't want to be leaving it too late to get things rolling. So yeah, I'm looking forward to start the season. 

DK: Three good goals as well? 

LI: Yeah, I feel a bit bad now because I've probably wasted my best goals in pre-season. So hopefully we've still got more in the tank, but yeah, it's nice to score some good goals.

DK: Especially that third one, what was going through your mind as Seth laid it off to you? 

LI: I sort of told Ben to leave it, because he could've had a shot, and he let it go and I thought, I better not miss this, otherwise he's going to dig me out. But yeah, it's just come off my foot sweet, bottom corner and game wrapped up and we can move on. 

DK: What have you made of pre-season so far? 

LI: Yeah, I'm not the sort of person who enjoys pre-season.

I think it's like very false, like a lot of passing, a lot of stuff you normally wouldn't do in an actual league game. But it's important to get the minutes in the legs and just getting good habits. But yeah, I think we've got to be optimistic.

I think there's nothing to be afraid of and pretty look forward to. 

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

LI: Yeah, I've had a look. I had a look in disgust, but no, they're good. We've got some good ones. We've got a, it's quite a hard start to the season, but it's quite an exciting one. So we know what the league is, we know what we're up against. So plenty to look forward to and yeah, excited to get it going. 

DK: Bit of a baptism of fire, isn't it? It sets the levels high if you face the best first.

LI: Yeah, to be fair, you can't even hand-pick an easy game in that league. So you're going to have to face them all at some point. So we might as well just go in the deep end and sink or swim and I'm sure we will float.

Cameron Jessup | NMFC New Signing Interview | 22.07.2024 |

New signing Cameron Jessup talks about re-joining the club, and gives an insight into his career so far. 

DK: Welcome back to Needham, can you tell us about how you signing for us came about?

CJ: Needham were a club I spent a year of my development at when I was younger and I loved it so I thought it would be a good idea to go back as I know it would be a place I’d enjoy playing. 

DK: Why did you want to sign for us?

CJ: It’s an ambitious club looking to reach new heights in a new division and the challenge is what’s exciting about playing here.

DK: Having been with our Academy previously, how does it feel to be back and now with the first team? 

CJ: It’s a good feeling, the lads have made me feel welcome and I’ve enjoyed it a lot so far. So just can’t wait for the season to start really.

DK: How would you describe yourself as a player, and what can the fans expect from you? 

CJ: I’d say I’m a ball playing centre half I like to get on the ball as much as I can and I’m composed when I am. I can also play in midfield so versatile in that aspect. 

DK: What are your aims both personally and for the club in general, this season?

CJ: The aims and targets for this season is definitely trying to stay in this league the lads have worked so hard to get here so we’ll work even harder to make sure we do stay in it. And the aims for me personally is to just play as many minutes as possible and help the team win as many games as we can.

DK: How have you found pre-season so far?

CJ: Pre season has gone well so far, we’ve had some tough games and I feel like we’re improving fitness wise game by game. The season is obviously what everyone is looking forward to so yeah it’s exciting.

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

CJ: I started playing Sunday league at Holland fc when I 7 and got picked up by Ipswich town when I was 11 and signed straight from there. I was there 3 years until I was 14 when I got released and then went to Needham for the season. Then got picked up by Crystal Palace and signed my scholarship there, was there 3 years and didn’t get offered a professional contract. After that I went on trial at Sunderland and they offered me a 2 year professional contract. 

DK: What was it like playing for Palace and Sunderland?

CJ: It was an amazing feeling playing for those top clubs, it feels surreal at times seeing all the players you see on tv training with you and around the building but it makes you feel like all the hard work you put in paid off.

DK: What are the standout games of your career so far and why? 

CJ: One of my favourite games is when I scored against Leeds in the cup in the stadium of light. As a defensive player I don’t score often but when you do it’s a nice feeling. 

DK: What's the best ground you've played at and why?

CJ: Probably Southampton's stadium, St Mary’s because the pitch was a carpet.

DK: Who's the best player you've played with and why? 

CJ: The best player I’ve played is probably Jermaine Defoe because of his experience in football.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock + Dan Morphew Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Maldon + Tiptree | 20.07.2024 | PSF #3

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's friendly against Maldon. 

