Kyle Hammond | End Of Season Q&A | 10.06.2025 |

Kyle Hammond reflects on the previous campaign and looks ahead to his fifth season with the club.

DK: How do you reflect on the season from a team perspective, there must be a lot of pride?

KH: Having time to reflect on the season I think we all done ourselves proud and never gave up, no one really gave us a chance but I personally think we surprised a lot of teams and I think it came ultimately down to not being quite good enough in both boxes. But overall even though the end result wasn’t what any of us wanted I really enjoyed the season.  

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective?

KH: From a personal side the intensity of the games were much higher than I expected and the season before so took me a while to get up to speed and with an injury at the start of the season didn’t help that. After that I thought I did okay some good games some average but never gave up and always gave my all.  

DK: What are your highlights from the season?

KH: For me it was Oxford City game at home where I was involved in all 4 goals probably my best game of the season and it was a game we had to win. 

DK: What was the best ground you played at this season?

KH: Chester and Scunthorpe’s. 

DK: Biggest takeaway from season that you'll remember forever?

KH: Probably scoring a worldie free kick against Southport which is Needham's first ever goal at step 2 and mine! 

DK: Were there any other standout moments/games on/off the pitch?

KH: Hearing Scunthorpe fans singing their song before kick off was pretty special. 

DK: Having now been at the club for four seasons now and played a huge part in the club's recent history, how would you describe the journey so far?

KH: I’ve loved every minute of it. I always had an eye on Needham when I was at my previous clubs and now having been here for 4 years it was the best decision I made. Great club only getting bigger and better. So many good people in and around the club. And every year I’ve been at the club we’ve broken some sort of record with FA Trophy run, FA Cup run, winning Premier Cup after Premier Cup, winning the league and then playing step 2. And doing all this with very good friends makes it even sweeter. 

DK: What are your targets for next season?

KH: Promotion!!

Ben Smith End Of Season Q&A | 02.06.2025 |

Reserves defender Ben Smith reflects on the season and discusses how the Academy has progressed in the last few seasons. 

DK: What did you make of the season from a team perspective?

BS: In my opinion it was a great season for a team perspective I wasn’t here before December as you know but I watched a few games before then and from then to now yoh would think its a different team the way we play and results we have got prove just why reserves teams like us deserve to be in the league we are and deserve to be taken more seriously.  

DK: How would you sum up the season from a personal view point?

BS: It was a topsy turvy one for me to put it straight haha, started off the season at another club didn’t fully work out had some great experiences though but just wasn’t to be however I came back to Needham around Christmas and my season was only on the up from that point it helped me a lot coming back and being settled again so in the end the season was a success. 

DK: Can you pick 4 highlights from the season, what are they and why? 

BS: Firstly I'd say making my Fa cup debut would be one as it’s such a prestigious competition across England and to say you’ve played it in it’s a nice feeling, secondly on a personal note playing so many games alongside your brother is a big one for me we’ve grown up together and learnt everything kind of together is massive, Thirdly, getting to a record points tally with the ressies is a great achievement for a group so young most being there first year in the men’s game it felt good to be a part of something that helped towards that and lastly although not really my own highlight seeing the 18’s beat Sudbury and won the 18’s cup was so nice to see knowing you play with them boys every week you can feel a bit part of helping them on there way to that and who doesn’t love a win against Sudbury in a big game hey!  

DK: Did any games standout to you from this season?

BS: Has to be the last two games of the season I would say beating Leiston and Sudbury back to back in the space of 3 days felt good because as everyone knows they're the two teams around the area with the same set up as us and the end of the season games is when you can see the true level of teams and we proved we can beat them both comfortably. 

DK: Having played for the Academy for a few seasons now, how would you describe the progress not just yourself individually but as a team?

BS: I’ve loved playing for the academy every year I’ve been here but in terms of development this year has to be the best year I’ve seen come from what most would say was being maybe afraid of the step up to now the boys embrace everything and I think we can be up there next season. 

