Ollie Saunders | 2025/26 Q+A #23 | 21.05.2026 |

Midfielder Ollie Saunders takes a look back at his first season with the Marketmen.

DK: Overall, how did you find the season from a personal perspective?

OS: Personally I really enjoyed the season as a whole. All the players, staff, fans, board etc are top so it made it so easy for me to come in and feel comfortable. Look were a good footballing side and I enjoy getting on the ball so I found it a very enjoyable season overall. 

2. Can you pick 3 games in general that stood out to you?

OS: It’s hard to pick 3 games but from my memory games that really stood out would have to be the Weston game, Real Bedford away where I thought we were excellent and Spalding at home!

DK: A very good FA Cup run this season, what are your thoughts looking back?

OS: Yeah it’s always nice to have good cup runs, it would’ve been nice to go one further and make the first round but fingers crossed we can do that next season!

DK: A first Premier Cup triumph for you, how good did that feel?

OS: ⁠It felt great to be honest! I’ve had a few years playing in this cup and always tend to lose in finals usually to Needham🤣 so it was nice being on the right end of this one! 

DK: A very professional Premier Cup run as well, winning it in style with a clean sheet?

OS: Yeah really good that stat actually! We’re really good at the back so it doesn’t surprise me but that’s a solid stat and something we can build on.

DK: Looking at the league campaign, obviously ended in gutting circumstances but there must be a lot of pride to have still finished towards the top end?

OS: ⁠Overall you can maybe say it was a decent season. However, I know my standards and the staff and all the lads standards are very high so we’re quite disappointed we didn’t make the playoffs in the end to be fair. We’ve gotta dust ourselves down and make sure we’re there or there abouts come next season! 

DK: How do you reflect overall on the league campaign?

OS: Like I said, overall it’s not a bad season but we know where we want to be and where we think we should be so we will come back even stronger I’m sure of that.

DK: Would you still class the season, overall, as a successful one?

OS: ⁠I think it was fairly successful. Winning a trophy always makes a season pretty good so we can say we won some silverware and we had a good cup run but ultimately we wanted the playoffs and promotion.

DK: What targets do you have next season - both personally and as a team?

OS: ⁠Personally, I just want to affect as many games as possible try and standout and be the best I can be to help the team every single game. As a team I think we should be aiming for good cup runs and promotion as I believe we’re a great group!

DK: After a long season, you must be looking relishing the off season, or are you not much of a fan?

OS: It’s always nice to have a little break. It’s a long season and the travel we have to do especially can be tiring! So we will enjoy a little break but come pre season we’ll be 100% at it and ready to go again!

Kellen Fiddy | 2025/26 Q+A #22 | 18.05.2026 |

Reserves and Under-18's captain Kellen Fiddy reviews the 2025/26 season.

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective - arguably a successful one? 

KF: I think overall it was a positive season for me, mainly because of the frustration from last season being injured for the majority of it. So getting through the whole season injury free and not having to miss many games I’m happy with for sure. I definitely have learnt a lot on and off the pitch this season being tested in training with the academy coaches and i’m leaving a much improved person and player than when I joined.

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why? 

KF: 1- Erith Fa youth cup 1st round proper. This game was an overall top performance from all the lads, personally contributing 2 assist to that game was a nice feeling as we made history for the club getting into the 2nd round for the first time. 2- Southend Fa youth cup 2 round proper,despite the result we showed great character in what was one of the biggest occasions that we experienced over the 2 years at u18s level. 3- Sudbury u18s county cup r16 Scoring the winning pen in the shootout to take us through to the quarters was an unreal feeling that i will remember for a long time in the future. 

DK: How do you think this season ranks within your previous seasons at the club? 

KF: Yeah this is definitely top compared to last year as i mentioned with my previous injury just getting through the whole season is a big improvement from the season before.

DK: Similarly, how’d you summarise your time at the club? 

KF: Yeah I can’t speak highly enough about my time at the club from the moment I walked in the doors I’ve been challenged, pushed to become a better player and person overall, as well as being given the support and guidance when I needed it throughout my time being injured. 

DK: What’d you make of the season for the Reserves? 

KF: It’s tough to summarise the reserves season, we knew from the beginning that it was gonna be a tough season, however we had belief that we can compete in every game we play at that level, we fell unfortunate in a few results not going our way but that’s football some good performances but couldn’t really get a run of wins together especially down the back end of the season. 

DK: A very historic season for the U18s - how proud are you overall? 

KF: Yeah very proud of everyone who was involved we showed good squad depth with players coming in from the u16 squad towards the end of the season when the schedule for games was hectic and they adapted really well which is a good sign for the future of the 18s.

