REACTION | Keiran Morphew Post Match Interview | Oxford City V Needham Market | 21.09.2024

Captain Keiran Morphew reflects on yesterday's game.

DK: A bad day at the office today?

KM: Yeah, we haven't played well today and we didn't play well last week either, so I mean you can maybe write one off as a fluke but then to do it back-to-back, it's not good at all. So I think players have got to, everyone, including myself, older players, younger players, everyone's got to look at what they're doing outside of the games, after games, after training, before training, the whole thing's got to be looked at individually, collectively and we've just got to find a bit of heart really because at the moment that's the management said obviously and it looks like it, feels like it, we're lethargic, heartless, toothless and we have got it in the locker because we've shown it for obviously three or four months ago, from three or four months ago for the whole season and in all the Needham teams I've been part of they've always had heart and work rate, but last couple of games we hadn't seemed to have that so and I don't think that's, I'm not, listen, I don't think that's the lads choosing not to do it. I don't know whether it's like fitness is a question mark maybe or I personally think we've got to look at what how we're doing after, what we're doing after training and after games and are we doing the right thing but yeah.

DK: Is it still a good start though would you say?

KM: Yeah I mean, yeah I think we had a couple of good wins away and showed that we can compete with teams like Hereford who are right up there and they're a good sized club and we beat Warrington away. I think we've got it in the locker it's just it's hard to say really, but today was not good for anyone on Needham's side so we've had we had quite a few fans come out so yeah that's not a good one for them to see and I apologise for everyone really for what they've just watched.

DK: Like you say, one that as long as next week you put it right you can just brush under it.

KM: Yeah I mean you have to you can't you can't dwell on it because obviously the next game is in the Premier Cup we've got a free Saturday because we already got knocked out of the FA Cup after a poor performance so we're gonna have to dust ourselves off, go back to work, you can only work harder in training and if that means lads you got to do a outside of the commitment to the club to to play at this level then so be it. Obviously we want to win five in a row. I've tempted fate by saying it obviously, which I hate doing, but I want to win every game that makes me feel sick to the stomach when we get anything but a win let alone - when you play bad and lose. (That) feeling what lives with you for ages, but yeah you just got to put it right in the next training session and the next game, just typical things. What you can say, I hate saying the cliche phrases and stuff like that, because I just think that's most of the stuff that people say is why do you need to say that it's all a given anyway, but yeah you just got to dust yourself off and go again.

DK: In terms of how we have started this season though would you have anticipated as good a start what we had or would you think we'd have been better?

KM: We had a hard start, we had Southport, and I've said before in an interview with you, we obviously had Scunthorpe. We had tough games we gradually improved the results and performances got a couple of wins and then we've sort of fell off again so it's about solidifying getting a trying to while stabilizing the next result I always want to win, but a draw is an improvement just anything about a loss like I mean it's embarrassing really, like the way we just played dead - and I normally try and defend the players well as a in the changing room, probably some players say different but I don't know I try and sort of defend the players to the staff but today it's hard to do you know including myself.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock + Dan Morphew Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v St Albans City | 14.09.2024 |

Manager Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's game.

"We weren't at the races today, but I've got to say they were very good. First half, they were better than us in all departments. They worked harder than us, they looked a threat, they defended solidly, and we were off it, so it was a recipe for disaster and we got exactly what we deserved, which was nothing. In the end, we did well to get zero because we didn't really create a chance. I can't remember too many good moments in the final third. Obviously, the three goals from their point of view, they say it was obviously good goals, but from our point of view, they're so avoidable and that's disappointing. We wanted to progress in the competition. Obviously, we've had a couple of good seasons in it where you end up playing big teams and there's obviously prize money on offer that all non-league clubs like and need. So, yes, I suppose it means we can concentrate on the league, but we'd have liked to have an FA Cup run for those reasons I've just spoke about."

"It wasn't good to watch. I can second that. We obviously tried to make changes. We changed shape to try and affect it and nothing worked today. So, we'll address it on Tuesday. Obviously, we train Tuesday, Thursday, we'll have a look back at it and areas we can improve on and get better so that it doesn't happen again."

On players returning from injuries: "Ingers is obviously just coming back. It was probably a risk I took. He's not too bad, but he can feel his hamstring slightly. Dylan's got quite a big black eye, but he'll be fine. So, other than that, yeah, we're all good."

On Josh Tomlinson's absence: "Yeah, we're just waiting. Obviously, his parents, Club Northampton, are in charge of that. So, yeah, concussion, so (if) it'll be a return to play. So, I don't know. It could be 10 days. I'm not 100% sure on it."