DK: What targets do you have for next season?

BS: For me I want to be the best version of myself and be the fittest fastest strongest version of myself for everyone to see and make a difference to the team next year, of course you have your personal targets of aiming to fight for a chance higher up with the firsts but I know there’s work to do to get to that point and i believe im in the right place with the right coaches to help me achieve that and help push me in that direction. And of course I'd love the ressies to finish in and around mid table we are more than capable and i beleive we will smash it this season Here’s to another good season and a lot of success 👊🏻. 

Kellen Fiddy | End Of Season Q&A | 01.06.2025 |

Kellen Fiddy reflects on the season for the Academy. 

DK: What did you make of the season from a team perspective? 

KF: This season has been a real good learning experience for all of us boys making the big step up from youth football into the men’s game which was definitely tough and we did struggle for the first half of the season, we were a bit hard dons by with the amount of injuries we faced which I struggled with myself however that’s part of football and the good squad depth throughout the under18s and reserves had to play a part. The coaching staff have taught everyone of us a lot and given us the best possible advice for a positive outcome. 

DK: How would you sum up the season from a personal view point? 

KF: For me this season has been very tough, being out for 6 months of the season after working hard over the summer to perform and show my abilities, having to watch training and games from the sidelines wasn’t a nice feeling but the help from Manty and Ben and support from the lads helped me get back out there as quick as possible, I feel like I’ve got a lot more to give next season and express more of my qualities.

DK: Can you pick 3 highlights from the season (Res/U18s), what are they and why? 

KF: My first highlight would be my first game back from injury for the reserves, we played Framlingam away which is by no means an easy game and to score on my return in a well fought 2-2 draw is definitely a personal highlight. Another highlight has to be the Midweek cup final Win on penalties, what an achievement for the club and i couldn’t imagine a better group of lads and staff to win it with. Heading back to the pre season Trip in July we had a good few days in Wales training and playing a team out there which was a quality experience and definitely brought the team closer together. 

DK: How did it feel to be the first Needham side to lift the Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup and what did you think of the Final?

KF: Yeah, what a feeling to be the first Needham side to lift the Suffolk under 18s cup it was a really proud moment for us boys and it’s nice heading into the off-season with some silverware to show for the amount of effort everyone involved has put in over the course of the season, we are hungry to retain our status as holders and we have go out this season looking to win it again..

DK: What was going through your mind during the game/shootout? 

KF: Walking up to the spot you have to be confident try and block out all other noise and focus on your technique and where you’re going to put it however i couldn’t help but think back to my miss in the semi final, however i used it to motivate me to make sure i finished this one off as i knew the horrible feeing of missing.

DK:How did it it feel to score a penalty in the final? 

KFb Yeah a feeling of accomplishment and relief after i slotted my penalty in the final, after missing mine in the semi final that feeling still looked over me, however i trusted in my confidence and abilities to put the ball in the back of the net from 12 yards, taking the 6th penalty really has some pressure as if i had’ve missed that would’ve been it.

DK: Did any games standout to you from this season?

KF: Yeah i think the main game this season that stood out has to be the cup final the hard work everyone put into it we felt like we deserved the victory in the end. I’m very proud of everyone and we got from it what we put in, and you only win trophies if you’re work ethic is top level throughout the whole season so yeah a big credit to everyone involved and we’re all looking forward to next season.

DK: What targets do you have for next season?

KF: Next season my main aim is to continue to work hard throughout every training session and game giving my everything to stay Fit and contribute as much as possible to the team which is a non negotiable really, however i would like to reach double figures in both goals and assists, as a midfielder i need to keep getting my numbers up to cement my place in the team which is ultimately what everyone is working for.

Ollie Saunders | New Signing Interview | 08.06.2025 |

 Ollie Saunders discusses his career so far and joining the Marketmen. 

DK: First of all welcome to the club, could you talk us through your career so far? 