DK: How special was it being part of that impressive FA Youth Cup run, the best the club’s ever had? 

KF: Yeah really special to play a big part in that run creating club history is such a nice feeling leaving behind a club record for the u18s 

DK: Unfortunate to not quite retain the Suffolk Midweek Cup, but you must be otherwise proud of that run? 

KF: Yeah gutted with the result in the final but yeah still good experience making it to back to back finals. 

DK: An unbeaten U18 League
Champion campaign though, how does that feel? 

KF: Yeah another club record set from us boys and one that so many played a part in and yeah credit to all the coaches staff and us players who played a part in creating that season of history.

DK: How much did it mean to you to captain the Reserves/U18s? 

KF: A really proud feeling to step up as captain, a role where I had to step up as a leader and gain a lot of experience which is always a good thing, being a captain entails a lot more than just wearing the armband on the pitch at the weekend, there is lots of roles and responsibilities at the training ground that not everyone sees and gave me more experience in that department so yeah really grateful. 

DK: A largely unchanged team over the previous seasons, how much has that consistency and togetherness played a part in the success? 

KF: We are a really close group the vibes at the academy is top and we carry that into the games we play which is a massive boost when we play as everyone knows each others play styles and strengths which we can utilise when it comes to playing.

DK: Another great personal achievement was that you broke into the first team this season how did you find it being in and around the squad on training and matchdays as a whole? 

KF: That was one of my long term goals for this season, do everything I can to try and break into first team training on a consistent basis and try get into one of the match day squads and managed to achieve that which I really enjoyed, more experience for me and you’re surrounded by top players that are willing to give you information to help improve your game and it brings you up as a player for definite. 

DK: Adding to that you made a fair few First team appearances how was that for you and how much did it motivate you for more? 

KF: Even in the short appearances I made off the bench I feel like I learnt a lot just being in and around it on the matchday squad is so beneficial for a player like me wanting to improve and learn, but yeah now I’ve experienced it I’m hungry for more, so I continue to work hard over the summer and hit the ground running pre season. 

DK: Scoring a few important goals this season must be a nice positive personally? 

KF: I mean who doesn’t love getting on the score sheet but means a lot when they contribute to the team winning which is the main thing for me so every way possible I can do that I will give me all to. Definitely a target for next season though is to add to them numbers as that’s one of the main factors that get you recognised and I want to be talked about, I’m hungry to get my numbers up even more.

James Coton | 2025/26 Q+A #21 | 18.05.2026 |

 

Academy forward James Coton discusses the 2025/26 season, including breaking into the First Team.

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective (Res/U18s) - arguably a successful one?

JC: Yeah I think it was a successful season from a personal perspective as played lots of minutes and went injury free. I really enjoyed the season and the group of players that I played with week in week out.

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why?

JC: The cup final for the first team is definitely one as I come on and got about 25 minutes and I really enjoyed it as we dominated the game and won. I would also have to say the 2nd round of the FA youth cup although we lost it was a really good opportunity for the boys to play in a big game against good opposition. The 3ed game would probably be the semi final of the county cup as I scored 2 goals and got an assist. 

DK: How do you think this season ranks within your previous seasons at the club?

JC: It is probably one of my favourite seasons I have ever had as I got opportunities to be with the first team for a lot of the season and I feel being around that environment has helped me to learn and become a better player.

DK: Similarly, how'd you summarise your time at the club?

JC: I have loved being at the club and happy to be staying as I have been here since I first started playing football. I have also really enjoyed being at the academy for the last 2 years as it has been a really good environment help me develop as a person and as a player. 

DK: What'd you make of the season for the Reserves? 

JC: I think the Reserves season has been though especially towards the end of the season as we have been struggling for results but there is always positives to take from the season. 

DK: A very historic season for the U18s - how proud are you overall? 

JC: Yeah it has been a good season for the U18s it is always nice to win a league and I think it is a real positive for the academy that everyone had a big part to play in winning the league such as the U16s 1st years and the coaches. 

DK: How special was it being part of that impressive FA Youth Cup run, the best the club's ever had? 

JC: Yeah I loved the FA Youth cup run the build up to each game in training was really good and playing in big game after big game was really enjoyable.

DK: Unfortunate to not quite retain the Suffolk Midweek Cup, but you must be otherwise proud of that run? 

JC: Yeah we was obviously disappointed not to retain the County Cup as it would have been a good way to end youth football with all the boys but it was a good run and I really enjoyed it. 

DK: An unbeaten U18 League Champion campaign though, how does that feel? 