DK: Good game today, what do you make of it? 

KH: Yeah, it was probably quite a good game to watch in terms of us. Obviously, there's loads of stuff we can be better at. I think first half we were a little bit passive in terms of sitting off, but second half I thought we stepped on a little bit and showed that we were obviously a couple of levels above. Scored two good goals. We have picked up a couple of knocks, Dylan's ankle. Milzy was struggling with a chest infection. That on top of the lads we're already missing today. I'm quite pleased with the outcome. I think we've got minutes in the legs of players. We kept a clean sheet, which is always pleasing. I don't think Dan or Marco even had to really make a save. Certainly in defensive areas we were really good. I just wanted a little bit more aggression, a little bit more willingness to run forward and create chances, which I think we did better in the second half. It was a hot day and obviously in Maldon, they've got players that have played at a higher level. So, it probably isn't a true reading on them as a club. I know they've played Step 4, but they have got lads that played higher. So, it was a good test for us. It was a good test and like I said, we've got through it and got minutes in the legs for the lads. It's a little bit unfortunate that Dylan's ankle was swollen up, but we'll assess it and see how we are for Tuesday. 

DK: Like you said, two really good goals, one in each half. 

KH: Yes, look, it was a difficult day for Seth actually, because obviously they've got a bit of experience. Lads that have played league football at centre half. He was knocked about. He was a little bit isolated at times, but I don't mind it because that will happen this year in the Conference North. He will have to be physical. So, he dug in and worked hard and it was tough for him at times. Again, he's come through the 90 minutes and got another goal. So, that shows you where Seth's at. He's improving all the time and he can mix it up now. So, that was a real pleasing point and Ingers' goal was a great strike. We've seen Ingers do that a number of times. So, hopefully that bodes us well for the start of the season. 

DK: We controlled possession quite well across both halves.

KH: Yeah, we did at times and again, they looked dangerous at times as well. But I've not got complaints with us keeping possession. I think we did it quite well. Certainly, the second half was better. But when we get into the final areas, final third, I don't know, a little bit more risk and reward and a little bit more goal would have probably seen us score more goals. But we'll take it. It's two goals. It's a clean sheet and like I say, minutes in the legs. So, we roll on to Tuesday.

DK: Like you said, we had a few missing today. I think Jacob injured, Harley injured, Hamo ill, Patch ill and then Ben Hunter is away. 

KH: Yeah, so we've got five. What is it, five? You just rolled off. Five first team members missing, which didn't leave us sure. Obviously, we've still got lads. We've still got 16 here today, but you miss them. They're lads that obviously have played a lot of football over the last couple of years since I've been here. So, yeah, they're hopefully going to be back Tuesday. And we'll have a much fuller squad than we did today. But again, fingers on the pulse. We're obviously open to bringing a couple in and adding to the group and adding quality to the group. 

DK: Any closer with the trialists? 

KH: Over the next three, four, five days, things will be clear on where we're at and what the squad's shaping up to be. 

DK: Moving on to Tuesday, another side that we play regularly in pre-season, in Brightlingsea.

KH: Yeah, a bit of a tough game. Generally, work really hard. Generally, quite physical. So, it's just giving the lads different variations of what we might see this season and come up against this season. So, it'd be a good test for us. And again, we'll have to step up to the plate and be counted. So, that's why we play them, they're fairly local as well. So, it should be a good game. 

DK: What have you made of pre-season so far overall?

KH: It's been okay. So, it's been, like I said, it's about getting minutes in the legs. But it's also having a look at... We're obviously looking at trialists. We're trying a few little things out. We've played opposition, obviously, in Braintree that are above us. We've today played Maldon that are below us, Felixstowe that are below us. We've won a couple of games, lost one, but I don't mind that. It's all about playing different opposition so that when you come to start the season, you're prepared and you've faced a lot of different scenarios in terms of individuality and as a team. So, that's the whole point of pre-season.

Defender Dan Morphew reflects on yesterday's friendly.

DK: Good win, what do you make of it? 