OS: Thankyou for the welcome! Yes, I started my youth career at Norwich City where I spent 8 years (U9-U16). I then completed my 2 year scholarship at Grimsby Town. Following on from this I spent time at Braintree in the National League South before 6 seasons at Leiston. My best current personal accolades will be starting at Braintree in the National League South having just turned 18, and also winning the Managers, Chairman and Presidents player of the season for Leiston a couple of years back.

DK: What would you say are the top 3 highlights of your career so far and why?

OS: Firstly, playing and scoring at Accrington Stanley’s stadium (Wham Stadium) because it was the first football league stadium I scored at! Secondly starting in the National League South just turned 18, that was a great experience and one that certainly made me a better player! Thirdly, Winning 3 end of season awards and having a really good season.

DK: How've you found it playing against us previously?

OS: I have always enjoyed playing against Needham. It has always been a hard place to visit, so to now call it my home stadium I am very happy about! I can’t wait to get started and meet all the fans and hopefully we will have a great season.

DK: What can our fans expect from you, and how would you describe yourself as a player?

OS: I play with High energy, effort, determination and have a good engine. I hate losing so will do anything to help the team win. On the ball I like to think that I’m technical and love to drive forwards with the ball.

DK: Targets with the club/as a team and personally? 

OS: I know the team and staff were disappointed to be relegated last season but we are fully focused on regaining step 2 status. If we can have a good run in the cups too and try and win some silverware that would be fantastic. Personally, I want to do everything I can to help the team achieve these goals. 

 

Quickfire Get To Know Q&A: 

Favourite Non-Sport Hobby: Spending time with my family

Favourite Holiday Destination: Dubai 

Favourite Streaming platform: Netflix 

Dogs or Cats: Dogs

Favourite hot drink: Latte

Favourite cold drink: Summer fruits Oasis 

Favourite snack: Skyr yoghurt bowl! 

Favourite dinner/takeaway: Chinese 

Dine in or takeaway: Takeaway 

Favourite post match food and drink: Pizza and a cold Coke 

Favourite sweets: Squashies

Summer or winter: Summer

Preferred social media platform: Instagram 

Most popular nickname given to you: Saunders

Matchday Superstition/routine: Always put my left boot on first!

Favourite training drill: Possession based drills

Favourite brand/style of boots: Nike

What motivates you most: Winning

Favourite TV Show: The Office

Favourite Film: Gladiator

Favourite football team: Chelsea

Best Ground Played At: Carrow Road

Best Player Played With: Siriki Dembele

Favourite pro player current/all time: Messi. 

Luke Ingram | End Of Season Q&A | 31.05.2025 |

Record appearance maker and goalscorer Luke Ingram reflects on the 2024/25 season. 

DK: How do you reflect on the season from a team perspective, there must be a lot of pride?

LI: I think as a team we gave it everything we could, the lack of high level experience probably showed up in the end, but no one can say we didn’t give it our all at all times, proud of everyone, the club gave a it a right go, and we will be back!

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective?

LI: I absolutey loved every minuite, travelled the country with great friends playing at amazing grounds, what more can you ask for. I could have contributed more but it’s all a learning curve! 

DK: What are your highlights from the season?

LI: Scunthorpe away, minus the red card of course! I’ll never forget they’re fans singing their song just before kick off, still gives me goosebumps thinking about it! 

DK: What was the best ground you played at this season?

LI: Atmosphere would be Scunthorpe. Unfortunately I was injured for the Hereford away game, that was amazing by all accounts! Kings Lynn wasn’t bad either, taking stick, and giving it back! 

DK: Biggest takeaway from season that you'll remember forever?

LI: Again, Scunthorpe away, I’ll never ever forget it, but most of all, doing what we never expected possible with my pals! 

DK: How it did feel to win the Top Goalscorer (for the season and all-time) award in a historic but tough season? 

LI: It felt amazing to finally get it over the line, unfortunately it didn’t help us achieve our goal, but I wanna extend it now and make it impossible to eclipse! 

DK: Do any games standout, if so why?