JC: Yeah like I said before it was a good run not to lose a game and all age groups and coaches should take full credit for being unbeaten as everyone had a big part to play in it. 

DK: A largely unchanged team over the previous seasons, how much has that consistency and togetherness played a part in the success?

JC: Yeah consistency with the team is good and we were all really close together as a team as we see and train with each other everyday so I think that allowed us to know each other strengths and play to them. 

DK: Another great personal achievement was that you broke into the First Team this season, how did you find it being in and around the squad on training and matchdays as a whole?

JC: Yeah I am really grateful for the opportunity’s I have been given in the first teams being in and around that environment for a good amount of time during the season has been really good for me as it has allowed me to be around good players and learn from them which has helped me improve as a player.

DK: Adding to that you made a fair few appearances, even starting for the First Team, how was that for you - and how much did that motivate you for more?

JC: I think it has been good for me getting lots of appearances for the first team as it has allowed me to prove to myself that I can play at that level and it has made me hungry to play more regularly at that level. 

DK: One of those first team appearances saw you feature in 2 county cup finals in as many days, overall how was that experience - rather abnormal?

JC: Yeah it was a really good opportunity for me to play for the first team in the final getting experiences like that at a young age don’t come round often so I was really grateful that I was given the opportunity

DK: Focusing on the First Team Final, how special was that to play in and win the Suffolk Premier Cup Final?

JC: Yeah like I said I loved it and it was a really good experience for me to be on the winning team in a final is always good. 

DK: Can you pick a few goals you've scored this season that stand out?

JC: The brace in the country cup semi final are the two goals the stand out to me the most because they was important goals to help us get through to the final.

Luke Ingram | 2025/26 Q+A #20 | 17.05.2026 |

Forward Luke Ingram looks back on the 2025/26 season.

DK: Overall, how did you find the season from a personal perspective?

LI: Well firstly I really enjoyed it, really enjoyed the first full one under Tom, Munno and Patch, and as always we had a great dressing room, thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I didn’t have my best season but started to get going better towards the end, few goals, another one to remember.

DK: You must be overall proud of the last few seasons for the club?

LI: Yeah of course, still can’t believe we won the league and got to experience the Conference North. When I joined the club years ago, that wouldn’t have even been a dream we could have imagined in wildest dreams. And now we’re disappointed that we narrowly missed out on the play offs. Shows how far we’ve come and the level the clubs got to. Can’t explain how much I enjoy playing football with this bunch. And I know the supporters have enjoyed the journey just as much!

DK: Another very good FA Cup run this season, what are your thoughts looking back?

LI: Yeah another good FA Cup run. Was unlucky on the day at western to not get a draw really. I think we became a much better team after that period so yeah always great to have a fa cup run. Just need to get lucky with the draw sometimes. Home draw always helps.

DK: Five Premier Cup triumphs in six years, a very impressive record that no doubt spurs you on for more? 

LI: 100 percent. It’s become expected now really, but I still remember the days when the likes of leiston used to knock us out most years. Look at us now! Should never be taken for granted how good a run that is and how much everyone should enjoy them. Any cup win is an incredible achievement.

DK: A clean sheet throughout the Premier Cup as well, winning it in style?

LI: Brilliant stat that, the lads at the back been a bit hard on themselves this season, so it’s good they can get that kind of accolade. Wouldn’t have had any of the recent success without them boys at the back and in goal. No doubt they’re keen to get back at it next year and come back strong again.

DK: Looking at the league campaign, obviously ended in gutting circumstances but there must be a lot of pride to have still achieved our second highest step 3 finish?

LI: Think you said it perfectly. Second highest ever finish for the club, only to when we won the league. Again shows how far we’ve come. Obviously we were absolutely devastated we missed out on goal difference, but I always say you finish where you deserve to it is what it is. We left so many points out there with late goals. Something we can correct next season and be in them play offs!

DK: How do you reflect on the league campaign?

LI: The aim was play offs so I’m disappointed we didn’t make it, but overall it was a pretty good season in my opinion, some good football played, so room for improvement next year

DK: Could you pick 3 games that standout most to you this season?

LI: I’ll definitely miss a few off but off the top of my head…

Last minute winner away at Bishop Stortford was a good one. 

Western was a good away day and a nice pitch and ground. 

Halesowen away always class too, proper atmosphere there!

Enjoyed spanking Spalding at home too, and Bedford away we were frighteningly good.

DK: Another season as top scorer, can you pick a few that standout in your mind?

LI: Yeah which is always nice… erm struggling to remember many, too many penalties maybe lol. Enjoyed the two goals against Leiston home and away, big goals at the time. St Ives at home was a big goal too. But I just enjoy all of them really, all important for different reasons.