DM: Yeah, pre-season's pre-season, so it's all about minutes in the tank, miles in the legs, so to speak. So I think we had a good workout today, it's nice and hot, so everyone got a good sweat out. And yeah, good performance all around, things are never brilliant in pre-season, everyone's working it out, getting those relationships going and getting back up to speed. So I think we made a good progress from Tuesday, it's better than Tuesday, so trending in the right direction. 

DK: Overall, it's been a decent pre-season so far? 

DM: Yeah, it's been a bit here and there for me, I've missed a few, missed the odd match, missed the odd training session, so now hopefully looking to lock in and I think the same with the rest of the boys, just wanting to lock in and get ready for August the 10th, which seems very close. 

DK: Solid at the back today, again, and pinging those diags? 

DM: Yeah, yeah, that's what we're about, we're always solid at the back hopefully, so hopefully we'll continue to be known for that in the year coming up. It's always nice to hit a long pass when it's on, so I never turn it down if it's on. 

DK: What do you make of the fixtures so far?

DM: I've not looked much past the first three, I looked at Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but other than that I've not really paid too much attention. So yeah, I'm not really too fussed, it is what it is, the journeys are going to be long regardless of where we're going, we know that already, so I'm not too worried about it, just looking forward to the season starting really.

DK: Another good side coming here on Tuesday in Brightlingsea as well. 

DM: Yeah, yeah, I'm sure Brightlingsea will be up for it as well, it'll be another good game hopefully, another good run out for us and a good test is what we want, we want teams to come here and give their all and give us a good workout, so hopefully Brightlingsea do that and hopefully we're up for the task and beat them as well, fingers crossed. 

DK: Having got the fixtures now, does it make it more surreal that we're now step two? 

DM: Yeah, I think, again I've not focused on it too much, it's just a nice feeling to know that you're going to be competing at that level and I'm just looking forward to the season really. I'm optimistic and I want things to go well and I'm looking forward to them going well, so that's what I'm focused on, really having a good year and cementing us as a step two side, fingers crossed.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Felixstowe + Walton United v Needham Market | 16.07.2024 | PSF 2

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's win at Felixstowe.

 

DK: A nice workout for pre-season and a good result? 

KH: Yeah, look, I know it's pre-season, result maybe is not important, but it does create good habits. Obviously, winning can become a habit, like we've seen last season. So, yeah, it's nice to win the game.

A little bit disappointed, we were a little bit disjointed tonight. It does get that way when you play two different teams, obviously, each half in pre-season early on. But one thing, I suppose, positive out of it, we have got the positive result.

And we've probably got a bit of fitness out of it because they were better in the second half. I'm fully aware we've made changes and there's players playing that ain't played much and so on and so forth. But it is what it is. Yeah, I think the biggest disappointment is a couple of little niggles there. Jacob Lay's come off injured after going on and Harley Curtis has rolled his ankle slightly. So, I'm hoping they're not too bad. But, yeah, it's another game down, pre-season can be quite frustrating. Sometimes it can give you a little bit of false hope in terms of when you win loads of games, when you lose loads, it can put a negative on it. I just want to get through it.

The lads get fit and we look forward to, obviously, our first season at Step 2. 

DK: Would you say it's deserved one-nil lead at the time? 

KH: I don't know really. I'm not really looking, do we deserve it, do we not? We're looking for fitness. We're looking for players to get minutes, players forming partnerships with other players. So, did we deserve it? I don't know. I think certainly from the second half, which is fresher in my mind, I think they probably deserved maybe another goal. So, it could have been a draw. But like I said, making changes does make games a little bit disjointed and a little bit false in pre-season. 

DK: A bit odd to have two own goals though. We never really get that.

KH: No, look, I think we've worked so hard over the last several years and we've been unfortunate in certain aspects and I think maybe we're getting paid all our luck back in a short period. The second one was a little bit bizarre, I must admit. But they're all goals, they all counted at the end of the day.

DK: You spoke about the second half being a bit more disjointed. What did you make on the first half performance?

KH: Yeah, we did okay. Obviously, still early days for us in pre-season. The pitch didn't play as slick as it probably looked. It was a little bit dry and the game was a little bit slow. But we could have been a little bit more aggressive and got closer to them. It was like a typical pre-season game, which can be frustrating to be a part of, to play in at times and to watch. So, it's another one chalked off. There's minutes in lads' legs. Like I say, everyone's got minutes tonight and we'll probably change that slightly going forward now where lads get a little bit longer, 60-30, and you've got to earn your minutes to create that competition for what is going to be a difficult league campaign for us but one that we're very excited about. 