Oxford City away next: "Obviously, our record away from home this season's been a lot better than a home record, obviously. So, yeah, we go there off the back of a couple of good away performances and results. So, we're looking to bounce back and hopefully put this behind us. Obviously, a tough day for us all. We were just off it today. It's alright talking about us and how much we were off it, I think you've got to give them credit. They're a team that's not started too well in their division. But I've watched videos and they've been playing well, but not scoring goals. And today, they have and I think they showed what a good team they are. They moved the ball really well. Their movement was good and they looked a threat, so we do need to improve. We should have made it a bit more personal and got closer and tighter and possibly worked a bit harder. But off the back of it, I think I'd give them a little bit of credit as well, sometimes you've got to hold your hands up in football and say they were better.

Defender and MOTM Dan Morphew reflects on yesterday's game.

"It was a tough, tough, tough game. Not the result we obviously hoped for, but you live and you learn, I think it's sort of the best approach. We can use it to get better and that's all we can do today, I think. Take away what we need to learn from it and improve, come back next week.

"We've been fortunate the last couple of years. We've had good cup runs. It's been a while since we've been knocked out in the first round, but they are normally good additions on to the season, but it means we can concentrate on the league, take the silver linings where they are, if they are any, so focus on the league and put our energy into getting results in the league now. I think for us this year, every game is going to be a big game, every game is an opportunity to show what we can do, prove ourselves and prove ourselves worthy at this level, which I think we are. And I think we look forward to every week, look forward to every game. Like I say, another opportunity to prove what sort of team we can be on our day."

"I think we've played better than the points on the board reflect, I think, definitely throughout the first lot of eight games, I think that's true. And I think, yeah, there's more to come from us still as well. I think we can get much better as well.

"So, yeah, plenty to look forward to and sort of, yeah, work on as we move forward for the coming weeks."

On having more squad depth this season: "Yeah, I think that's one of the differences between this year and last year. You know, we've got players on the bench who can sort of compete for starting positions. You know, we'll have, I'm sure, will be competition for places after today. Next week, you know, there'll be people on the bench who are itching to start and be thinking they should start after today. So, yeah, I look forward to that competition and, you know, it keeps everyone, keeps everyone sharp as it sharpens us a little bit. So competition in the squad is a good thing. And it sort of keeps everyone on their toes and keeps everyone pushing forward and working hard as the season goes on."

On the most disappointing part of today: "I think there's not this one thing in particular, but, you know, as a team, it's 11 v 11. And I think, you know, you've got to win your individual battles all over the pitch. And I think we didn't do that enough today. You know, every game you go out, it's 11 v 11. It's 11 men v 11 men. And you just have to outwork your opposite number, and I think when you don't do that, you tend to lose games. And I think that's what happened today."

Nico Valentine | New Signing Interview | 07.09.2024 |

Nico Valentine talks about returning to the club on-loan from Ipswich Town.

DK: Welcome back to the club. You must be buzzing to be back. 

NV: Yeah, I'm buzzing to be back. Obviously, it's not coming the best scenario where I've been started off injured, but that's how it's happened. I enjoyed it a lot last season, and I think over the summer I had some time to think what I wanted to do with my next step, and I think this is the best step forward, so I'm looking forward to getting back and helping the team on the pitch. 

DK: Yeah, you enjoyed your first spell here, and from what I gathered, you were eager to come back.

NV: Yeah, it was really good. I think the loan was even better than I had ever imagined, so it was a no-brainer to come back. I had conversations with Tom over the summer because I realised that I wanted to come back, and it was an environment where I was getting better and learning a lot every week, and I think that's all I can do as a young player and just look for minutes, so yeah. 

DK: Even though it ended in injury, you had a very good pre-season. 

NV: Yeah, so that came off as a bit of a limb, but it was a good experience to fly off to Germany, obviously, and play a European team that's at the top of the game. They're playing top teams week in, week out, and it just showed the level that we've got to get to, but I think we rose to it well, and obviously my time got cut short, but I enjoyed the 20 minutes that I did get to play. 

DK: Yeah, you've been here every home game, I think, so far, watching. You must be delighted with how the lads have started.

NV: Yeah, I think they've been really good. Obviously, results maybe haven't gone our way recently, but I think the last couple of games have shown that we've got the ability to win games, and even the games that we lose, it's by one goal, two goals, and obviously that's easy to turn around. I think even the performance today, they performed well, so yeah.

DK: Yeah, could you put it down to one factor that drew you back here? 