DK: What targets do you have next season - personally and as a team?

LI: Next season, try hit 20 goals, and be a big part of the team, hopefully carry on the end of season form and not take so long to get going. 

As a team it’s simple, win the Suffolk cup, finish in the play offs at a minimum, hopefully a good cup run if possible, all realistic chances.

DK: After a long season, you must be looking relishing the off season, or are you not much of a fan? 

LI: Na not at all mate, I need football routine in my life, I love football so much, takes up most of my life, but it’s nice to have a few holidays, spend some time with my wife and two boys, it’s only short time so just make the most of it and come back for the dreaded pre season. Can’t wait for the league games to start. 

Looking forward to winding you up so more Drew and catching up with the loyal ones at the bar over a Morreti after a game!

Evan Gledhill | 2025/26 Q+A #19 | 17.05.2026 |

Academy striker Evan Gledhill talks about the 2025/26 season. 

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective (Res/U18s) - arguably a successful one?

EG: Yes this season personally for me has been a great season especially how much I have improved compared to last season scoring 32 goals this year and was great to win the League unbeaten for the u18s as unlike some other lads I was involved a lot in the u18s. In the reason we started really well to the season and me personally scoring a lot in the first half but the only downside to reserves season we the blip we had and personally having a massive goal draught.

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why?

EG: There is so many games I could’ve picked out this season but I think personally number 1 and 2 would be Lowestoft at home for the u18s both in the FA Youth Cup and the county cup as we played so well and personally scoring a brace in both games was very nice and the the third game would be for me personally Gorleston Reserves at home as I scored a hat-trick in this game and got us a very important 3 points.

DK: How do you think this season ranks within your previous seasons at the club?

EG: I think this was our best season that I have been involved in as the fa youth cup run alone was amazing to go that far and also making back to back county cup finals is a very hard thing to do.

DK: Similarly, how'd you summarise your time at the club?

EG: Yeah my time at the club has been amazing I have developed so much as a football from what I came to Needham as a player to what I am now is a massive difference and how much they have helped me with my next steps in football.

DK: What'd you make of the season for the Reserves? 

EG: Yeah this season at reserves has been a tricky one as we started of the season so well as a team and personally as well scoring lots of goal but then we had a blip in the season loosing many games in a row but thankfully we had a decent end to the season.

DK: A very historic season for the U18s - how proud are you overall? 

EG: Yeah this season has been amazing for the under 18s only loosing 2 games the whole season witch is a very hard thing to do at any level and also winning the League unbeaten with so many games to go is an unbelievable thing to do.

DK: How special was it being part of that impressive FA Youth Cup run, the best the club's ever had? 

EG: The FA Youth Cup run was just wow we knew how good we was at that level and every game we went into it so confident and personally as well scoring in every single game except 1 was very confidence boosting and we looked like no one could stop us.

DK: Unfortunate to not quite retain the Suffolk Midweek Cup, but you must be otherwise proud of that run? 

EG: Yeah obviously very upsetting not to win in the final and retain the cup and it just felt like winning that would’ve been the best end to a great 2 years but it wasn’t meant to be but the run was amazing especially knocking out Sudbury so early on.

DK: An unbeaten U18 League Champion campaign though, how does that feel? 

EG: Yeah an amazing season for the under 18s going unbeaten but credit has to go to the first years and the u16 boys for stepping up and doing an amazing job.

DK: A largely unchanged team over the previous seasons, how much has that consistency and togetherness played a part in the success?

EG: Yeah I think the group we have is amazing and is one of the best at this level and especially it staying mostly the same over the 2 years except for a couple of boys getting big injuries for example Harlyn was a massive loss towards the end of this season as the amount of goals he provides is massive.

DK: Can you pick 3 goals that you scored this season that stand out to you?

EG: Yh my 3 favourite goals this season would be number 3. My second goal against Gorleston Reserves to give us the lead my 2 favourite was my first again Lowestoft in the county cup off the bar and in and the my favourite that curling effort at Whittlesey away

Flynn Bobby | 2025/26 Q+A #18 | 16.05.2026 |

Academy winger Flynn Bobby recaps the 2025/26 season, and breaking into the First Team.

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective (Res/U18s) - arguably a successful one?

FB: The season as a whole was a positive one for us all. The results in the reserves weren’t what we’d hoped for of course, a similar story to last season. But I think we all learned a lot and it’s another season of men’s football that all of us will take valuable lessons from to make us better players longterm.

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why?