DK: What do you make of the squad so far? Happy with it?

KH: Yeah, I'm happy with it. We've obviously got a couple missing tonight. Jamie McGrath's not about and Patch (Patrick Brothers) is unwell. Obviously, we're looking to bring a couple of lads in loan from Ipswich, which we can hopefully get over the line in a week or so. We're in a good place. Like I say, the only disappointment tonight is a couple of little injuries really and I'm hoping they're not bad. So, we train Thursday and then we go again with a home game on Saturday where I'm hoping it'll be a little bit more realistic in terms of we'll leave the same team on for a longer period, which means it won't then go disjointed. 

DK: Anyway, the trialists, do you reckon you'll sign any of them? 

KH: I don't know. Still, obviously, we've trained a few times. We've had obviously a tough game in pre-season against Braintree. So, they're doing okay. We've got competitions for places. So, we'll make a call on that in probably seven days. 

DK: Moving onto Saturday, the Kevin Horlock Derby!

KH: I had fond memories at Maldon, I really enjoyed it. It was a tough gig at times. With how it was set up, alongside my job at Colchester, I did Maldon for a couple of seasons. We got the play-off final and had heartbreak in the play-off final. But it is a good club. I enjoyed my time there. But I only want one team to win on Saturday. Us? Of course.

REACTION | Tom Rothery Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Braintree Town | 09.07.2024 |

Assistant Manager Tom Rothery reflects on last night's pre-season game with Braintree.

DK: Another entertaining friendly between us and Braintree, albeit gutting to concede. 

TR: Yeah, always, always annoying really. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't annoyed. But yeah, like we said to the lads at the start, it is really important. It's all about minutes and I think even yourself, as you're watching the second half, you make so many changes and it becomes very... It's almost quite difficult to watch as well because it's just very difficult when you start making a lot of changes and the game becomes a little bit fragmented. They were quite strong in the second half, I thought, and we obviously were playing more players that hadn't played with each other, etc. So it makes it hard for those players coming on potentially against a team that's probably a little bit stronger from their point of view. But like we said right at the start, and I'll stick to this, pre-season is about getting minutes, people understanding and the results obviously are always important, but they are a little bit of a secondary when it comes to pre-season because we could start our strongest XI, they could start their strongest XI, but ultimately you've got to try and get everyone fit and try and get everyone ready for that first game of the season because none of us know what's going to happen in four or five weeks and we could play our regular back four and a goalkeeper and one of them then isn't available for whatever reason come the start of the season and then the player you're relying on isn't fit. So you have to get everyone fit. I hate pre-season. I've never liked pre-season for all of those reasons. I'm pretty much cut and dry 100 percent. I want to win every game, so pre-season I do find difficult, but as I've got older and more experienced, then you understand that the performance is definitely more important than the result and also the fitness is the most important thing. 

DK: Overall, and we'll focus on the lads that are confirmed and announced first, everyone did really well really. 

TR: Yes, I think ultimately we know we need to be a little bit stronger. We're still hoping we've got a couple more to come in, so come the start of the season, I think we'll be hopefully where we want to be obviously, but squad-wise we need to be a little bit stronger than last season. Even though we won the league, obviously we've gone up a league, so we need to aim to be a little bit stronger. We're hoping to be a little bit stronger and I think at the moment the three that we brought in, along with the 15 obviously that have stayed up, I think does make us a little bit stronger, but I'm hoping we get a couple more. Hopefully those two are imminent and then we'll see where we're at after that. 

DK: Promising times, I would say, with that sort of performance against a team who like ourselves went up as well. 