LI: Scunthorpe of course, the 1-0 win away at leamington was a big win on the night! All great days! 

DK: Looking back at the goals you scored, which one stands out as your favourite? 

LI: Probably the winner at home to Chorley, felt such a big moment in the season and to score a winner late on is always great!

DK: What are your targets for next season?

LI: Plain and simply, score more goals, make more goals, and have this side back around the top of the league! … just watched the Champs League final, hopefully we can take a bit from PSG, great to watch, and absolute work horses for the team!

Tom's doing unbelievable work already, when have you ever seen us signs any players before pre season? Clubs putting the stand and other things together, what a time to be part of Needham Market, just remember where we’ve come from! So excited for the coming season!

Ben Hunter | End of Season Q&A | 20.05.2025 |

 Ben Hunter reflects on his first season with the Marketmen, and previews 2025/26.

DK: How do you reflect on the season from a team perspective, there must be a lot of pride?

BH: It’s obviously always disappointing getting relegated but think we can come away with our heads held high as we weren’t a million miles away, no one expected us to stay up and we almost did.  

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective?

BH: Personally I loved it, it was the best season I’ve had to date, all the games are really competitive and a big step up from anything I’ve ever done before, think it’s given not just me but everyone else the hunger to get back there. 

DK: What are your highlights from the season?

BH: Think the highlights are playing against all the big clubs, would probably say occasion wise Scunthorpe but as a occasion and a result I'd say Hereford, 2 and a half thousand on a Tuesday night and to play them off the park made it even better.  

DK: What was the best ground you played at this season?

BH: Scunthorpe without a doubt, was the best experience I’ve ever had in football. 

DK: Biggest takeaway from season that you'll remember forever?

BH: I think knowing that we done ourselves proud is probably the best thing to take away from the season and also being able to say in years to come I played in one of the highest finishing non league teams from this area ever!. 

DK: Any other standout moments on/off the pitch?

BH: The standouts on the pitch are the games at Scunthorpe, Hereford, Chester, Kidderminster but also just some great memories with friends travelling up and down the country that I will never forget.

DK:  You've quickly became a fans favourite at the club, which must be pleasing? 

BH: It’s obviously nice to get recognition, like I said it has been my favourite and best season I’ve had in my career, also Can’t thank all the fans at the club who have made me feel so welcome in my first year and looking forward to the next now. 

DK: What are your targets for next season?

BH: Promotion.

Keiran Morphew | End Of Season Q&A | 19.05.2025 |

Captain Keiran Morphew reflects on the season. 

DK: How do you reflect on the season from a team perspective, there must be a lot of pride?

KM: Yes for sure there is a lot of pride. I think it would have been easy for players and staff to leave the club and probably pick up more money elsewhere for less travel, instead pretty much everyone stuck together and never gave up. 

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective?

KM:  ⁠Overall, I absolutely loved it. The travelling was easy, the crowds and grounds we played at were superb. On the pitch there were ups and downs but probably the same with everyone, I thought we grew in to it and played some nice games. 

DK: What are your highlights from the season?

KM: ⁠Scunthorpe away was wicked and also winning away at Hereford was a standout memory. 

DK: What was the best ground played at this season?

KM: Scunthorpe again. Their fans singing the club song before kick off was great and our travelling fans singing all game as well. Even their supporters said after the game that we should be proud of the support they gave us.

DK: Biggest takeaway from season that you'll remember forever?

KM: ⁠Just the experience as a whole was unforgettable. A tight knit club, containing 7 of my best mates, some of which I have been playing with for up to 12 years, sharing the pitch against some top non league clubs at a level the club has never been to before. I don’t think many people can say that. 

DK: Any other standout moments on/off the pitch?

KM: Getting headbutted was a new one, won’t forget that haha. 

DK: Do any games standout, if so why?

KM: Kidderminster away made me feel like I had been wasting my time playing football. They absolutely battered us.

DK: Once again you've contributed some important goals this season, which must be pleasing?