FB: Number one for me was the First Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup. To make history on the same night as such a resounding result was a great feeling. Personally to score 2 and get an assist in a 4-0 win and then be awarded with Man Of The Match after the game made the night even more memorable for me.

Number two would be making my first team debut in the Suffolk Premier Cup final win vs Felixstowe, I’d been training with the team for quite a while and to be given my debut was a moment I was really excited for… and to win a medal at the end of it was brilliant! Number three might sound weird to people but it might be Holland away. We lost the game 5-1 which instantly makes the game sound like a failure. We went 5-0 down by half-time, but I think the amount we all learned about eachother and ourselves that day when we were in the dressing room at halftime, and when we came out in the second half and put out a completely different performance despite being to be put it brutally, embarrassed, in the first half was a testament for all the boys.

DK: How do you think this season ranks within your previous seasons at the club?

FB: This season for me has been much better than last season, this is only my second season here at Needham but last season I was out for 6 months of the season with my first ever real injury. To come into a new group and be injured for so long was difficult. This season though, I had a good reserve season and even ended up getting the most assists in the league with 16, despite us ending the season on a slight low with the loss in the County Cup final, this season has definitely been a positive one for me.

DK: How special was it being part of that impressive FA Youth Cup run, the best the club's ever had? 

FB: The FA Youth Cup run was a special one for all of us, we were lucky enough to have a lot of our draws at home so instantly we always felt as though we had an upper hand on the opposition due to our how good we are at home on the grass. We unfortunately got knocked out by a really strong Southend side, who were deserved winners on the night. But to create history for the club and to be given the opportunities to play the way we did from Luke, and how much prep he gave us before each game is something we’re all grateful to him for, the credit for the history we made should go to him.

DK: Unfortunate to not quite retain the Suffolk Midweek Cup, but you must be otherwise proud of that run? 

FB: Similarly to the Youth Cup, the run we had in the County Cup was something we’re all really proud of too. It didn’t end the way we wanted it to, like I said. But again, we were beaten by a side that were rightful winners in a game that was great to be a part of, and for a neutral would’ve been a great watch ending in a 5-4 defeat. Against a good side like that in a cup game, mistakes become even more costly and we found that out the hard way that night.

FB: An unbeaten U18 League Champion campaign though, how does that feel? 

FB: To be honest I didn’t play much of a part in the success of the 18’s league. I think I only played about 4-5 games. But both the U16’s who themselves have had a brilliant season, and the first years who played almost every game are who we need to thank for such a successful campaign. They’re the boys who won us that league and they should be the ones acknowledged for how well they all did to get us over the line with games to spare and even unbeaten.

DK: A largely unchanged team over the previous seasons, how much has that consistency and togetherness played a part in the success?

FB: I think it shows how much improvement and how well we’ve all adapted to men’s football at reserve level. Despite not much of an improvement results wise, I think other than that Holland game every game could’ve genuinely gone either way. We were on the wrong end of too many scorelines this season, but we were never outplayed by anyone and if we we could keep the ball out the net better than we did maybe our season wouldn’t been different. But like the County Cup final, when you play good sides, mistakes rarely ever go unpunished. Losing Olly Reynolds halfway through the season meant that would be even more difficult, but overall to play with almost the same players week in week out for the last 2 years has got a lot of us on the same page with each other, and relationships on and off the pitch have grown so much.

DK: You've scored some cracking goals this season, can you pick a few that stand out? 

FB: My goal vs Dussindale was my favourite. It actually won The Grassroots Goal Of The Month and got over a million views across all social media’s. I also scored a volley vs KPR at the start of the season. Then maybe my goal in the Semi Final of the County Cup vs Lowestoft as home. I reckon they’re my top three. Next season I’d like to score more tap ins though. I’d rather add 20 of them to my goal catalogue each season😂.

DK: Another great personal achievement was that you broke into the First Team this season, how did you find it being in and around the squad on training and matchdays as a whole?

FB: I’ve loved training with the first team each week and to be given an opportunity to make my debut in the cup final and the league was a great feeling and one I’m very thankful to Tom for. All the players made it easy to shift into their environment, I can’t name names because I know I’ll miss some out, but I’m very thankful to all the players and how they’ve helped me settle in.

DK: We spoke about it at the time, but a very successful end to the season for you, making your first team debut - winning the Premier Cup in the process - enjoying more success in the U18s and being runners up of the U18's Suffolk Cup?

FB: Yeah we spoke about it in my interview after the Premier Cup Final, but it was a great end to what has on the whole been a very positive season, a few disappointments too but that’s football and that’s life. On a personal note I think it’s been very successful for me. Manty gives us all targets throughout and at the beginning of the season which is really helpful to us all. Numbers wise he gave me a target of 20 goals and assists at reserves level. I remember thinking how unrealistic that was, but I actually ended up getting 23 and 45 if you include the U18’s too!