TR: Yes, they've gone up. They're a good side, aren't they? Angelo and John and Michael have done a really good job. I watched the final, I'm sure most people have been around this area, but I watched the final and thought they were brilliant. They've done a really good job and they're clearly aiming to go into the National League and do well as well with the recruitment that they've done so far. I think they're going to be really strong. I think they'll have a good season and I really hope they do have a good season as well. We knew it was going to be a tough game. You can't really focus on the other team in pre-season. You play teams that are at different levels than you are and you've just got to concentrate and focus on what you're doing. The subs that you need to make, the minutes that you want players to get and you just have to focus on that. Like I said, the result becomes secondary. Like I said, I never like losing games but they're a good side so I've got no issue with that at all. In the first half, I thought we were very competitive and I thought the second half was tougher and I think the changes didn't help us. Like I said, I also thought they were potentially a little bit stronger in the second half as well. Yes, that's really it, I think. I think we had Dan with that brilliant volley first half and then the other real standouts from our point of view were Marcus and Danny making some brilliant saves. Yes, Seth had a really good chance as well, didn't he, where he headed it back to where the keeper was. But yes, Marco made a couple of good saves. Like I said, if you look at the first half, I think the first half was really positive. I thought we moved the ball well. I thought we played in parts pretty good, really, to be honest and I thought we played at a good tempo so I was pleased with that. Created a couple of chances, Marco made a few good saves and then like I said, the second half was definitely tougher. It was harder to pick as many positives out. There were a couple still but it was definitely tougher to pick positives out of the second half and like I said, some of that is because of the changes. The players are still getting used to but I think whenever you're bringing off Keiran, Tommy, Marco, experienced players that understand how we want to play, even Seth, do

you know what I mean? You're taking out a core of last year's starting team, Jacob, so Ingers, do you know what I mean? The list goes on so it makes that half tougher. I felt a little bit sorry for some of the lads that come on because it makes it tougher for them as well and like I said, they were definitely a little bit stronger but like I said, there were definitely positives in the first half. 

DK: Arguably, when you look at our schedule, when you look at the levels of the teams that we're playing at, tonight was our toughest test of pre-season and we were really competitive even when, like you said, the second half was under the cosh and to be honest, a draw would have been fair.

TR: Yes, and that's where it goes back to. I've had pre-seasons where I've won every game and we've not necessarily done that well in the season. I've had pre-seasons where we've been terrible in pre-season and then at the start of the season, it just clicks. Look at last season. I mean, we won every pre-season game, didn't we? And then lost the first game of the season 6-1 and then went on to win the league. Yes, look, I over analyse everything so like I will every game. I'll strip it back and think about everything but ultimately, what we need to see every game is progression with players' fitness and progression with patterns and what we're trying to do and et cetera, et cetera. Obviously, we haven't worked on any shape so far. Saturday will be the first time we work on shape obviously when we do the open session so that will be good. We do need to do that definitely, especially for the new lads and hopefully the performances will get better as the fitness gets better but like I said, tonight wasn't too bad. As a starting point, I'm relatively happy. I don't think I'd ever say I'm happy because I'm not that type of person but I'm relatively happy and I definitely think there were positives especially from players that have been here for an amount of time. For the new players, obviously, they're still getting used to us. For me personally, I think some people take that as a negative (being more direct). I don't. I take that as a positive. One of the biggest things and I think since Kev's come into the club, I think as a team, we can almost outplay anyone footballing-wise. I think before last season, we were a little bit naive where teams pressed us and then we would carry on playing and we'd just get pressed and we'd lose the ball in dangerous areas and we didn't really understand how to play out either out of that press or to maybe play a different way to stop the other team pressing. I think that's something we've learned. I think that contributed to us last season being so much more effective and harder to play against and ultimately having a really successful season. So, yes, I think the players understand when to play, where to play and how to play outside of a press. So, yes, I take that as a compliment. I just think that's what we do now. I think we can play on the deck and we can also go more direct and I think we can do both of them pretty well now whereas before, I think when we were pressed, especially two seasons ago, when we were pressed, we didn't really know what to do when we were pressed and then when we went longer, we didn't really understand how to then play in those areas whether it is to play into areas, win second balls or whatever. We didn't understand how to do that. So, I think for me personally, that's kind of how the team's adapted and evolved over the last four seasons, five seasons, however long it is now. Kev's been here four years, he's been here, hasn't he? So, however many seasons that is. 

DK: It's going to be exciting Saturday because I know non-league players and fans mix and

talk quite often, especially here anyway. But it gives that extra opportunity for after

training for supporters to really mingle with the players. 