KM: Well they’re worthless now but could have been important at the time. I like scoring but prefer defending anyway haha. 

DK: What are your targets for next season?

KM: ⁠I want something to play for at the end of the season and to get our hands on the Premier Cup again!

Jamie McGrath | End Of Season Q&A | 15.05.2025 |

 Jamie McGrath reflects on the season. 

DK: How do you reflect on the season, there must be a lot of pride? 

JMcG: (Team) Yeah a lot of pride but also ultimately a lot of disappointment. We didn’t disgrace ourselves by any means but in the dressing room we knew that that was never gonna be the case with the group we’ve got. But yeah definitely some real proud moments in there as well. (Personally) It was tough. The league was so hard, probably even harder than I expected to be. And it definitely took us a while to adjust. I felt like I started pretty well but wasn’t quite getting the goals, then had a really annoying quad injury around Christmas time that I just couldn’t get rid of - and then had some decent performances in the second half of the season. But I’m always my own harshest critic, I definitely wanted to do a lot more in terms of goals and assists. I still really enjoyed a lot of the season though, it was an unreal experience at times.

DK: What are your highlights from the season?

JMcG: The one that stands out is Hereford, was obviously great to score and win that day but just in terms of the occasion, the crowd, how well we played that day. It gave us a real boost after a tough start. Chester away was another one, a great battling point against top of the league at the time. 

DK: What was the best ground played at this season?

JMcG: I think it’d have to be Scunthorpe, although I did love Herefords ground. 

DK: Biggest takeaway from season that you'll remember forever?

JMcG: I just thought it was insane how our fans continued to travel up and down the country, continued to make noise and support us. We know how expensive it is, how long the journeys are and we really do appreciate it. Seeing them in the corners of grounds making the noise they made at places like Scunthorpe, Hereford, Kidderminster will always stick with me for sure. 

DK: Any other standout moments on/off the pitch?

JMcG: Ingers last minute winner at home to Chorley was definitely a highlight. Kept the dream alive, and Reggie’s winner away at Alfreton, that was unreal after being 2-0 down! 

DK: Do any games standout, if so why?

JMcG: Other than the obvious ones I’ve mentioned Oxford at home was brilliant, playing free flowing football and scoring goals - a couple of weeks after doing the same at Farsley. It was a great period during the season. 

DK: Once again you've contributed some important goals this season, which must be pleasing?

JMcG: Few more would’ve been nice!! But nah it was tough for all of the forward players this year I think and it was always gonna be. But yeah nice to score some important goals of course. 

DK: What are your targets for next season?

JMcG: Go straight back up. Simple as that. We’re under no illusions of how tough that will be but if we take what we’ve learnt from this season, approach every game with the right attitude, I have no doubts that we’ve got the quality in the dressing room to have another very successful season!

Myles Cowling | Needham Market FC New Signing Interview | 19.05.2025

New signing Myles Cowling discusses his career so far and joining the Marketmen. 

DK: First of all welcome to the club, first of all could you talk us through your career so far? 

MC: I joined Cambridge when I was 9, straight into the academy and then done my 2 year scholarship with a further 2 years as a pro. Then had a surgery at the start of my first season away from Cambridge and then played for st ives that first season, followed by Subury last year. 

DK: What would you say are the top 3 highlights of your career so far and why?

MC: Obviously the at the time getting my first professional contract, and probably another one was getting my scholarship at Cambridge too. They were both proud moments for me and my family!

 

DK: What was the driving factor in your decision to come back to the club?

MC: I’ve played against needham quite a few times and always been impressed with them, and the way they play so that stuck with me really! Obviously I know Joe Neal and Tom Dickens from Cambridge and Sudbury, aswell as Bradders who I’ve played with too. 

DK: How did joining us come about, and what are your targets for the new season? 

MC: I think Tom came to watch a couple of the lads year at Sudbury and noticed me from them games. I hope to be pushing up at the top end of the table and being competitive in every game this season. And personally I would like to improve on my performances and goal involvements from last year. 