Kyle Hammond | 2025/26 Q+A #17 | 15.05.2026 |

Defender/Midfielder Kyle Hammond reviews the 2025/26 season.

DK: Overall, how did you find the season from a personal perspective?

KH: I thought the season on a personal point of view was good, think I was fairly consistent and chipped in with a few goals. 

DK: You must be overall proud of the last few seasons for the club?

KH: Definitely proud nothing but success since I’ve been at the club whether that’s winning the league, going far in fa cup and fa trophy and of course the the Suffolk cups we’ve won together. It’s a shame we couldn’t get into play offs and just fell at last hurdle but there’s always next season to improve!! 

DK: Another very good FA Cup run this season, what are your thoughts looking back?

KH: Another good run as you say and was unlucky to lose away at Weston. Other than than I don’t remember any of the other games.

DK: Five Premier Cup triumphs in six years, a very impressive record that no doubt spurs you on for more? 

KH: Exactly that, you know we’re obviously gutted and should of got in the plays off but didn’t happen and once dust has settled looking back other than winning the league it’s second highest place finish so that is good and hopefully next year we continue to improve 

DK: How do you reflect on the league campaign?

KH: I enjoyed the season a lot, getting relegated then coming into the season with expectations to go up I thrive in that kind of pressure. Looking back we probably drew too many games and wasn’t good enough away from home so that will be the aim next year to do better.

DK: Which goals that you scored this season stand out most to you?

KH: The volley against Royston and the free kick against Halesowen were pretty good. 

DK: Did any goals scored by teammates stand out to you?

KH: We scored some really good team goals this year but don’t remember who scored haha also remember Reggie’s sticking a few in the top bins. 

DK: What targets do you have next season - personally and as a team?

KH: To be consistent in my performances and better to goal tally to last year. 

As a team improve on last years finish.

DK: After a long season, you must be looking relishing the off season, or are you not much of a fan?

KH: Yeah definitely enjoying the break but do miss the games when it’s the weeknd, but comes round quick anyway so we’ll be back training in no time. 

Harry Hopkins | 2025/26 Q+A #16 | 14.05.2026 |

Reserves and Under-18's midfielder Harry Hopkins looks back on the 2025/26 season. 

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective (Res/U18s) - arguably a successful one?

HH: I thought personally for me it was a season where I showed what I can do and when I'm playing minutes theres nothing stopping me. Reserves was an up and down season with good performances just not the right results. The u18s not a lot that went wrong, winning the league unbeaten, the great run in the FA youth cup and getting to the county final. 

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why?

HH: Probably the county cup final because of how many goals there was in the game and scoring 2 yourself in a final is always nice. another game being norwich in a friendly vs the academy to just compare our levels to theirs. 

DK: How do you think this season ranks within your previous seasons at the club?

HH: Personally I think this season was a bit different for me having to be patient and learn a bit of a different side of football before taking my opportunity and making my mark within the season. 

DK: Similarly, how'd you summarise your time at the club?

HH: I have loved being at the club and the academy, all the coaches have helped me develop of these 2 years but also made me a better person on and off the pitch.

DK: What'd you make of the season for the Reserves? 

HH: It was a very frustrating season, as we know the squad was more than capable of a higher finish and better results.

DK: A very historic season for the U18s - how proud are you overall? 

HH: Super proud of the u18 season and what we have achieved collectively as a group.

DK: How special was it being part of that impressive FA Youth Cup run, the best the club's ever had? 

HH: Great for the club and the team. everyone involved should be proud of the achievement.

DK: Unfortunate to not quite retain the Suffolk Midweek Cup, but you must be otherwise proud of that run? 

HH: Yes was a great run up to the final, just wasn’t our night unfortunately and i think most of the lads would agree.

DK: An unbeaten U18 League Champion campaign though, how does that feel? 

HH: Feels fantastic and i think we deserved it with the consistency from all players such as u16s, first years and second years.

DK: A largely unchanged team over the previous seasons, how much has that consistency and togetherness played a part in the success?

HH: Definitely helped us a group to be on the same wavelength of how we want to play football and win games. Throughout our two years a key thing has been togetherness and being a team win, lose or draw.

Dan Thompson | 2025/26 Q+A #15 | 14.05.2026 |

Under-23's and Under-18's defender Dan Thompson reflects on the season.

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective - arguably a successful one?