NV: I think it's mainly the dressing room, to be fair. I felt it was an environment where a player like me, who likes to dribble and beat people, needs to feel freedom, and I think ever since I came into the building here, all of them have just wanted me to be direct and do what I do best, and all of them understand that maybe the way I play, I am going to lose the ball, but they understand that if they want me to try and create moments, then they allow me to do that, and I felt the freedom, and obviously the dressing room atmosphere last season was unbelievable. Maybe it was a little bit easier because obviously we're top of the league and winning games, but I think even coming back since the start of this season, when the results haven't been going our way, obviously the dressing room atmosphere is still unbelievable, and that's something I want to be involved in.

I know Harley well. I'm good friends with Harley. I think as I got to about 16, 17, I started to play with Harley a little bit more, and we trained with each other over the summer, so yeah, really good mates with Harley, and can't wait to be out there with him.

DK: When are you back, I've heard it's in the next couple of weeks?

NV: So I start my run in rehab out on the pitch next week, and then I'm hoping to be back beginning of October, end of September. Obviously, I need to get my shoulder right to make sure that it doesn't happen again, but as soon as I feel okay to play and feel confident, then I'll be back out there trying to give my best. 

Hopefully a few more headers would be good, but yeah, I can't wait to be back out there.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Farsley Celtic | 07.09.2024 |

Click the embedded video below to watch Josh Tomlinson's thoughts on yesterday's defeat.

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's defeat.

DK: Bit of a bitter pill to swallow? 

KH: Yeah, I think today is really disappointing. I thought we controlled long parts of the game, created some chances but you've got to take them at this level. Unfortunately, we've missed chances at Hereford on Tuesday. We've done the same again today. It's cost us massively in a game where I was going to be disappointed to only get a point. To be sat here now with no points, yeah, it's a bit of a pill to swallow.

DK: Is it a bit of a curse being called manager of the week by the league?

KH: No, I don't think that's the case. I thought we did okay in the game. We just lacked a little bit of invention in the final third. We wasn't ruthless enough. On another week, we scored a couple of goals today but they didn't go in. We weren't confident enough. We didn't take the chances that come our way. When that happens, you always risk it coming back to haunt you, which it did at the end. It came from our throw-in, it's our fault we took it too early. We're not set and it's dropped a lad in midfield who's able to run 10 yards and it's a good finish to be fair to him. No doubt, they'll be leaving here over the moon and thinking they took three points but that's football. 

DK: We're still waiting for our first point at home but it's not time to start panicking.

KH: No, I think if we win today, we would have three points off the play-off. There's a hell of a long way to go. I do feel that it's three points dropped, I'm not going to lie. The performance was there with that killer instinct in front of goal when chances come. There is positives to take out of it. We've dominated large parts of a Step 2 game again but we've not took chances to get the points, which is the main ingredient that you're after. We'll keep working hard and keep trying to put that right. 

DK: We've had players returning from injury today and as far as I'm aware, we've not lost anyone to injury. 

KH: No, I think Keiran come off, his groin is a bit sore but I'm sure he'll be all right by next week hopefully. It's good to have everybody back training and obviously, we've got the FA Cup next week which offers different challenges but we're looking to progress in that as well. Hopefully, by then, two training sessions we'll be firing on cylinders.

DK: Given that it's against the side that are the equivalent Step 2 league at home, we win that, that'll give us confidence because we haven't got anything at home just yet.

KH: Yes, obviously, the last two away performances have been really good and overall at the games we've played, performances have been fairly good. Today, again, I thought the performance was okay without that final third stuff, which bit us on the backside a little bit today. We're just looking to try and get that first win at home. Hopefully, that will come in the FA Cup next week and hopefully then lead to more results and more points being won at home.

Ollie Fenn | Reserves Weekly Reaction | Gorleston Reserves (H) | 31.08.2024 |

Reserve Team captain Ollie Fenn reflects on the first month of the season.

DK: What did you make of today's result and performance?

OF: We were disappointed with the result today and performance wise it was probably our poorest that I’ve been involved in but that can happen and it’s still early on in the season and we’re a new group. 

DK: Regardless of today, you must be pleased though with the last few results and performances?

OF: It has been pleasing overall, particularly the performances and the attitude and application the lads have shown. Results wise, we’ve probably dropped 4 points at home which is frustrating but it’s all about learning from those experiences. 

DK: Would you say it's been a positive first month of the season?

OF: We would have liked more points for sure but it’s been a positive start and one we plan to build on. 

DK: For you as captain, what's pleased you most so far this season?

OF: I think the lads have adapted well to senior football as a whole but the most pleasing thing for me in the hunger they have shown against more experienced players and teams. 

DK: Back at home Tuesday against Whitton, in a very local game, what are you expecting from the game?

OF: Another tough game, we know there won’t be any easy ones this season but if we perform well and execute what is asked of us then we’re confident we can compete with anyone in the league. All focus is on ourselves.,