TR: Yeah, Kate and Dave suggested it and I think it's a good idea. So, I'd always embrace that sort of thing. Like I said, it's good for the players because it allows us to train on the pitch, work on shape, etc. So, that's really important. And then like you said, on top of that, we're a club, we're hopefully all in it together. So, whether it's the ladies' team, the youth teams, whatever, it's massively important that as a club we're all swimming in the same direction. So, any type of day like that, I'll always embrace it and I think it's important. And hopefully if there are supporters that want to ask questions or want to speak to the players or management or whatever, they should feel they can do that after any game

anyway. But obviously the whole point of Saturday is that they've got that complete

opportunity to do that if they want to. 

DK: Looking ahead to Felixstowe though, it'll be a nice one to have after obviously tonight, more training Saturday. You'll know more of who's signing, as you're saying plans will be more progressing. And it'll just be another interesting test.

TR: Yeah, I mean, it'll be difficult. Felixstowe won't be easy. It'll be a tough game. Obviously you played him in the Premier Cup. It'll still be a tough game. But yeah, me and Kev just spoke about it. Like I said, it's difficult because you want to try and get everyone minutes. And so, yeah, we'll just have to look at that and see how that looks for Tuesday. And again, try and progress from today's game to Tuesday. And then after Tuesday, I'll be progressing into Saturday. Just got to try and make every performance slightly better and come August the 10th, know what the starting team is for August the 10th. But, you know, like I said, we need competition. We've got that. You can see we've got competition now. So we need 16 players ready on August the 10th, not 11. So it's important that we try and get as near to that as we can. 

DK: Where was Dylan tonight?

TR: Dylan's away. So Dylan's back after today.

So hopefully he'll be back with us. He'll be back with us after tonight. Hopefully.

Harley Curtis | NMFC New Signing Interview | 06.07.2024 |

New signing, midfielder Harley Curtis discusses joining the club and his career so far. 

DK: Welcome to the club, first of all can you tell us a bit about how it came about, and why did you want to sign for us?

HC: Firstly I’ve had conversations with players and staff around the club and it had caught my eye.

DK: How would you describe yourself as a player/what can fans expect from you?

HC: I’m an attacking player that enjoys playing anywhere across the front line especially the no9 and use my pace to get in behind.

DK: What aims do you have with the club, and what are your first impressions of it so far?

HC: After a great previous season I’m hoping the club can continue that form and have a good season in the National League North and win games. After the first week I’m enjoying myself, the lads are a great and I’m looking forward to getting the season started.

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

HC: I’ve played for Ipswich Town for 12 years and moved onto Chesterfield fc last season where I was proud to be part of winning the National League.

DK: What's the best ground you've played at?

HC: The best ground I’ve played at would be Ajax on a tournament tour, the facilities were unbelievable and it was perfect to play football on.

DK: Who's the best player you've played with?

HC: The best player I’ve played with I would have to say Will Grigg.

DK: What inspired you to play football?

HC: Football has always been a big part of my life ever since I was kid, it’s grown to be the biggest part of my life and excited for the next steps.

DK: How have you found it going from Academy football, into a top level of non-league?

HC: The transition from academy football to top level non-league has been difficult at times adjusting to styles and different aspects of the game. But it’s a challenge I love and will keep enjoying.

Danny Cullum | NMFC New Signing Interview | 03.07.2024 |

New signing, goalkeeper Danny Cullum discusses his career so far, joining the club and more. 

DK: Welcome to the club, first of all can you tell us a bit about how it came about?

DC: Thank you very much. Of course, having good connections to the club through my brother (Hugh) I always had being a part of the club in my mind. It come to the end of last season and was looking to plan ahead. I got into contact with Tom and we had agreed on my kind of role at the club, helping Marko and being a part of it all really. 

DK: Why did you want to sign for us, and what aims do you have with the club?

DC: It was simple. Best non-league club in Suffolk. I’ve always admired the club, and especially last season I was always checking results on my phone after games and would always look at Needham’s first. Like I say always being a spectator, I’ve seen the highs they have achieved over the last few seasons, promotions, FA Cup first round, FA trophy quarter final against Stockport, and hoping within my time here we re-live some of those moments and advance to later round of competitions and standing strong in staying the NLN.