DT: This season has been an eye opener to me with me being injured at the start of the season, so I’ve tried to get back into squads and with me getting some game time I feel like I’ve done what I can from scoring and getting assist so I don't know. It’s has been good but looking to improve this next year. 

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why?

DT: Overall there’s been many good games but I think the best one by far has to be the 4-3 win against Woodbridge in the under 23 semi-final as we were 0-3 at halftime I’ve come on and scored the opener and then we’ve just put relentless pressure on them and ultimately won 4-3. The second best game would probably be my step six day for the reserves even though we lost I feel like it was a really good eye-opener and made me gain some experience and in that game I scored the best goal I’ve ever scored in that game. Finally probably under 23’sto win against Woodbridge in the league where I’ve come on and scored the winner with another standout goal of my season.

DK: What'd you make of the season for the U23s? 

DT: 23’s season was really good as it’s the highest I’ve ever been and I think we’ve really proved ourselves as a young squad against players much older than us and it really started to feel like we were getting somewhere, just unlucky in the final 

DK: A few goals to your name this season, which must be nice as a defender?

DT: Yeah as a centre half the main priority really is just to defend but with me getting forwards more and sometimes even been playing in the role of CDM it allowed me to get more goals and I thought of the start this season and if I do say so they were spectacular goals not that I could replicate them again.

DK: How special was it to reach the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup Final, and how proud are you of the run in that competition?

DT: Yeah, reaching the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup Final was good we had a really good run beating some very good opponents and it was a really good experience. I mean the turnout was crazy and the atmosphere, and fans was top quality. We just got unlucky in the final not playing to the best of our ability really, but it was a great experience. Looking forward to winning it next year.

DK: A very historic season for the U18s - how proud are you overall? 

DT: Yeah good historic league run for the under 18s and with us switching up the squad quite often it really just shows the quality we’ve got a need for the under 18s so it will be good to do double next year hopefully and yeah it was a great experience overall.

DK: An unbeaten U18 League Champion campaign, how does that feel?

DT: Being undefeated in the under-18's league is a great achievement and to do it with the lads we did it with was great because we’ve all bonded so well and it really shows the quality that we’ve got to need them and how far we can go in every competition every league we play in.

DK: What targets do you have for next season?

DT: My targets for next year it’s really push myself and play as much football as possible whether that’s for the 18’s, 23s or reserves and I think not to get injured and play the whole season would be good a good start. Getting as far in the FA Youth Cup as possible would be great like the year we’ve just had. Try and get as many goals and assist as possible always helps 🤣🤣.

Zak Tamila | 2025/26 Q+A #14 | 14.05.2026 |

Under-23's and Under-18's forward Zak Tamila recaps the 2025/26 season. 

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective - arguably a successful one?

ZT: Yeah well to be honest, if you told me that we was going to be that successful in the FA Youth cup, county cup and the league I would have bitten your hand off, but it’s a massive achievement for me and the lads, the second years have been a proper inspiration for me and I have learnt a lot from them all, especially how I carry myself on and off. I surprised myself a lot this season too I made some goals to achieve by the end of the season and I’ve smashed those goals completely so I’ve made myself quite proud.

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why?

ZT: The three I would say that are the stand outs from all the rest are the win against Ipswich Wanderers in the league (last minute winner from an u16 Alex B), the semi final win with the u23s where I scored and assisted two massive goals and the last one would be the final with the u23, as a team we made history for the club in the u23s and it was so special.

DK: What’d you make of the season for the U23s? 

ZT: Let’s just say unexpected, we got a goal to finish top 8 by the end of the season and we finished well above that and we are proud to say the least. There was some really special moments during the season and it’s one that I won’t forget for sure.

DK: Plenty of goals for you this season, can you pick 3 that stand out? 

ZT: Yeah well like I said before I set me some goals before the season started and one of them was to score 10+ goals and in the end I scored 20 so I doubled it. But three goals that stood out was my semi final goal to send us through to the final, my first headed goal against Lakenheath at home and another goal against Debenham away to win a cup game.

DK: How special was it to reach the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup Final, and how proud are you of the run in that competition?

ZT: That will probably be one of those moments that I will remember for a long time, getting through some quite tough games beforehand to then end up in the final is a massive achievement for me and the boys. I’m super proud of all the boys, they definitely deserved it they work super hard week in week out. But we as a team could not have done it without the coaches, they played a massive part in us reaching that final but also doing that well in the league too.

DK: You must be proud to have scored in the Final, a very good strike it was too?

ZT: Yeah it was special and a super proud moment. Yeah it was a great strike on the volley and felt amazing to score in the final. It was a great team worked goal too.

DK: A very historic season for the U18s - how proud are you overall? 

