REACTION | Jamie McGrath, Tom Rothery Post Match Interviews | AFC Sudbury V Needham Market | 03.08.2024

Assistant Manager Tom Rothery reflects on Saturday's final friendly.

DK: Nice to have pre-season out the way.

TR: Yeah, I'm glad it's over, yeah. I don't really enjoy pre-seasons. I find them very tough because, it just doesn't overly mean anything, does it? Results don't mean too much. You don't get any points. So, yeah, I'm glad it's over. But I don't think it's been too bad a pre-season. Same as last pre-season, I said that to the lads after the game as well. I think the last two pre-seasons, the lads have brought into it. I think the commitment's been good and, generally speaking, I think we've got out of both pre-seasons what we needed to, so, yeah.

DK: Topsy-turvy game today. First half better than the second, really.

TR: Yeah, and again, I think a lot of that comes from pre-season, to be honest with you. Sudbury didn't make too many changes. I thought they were good, both halves. They didn't make too many changes, though. We made quite a number of changes earlier, so they probably made a few changes later in the game. We made a number of changes earlier in the game, which then creates a little bit of faultiness. It's very difficult for players to go on. We didn't get too many positives out of the second half. Marco obviously made a couple of brilliant saves, but there weren't too many other positives out of the second half. But, yeah, Sudbury is never an easy place to come, so I suppose the pleasing thing is that we haven't lost pre-season or not. That's an important attribute to have. When you're not at your best, make sure you don't lose again.

DK: Two good goals from our point of view as well. 

TR: They were the biggest positives, without stating the obvious. Not because they're goals, but because of the way the goals come about. It's just through working hard and pressing in the right areas. I was really pleased with both those goals, really. I suppose the frustration off the back of both those goals is that we had opportunities to get a third. I think Jamie was denied, if I remember rightly. I think someone else was probably denied. I can't remember. And we didn't really kick on and build up from that two-nil, although I really thought their penalty was really soft to make it 2-1. Tommy's adamant he's got the ball first, then the player. That was how I saw it from where I was, so I thought the penalty was soft. That's probably the frustration from 2-0. We didn't really build on it. The second half became a bit patchy, whether that's because of the changes. There weren't as many positives in the second half, or many at all, really, if I'm honest. 

DK: Finally, on the eve of the first league game now? 

TR: Yeah, looking forward to it. Like I said, I just prefer football season. It just means something, doesn't it? If you win a game, lose a game, draw a game, there's things to get off the back of that, whether it be points, whether it be learning lessons. I find pre-season really difficult because I'm just so competitive. I just find it difficult. I think the competitive edge in me just finds pre-season a real tough thing to do. I'm always glad when pre-season's over. Like I said, I think it's been reasonably positive, similar to last pre-season, but it means nothing on August 10th. Everything starts. You all start with zero points, and that's where we'll find out where we're at, and hopefully we'll be in a good place. 

DK: It'll be a tough game, considering they were seventh in the league last year. 

TR: Yeah, we've got a tough start. Let's take positions from last year. They were seventh, you've got Southport that look like they've improved. Well, they have improved, there's no doubt about that. And then you've got Scunthorpe, obviously, who's second. That's the third game. You've got Radcliffe come up. Everyone's tipping them to be the favourite or one of the favourites in the league. And then I think we start with Alfreton at home after that on the bank on a Monday, and they were fourth last year. So it's a very tough start. Like I've said on previous interviews, we need to expect every game to be tough. And then like I've said to the players today, our mentality is massive now. It's really important that we are prepared to feel and act like we're step two players and show that on the pitch consistently and deal with the ups and downs and be brave.

Goalscorer Jamie McGrath reflects on today's game. 

DK: Half-decent game to finish pre-season? 

JMcG: Yeah, you know, it was obviously competitive, (they're) league below what we're going to be in. Got some good players, so we knew it was going to be a tough run out. You know, it was a tough game when we came here in January last year, so we knew it was going to be tricky. But yeah, you know, lots of positives to take, I think. 

DK: And a brilliant goal for you as well? 

JMcG: Yeah, no, nice to get on the score sheet as always. Hopefully sort of take that into next week and into the season. But yeah, could have had maybe one or two more. So yeah, but you know, still happy. 