Quickfire Get To Know Q&A: 

Favourite Non-Sport Hobby: Golf

Favourite Holiday Destination: Australia

Favourite Streaming platform: YouTube 

Dogs or Cats: Dogs

Favourite hot drink: Hot chocolate 

Favourite cold drink: Fanta 

Favourite snack: Cheese

Favourite dinner/takeaway: Chinese

Dine in or takeaway: Dine in, I’ll cook

Favourite post match food and drink: Pizza & cider

Favourite sweets: Fizzy fish        

Summer or winter: Summer

Preferred social media platform: Instagram    

Most popular nickname given to you: Mylo

Matchday Superstition/routine: Eat a lot of salt🤣   

Favourite training drill: Small sided games 

Favourite brand/style of boots: Nike

What motivates you most: Family

Favourite TV Show: The Vampire Diaries  

Favourite Film: Titanic

Favourite football team: ARSENAL 

Best Ground Played At: MK Stadium

Best Player Played With: Wes Hoolahan

Favourite pro player current/all time: Saka

Charlie Smy | End Of Season Q&A #2 | 10.05.2025 |

Academy midfielder Charlie Smy reflects on the season, including winning Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup. 

DK: What did you make of the season from a team perspective?

CS: I think this season has been very good from a team perspective, mostly because of all the lads being 16 and coming into a tough men’s league and being able adapt fairly well to the challenge. The improvement from the start of the season to the end was quite evident as in the last 15 or so games, we managed to get some half decent results against some very good teams including wins over our rivals Sudbury and Leiston. 

DK: How would you sum up the season from a personal view point?

CS: From a personal perspective, I’ve really enjoyed this season especially as it’s my first in men’s football. I feel that I’ve learnt a lot from my coaches and have experienced some very good moments with a great group of lads, such as winning the county cup at Colchester's stadium.

DK: Can you pick 4 highlights from the season (Res/U18s), what are they and why? 

CS: The first highlight from our season I would say is our first reserve win against Dussindale, it was big 3 points and a great show of character from the boys. The second has got to be our fa youth cup run, as we beat some very good teams in the competition and were one game off the first round. My third highlight of the season was our county cup quarter final game against Lowestoft as we had a few key player missing for this game and were up against a strong side who we managed to beat 4:0. My fourth and final highlight for the season is pretty self explanatory as it’s the county cup final against Sudbury. This win was a great achievement for the boys playing in a great stadium in front of a good amount of fans, something I’m sure all of us will remember for a long time.

DK: How did it feel to be the first Needham side to lift the Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup and what did you think of the Final?

CS: It’s an unbelievable feeling to win such an important game on such a big stage and it’s even more special for the team being the first Needham team to lift the cup in the clubs history. The experience of playing in a great stadium like Colchester and winning is something everyone involved will always remember.

DK: What was going through your mind during the game/shootout?

CS: I tried to treat the game like any other and just enjoy being able to have the opportunity to play in such a big game in front of a decent crowd. During the shootout obviously I was a bit nervous but I backed the boys throughout and was obviously buzzing to get the win.

DK: How did it it feel to score a penalty in the final? 

CS: It’s an unbelievable feeling and such a relief seeing the ball hit the back of the net.

DK: Did any games standout to you from this season?

CS: The main standout game from the season is always going to be the win in the final especially as we were 2:0 down and Showed great character to get back into the game. It was a very entertaining game with loads of different emotions , with us coming out on top and winning on pens. 

DK: What targets do you have for next season?

CS: For the 18s, I’d really like to get to the first round in the fa youth cup and be able to play against a good pro academy team. For the reserves our target is to carry on our form from the end of last season into the start of next season seeing how high we can get up the table.

DK: Congratulations on winning a couple of awards at Presentation Night, how proud and delighted are you to have been recognised within your team?

CS: Yeah, its a very good feeling and is something I’m proud of. It means a lot coming from the team as well.