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

DC: I did train with the team couple seasons back, so I am familiar with the players, staff involved with the club, and also new players that have come in since I’ve got to know as well. 

DK: Having played against us last year, how did you find it and what's it like now signing for us?

DC: Ah yes! The first round of the Suffolk cup😂. Baring in mind I was very unwell that day and the days before. I thought it was a good game before the 2nd half. And isn’t like me as a player to let my team down. I could definitely tell the level of the quality Needham have, constantly always attacking my goal, not having a break really. But still believe if I remained on the pitch the result would have been different. But being a part of the club now I’m playing with that high standard which I like to affiliate myself with.

DK: How would you describe yourself as a player/what can fans expect from you?

DC: I’d describe myself as a goalkeeper who is very brave. I like having the ball at my feet and would say distribution is a very strong part of my game. Very front foot, dealing with balls over the top, coming for crosses. And my speed around the goal allowing me to make saves. 1 V 1’s I would also say is a key part of my play style, being brave and prepared to take the ball anywhere to keep it out the back of my net. The fans can except from me a goalkeeper who is very energetic, loud and commanding.

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

DC: I’ve been at Ipswich since U9’s up until the end of my scholarship (U18). Winning the U16 PDL cup against Coventry at the Ricoh Arena. As captain and also saving a penalty. As well as also winning the U18 PDL cup again against Coventry but at Portman road, playing a key role in our route to winning the competition. I’ve represented England 05’s training and playing with some big players to which some play in the premier league at the moment. And since my scholarship started I’ve played for Brantham, Ipswich Wanderers and Bury Town on loan.

DK: What's your biggest highlight in football so far?

DC: My biggest highlight so far would definitely being part of England, representing the 05’s a couple of times.  

DK: What was it like being at Ipswich Town, and how have you found the difference being a keeper in academy to non-league, senior, football?

DC: Being at Ipswich, I was very fortunate the facilities, the staff and the environment as a whole. There is a massive difference playing academy football to senior football, I still remember clearly my first senior game and the difference was huge. All different types of players, the pitches and the main thing I would say is the fans. Constantly giving you grief throughout the game, but I enjoy it as at the end you speak to them, and it’s all harmless banter. But it shows how you are as a person and how you deal with these situations. Remaining at Ipswich whilst being on loan, I had the support from my GK coaches at Town, Carl Pentney, Paul Walker and Rene Gilmartin, who all have experience playing senior football, and speaking to them has helped me massively into becoming the goalkeeper I am today.

DK: What inspired you to be a goalkeeper, and what do you like best about it?

DC: The reason I am a goalkeeper is thanks to my brothers. I am the youngest of 4, and had no choice as I was always stuck in goal when we played football together, so it’s thanks to them as in why I become a goalkeeper. I’d say the best part of being a goalkeeper is you have the same amount of chance as being a hero in a game as the outfield players do. Especially when it comes down to penalty shootouts. All eyes on you, but now at Needham I can also ask Marko what’s it’s like being a hero all the time. 

DK: What's the Best ground played at and why?

DC: Best ground, I would say the ground in which we played the final of the SuperCup NI at, which we won, it was a proper stadium, 3000 plus in attendance and we was against County Antrim, so the fans where mainly all routing for them. It was live on BBC sport app, and remember seeing endless amounts of Cameras around. It was a great experience, and even better as we won.

DK: Who's best player you've played with?

DC: Best player, I would say when I was at England. At the same camp I was on so was Jobe Bellingham. So would probably say him.

Ben Hunter | NMFC New Signing Interview | 05.07.2024 |

New Signing midfielder Ben Hunter talks about joining the Marketmen and reflects on his career so far.

DK: Welcome to the club, first of all can you tell us a bit about how it came about?

BH: Thank you, I first heard that there was a bit of interest towards the back end of last season then once the season finished I received some contact and went from there.

DK: How would you describe yourself as a player/what can fans expect from you?

BH: I would say I am a box to box midfielder who enjoys both defending and attacking, I will always give 100% and a team player.

DK: Why did you want to sign for us?