DK: Probably one of our better friendlies, really, in terms of competitiveness? 

JMcG: Yeah, I think so. Obviously, we've played a few teams in lower leagues, which has been good in terms of building patterns of play, relationships within the team and building fitness. But yeah, it was obviously more of a test today and slightly disappointed, obviously, to have the two-goal lead and then end up drawing. But as I say, positives to take and the result doesn't really matter.

DK: Yeah, and we move on to Curzon. The first Step 2 game? 

JMcG: Yeah, no, looking forward to it. Nice short journey to start with. But, you know, we know that's part and parcel of what we've got in this league. So we're all looking forward to it. Looking forward to the challenge and I'm sure we'll put in a good account of ourselves next week. As I say, looking forward to it.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Mildenhall Town V Needham Market | 31.07.2024

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on the win at Mildenhall.

DK: A nice win tonight, you must be pleased with that? 

KH: Yeah, again, it's another pre-season game out the way. It's all about getting fitness. Difficult pitch to play on. I've played here myself with the slope, so it was a different challenge for us tonight against a team that has obviously come up to Step 4 and have added players and are quite competitive. So, it was a good test for us. Obviously, it's probably my last opportunity to rotate it around a bit and get lads minutes. Obviously, the pre-season games are running out. We're left with Sudbury, which will be a tough test and obviously, that's the last game we've got before our first league opener at Step 2. So, yeah, I chopped and changed it a little bit. (It) can make it a little bit disjointed, but I thought it was okay.

We scored a couple of decent goals, not conceded. The only downside is obviously the trialist getting injured late on. I'm hoping it's not too bad. He's just rolled his ankle. So, that's the downside of it, I suppose. But overall, it was a solid performance. I think we dominated the play. 

DK: The subs came on at half-time and within two minutes, one of them set up the goal.

KH: Yeah, it was a bit of a headache tonight. I must admit, obviously, we had 20 in the squad. A couple played last night. It's about getting lads as many minutes as they can across the board. So, it was a little bit of a brain teaser to get everyone minutes tonight. But we got there, and like you say, they had impact. The lads that come on, obviously, contributed to the first goal. Then, obviously, we brought on more lads after 60, where we were dominant, really, in possession. Going down the slope was a lot easier here. So, yeah, it was a good workout for us and sets us up nicely for our last game at Sudbury. 

DK: Like you say, we bided our time quite well and took our chances. 

KH: Yeah, two good goals, the cross from Milzy.

I think it was a slight deflection, but Seth was in the place you have to be between the white sticks. It was a nice little tap-in for him. Then, Hamo, we've seen it a couple of times now. He scored an absolute thunder blaster. I don't think no keeper in the world saves that. He's caught it really well. He's hit the underside of the bar in the top corner. Yeah, it's a pleasing night, like I say, apart from the injury. 

DK: Harley still injured? 

KH: Yes, unfortunately, Harley's done the warm-up, and still not 100 per cent right, so there's no point risking it. Tonight, he's done the last two warm-ups, but still feeling a little bit of pain down the back of his ankle. So, I just don't want to risk it at this stage. There's no point. So, it's not ideal, we know, but I'd rather that. Be more cautious than him to play tonight and then rule him out for over a month. So, I'm hoping by the time the season starts, he'll be ready to go.

DK: Everyone else is fit, aren't they? 

KH: Yes, everyone else is good. It's always difficult pre-season. Obviously, you're trying to shake your squad up. We've made a couple of really good additions, in my opinion. It's about getting minutes, but it's really frustrating when you've got to rotate it and it's difficult. You go to different places and different challenges. I'm just looking forward to the season starting. Also, we've got a real tough task at Sudbury, which will be a good set-up for us to go to Curzon the week after. 

DK: And their assistant manager was here tonight. 

KH: Yes, a strange one to come and watch a game on a Wednesday night when we've got 20 in the squad. I'm not sure he'd have learnt much about tonight, but we'll see. This season's going to be a tough one for us, but it's one that we're all excited about and looking forward to. These lads have learnt their right to play at Step 2 and we'll be all right. I think we might surprise a few. 

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.

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.