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 👊🏻.
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