BH: First of all, I have heard what a good club it is from everyone around the local area, also going to be good to test myself at a level that I haven’t played before.

DK: What aims do you have with the club?

BH: Think it’s always difficult to say going into a new league but I guess trying to finish as high up the league table as physically possible. On a personal level it will be to play as many games as possible and hopefully make a positive impact on the team.

DK: How much of the club/players/coaches etc did you know before joining?

BH: I am close friends with a couple of the lads here already so that’s always good when signing for a new club, I have also heard from them what a good club it is so have always heard positive things about Needham.

DK: What are your first impressions with the club?

BH: I have only had a couple of session here so far but it’s been good, the set up is really good, all the lads have been welcoming and the sessions have been good so can’t complain!

DK: What was it like playing against us last season, to now signing for us?

BH: Wasn’t nice to play on either occasion even though we got a positive result first time round! Needham were well organised and had a structure to there play which was very difficult to break down. It’s going to be a lot nicer playing with than playing against haha.

DK: Can you give us an insight into your career so far (clubs, achievements?

BH: I was part of the AFC Sudbury academy when I left school and made my first team debut at 17, went on to play over 100 games and then stepped up to Leiston, that didn’t work out at all then after a loan at Stowmarket I ended up back at Sudbury. We then got promoted from step 4 then stayed up in step 3 last year so a pretty successful couple of seasons!

DK: What's the best ground you've played at and why?

BH: If your talking about professional ground then it would have to be Colchester United, wish I had played at Portman Road as an Ipswich fan! In non league I would have to say Telford last year, for the level that was top class.

DK: Who's the best player played with and against and why?

BH: 2 really hard questions ! There was a lot of good players I played against last season but wouldn’t know there names! Also played with so many good players but if I was to single out a couple of the more successful ones it would be Josh Stokes, now at Bristol City, Liam Bennett. Now at Cambridge, but there is so many more I could say!

DK: What's your biggest highlight in football so far and why?

BH: Biggest highlight would be promotion with Sudbury the season before last, I had been stuck in that league with Sudbury for so many seasons so was nice to finally get out of it!

DK: How excited are you to experience a new level at a new club?

BH: I'm really excited to step up to a new level as I’ve always wanted to play as high as possible, also nice to do it at a new club where I'm hoping to help add something to an already close group with some really good players.

DK: What inspired you to be a footballer and why?

BH: I’d have to say my dad and my grandad are the ones that have inspired me to play football, they both played professionally so it’s always been in my family and didn’t have any other choice haha!

Patrick Brothers | End Of Season Q&A #13 | 14.06.2024

Player-coach Patrick Brothers reflects on the 2023-24 season.

DK: How much did it mean to you to win the league, and still playing a big part in it despite injuries?

PB: Obviously it was an unbelievable feeling to win the league and to do it with the quality group of lads and staff we have here makes it even better. I have enjoyed my time being a coach of sorts and appreciate Tom and Kev letting me take on such a role but if I’m honest I would of given anything to be part of that playing squad throughout and contributing on the pitch rather than off it.

DK: What moments stand out to you from the season? 

PB: Has to be the moment when that final whistle went at home to Royston. I think it took a few moments for the bench and the players on the pitch to realise what had just happened, and then it hit, step 3 title, what an achievement.

DK: Who was your player of the season?

PB: Very Generic comment this but let’s be fair, you could argue that any player out of the 14/15 could of claimed that accolade, but for me one always stands out, and that’s the skipper. The best CB at step 3 and most likely step 2, and seems to be in 3rd gear majority of the time haha.

DK: How pleased are you to be staying with the club, having had a fairly successful few seasons with us?

PB: Very happy and what’s more pleasing is that the club have kept the core of the squad together, which in my opinion is massive going into next season. Obviously success helps any changing room but keeping the right players at the club makes it much enjoyable.

DK: How much are you relishing the new season, and do you have any aims for it?

PB: Can’t wait, new level, new league and new stadiums to visit but My focus and aim right now is to try and get myself ready for the new season in regards to my fitness. I can’t get ahead of myself but naturally I want to be in squad for the first game of season. As a team I think we must go into the new league confident and aim for a top half finish.