ZT: I’m proud of all the boys involved, I was not really involved in the FA Youth Cup run but to the boys who were they deserved everything they got and should be super proud of it. But as an overall season from getting to the FA cup 1st round, to coming second in the county cup, to winning the league undefeated, it was one season to remember and feels amazing.

DK: An unbeaten U18 League Champion campaign, how does that feel? 

ZT: It feels so good, as a team we work so hard in training and to win the league undefeated is a massive achievement too, doing it was not easy at all.

DK: How does the season rank with your previous years at the club?

ZT: I have been at the club for 6 years already, but this season was something special and again the boys should be super proud of themselves, like I said they deserve everything they achieved. At the end of the day we made history for the club and we as a whole should be proud.

Henry Vieira | 2025/26 Q+A #13 | 14.05.2026 |

Reserves and Under-18's forward Henry Vieira reflects on the season.

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective (Res/U18s) - arguably a successful one?

HV: From a personal perspective, I think it has been a decent season for myself. I’ve really enjoyed the football. To be part of the reserves team and the 18s team this year has been brilliant. 

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why?

HV: My three standout games this year would have to be Southend in the youth cup. Although we did lose this game, it was so good to be involved in it. It was the game in which we made history for the club so it did feel amazing to be playing in the game. Another stand out game would be the 3-1 win over Wivenhoe away. From a personal perspective, I think this game was very successful. To score the second goal to put us ahead was a brilliant feeling. The last standout game would have to be Stanway Pegasus at home. Winning 5-2 against a play off chasing side was a brilliant result. The game had been 2-2 until the last 20 minutes, so for the team to score 3 goals at the end of the match was amazing.

DK: What'd you make of the season for the Reserves? 

HV: Last season for the reserves, definitely wasn’t as successful as hoped for, however there are definitely lots of positives to take from it. There were definitely games in which we were the better side but just couldn’t get the 3 points over the line. We did however have some great games beating teams at the higher end of the table.

DK: What did you make of your first season of step 6 football?

HV: Going into my first season in step 6, I really did not know what to expect. It was definitely the biggest challenge I have faced so far, especially against the stronger teams in the league. I think I underestimated the physicality side of the league which I now know is a huge factor, so that was hard to get used to at first. It is a very competitive league, but I think that did make me really enjoy playing football.

DK: A very historic season for the U18s - how proud are you overall? 

HV: It has definitely been a successful year for the 18s team. Managing to win the league unbeaten was a great achievement for us. It was definitely a huge challenge, some weeks we definitely did not play our best football but as long as we got the 3 points was all that mattered. I think the standout was the run in the FA youth cup. It was amazing to make history for the club and I know the boys were really proud of that. it was amazing to see so many people turn up to the games which I think really helped us. It was definitely a shame to not win the county cup this year but it gives us a target for next season.

DK: What are your targets for next season?

HV: My targets for next year are to win the league again. To definitely win the county cup, I think this is a huge target for everyone as we know how much it hurt to lose in the final and to reach the first round proper of the fa youth cup again. 

Charlie Skinner | 2025/26 Q+A #12 | 13.05.2026 |

Charlie Skinner | 2025/26 Q+A #12 | 13.05.2026 |

Reserves and Under-18's Goalkeeper Charlie Skinner recaps the 2025/26 season.

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective (Res/U18s) - arguably a successful one?

CS: I feel like I had a decent season from a personal perspective this year. Yes I would say a successful year for the 18s winning the league and also a good competitive year for reserves. 

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why?

CS: U18s first round FA Youth Cup, this is a big stand out game due to it being a great achievement for us. U18s semi final of county cup, this one because of making it to a county cup final twice in a row. Reserves Wroxham reserves away this was a stand out game due to us being there first loss all season.

DK: What'd you make of the season for the Ressies?

CS: It was a tough season overall and I think we were definitely disappointed with how it went this year. 

DK: A very historic season for the U18s - how proud are you overall?

CS: Yes a very good year for the 18s being undefeated in the league and having great cup runs so very proud of the lads.

DK: How special was it being part of that impressive FA Youth Cup run, the best the club's ever had?

CS: Yes very special to be apart of the FA Youth Cup run and to do it with these lads as well was amazing achievement for us all but was a big shame to of missed the second round proper due to injury. 

DK: Where do you think this season ranks within your previous seasons at the club?

CS: Right at the very top definitely one of the best seasons I’ve played both personally and with the team but that credit to the lads I played with. 

DK: Similarly, how'd you summarise your time at the club?

CS: It’s been amazing loved every second of it I feel I have improved so much since joining but that comes down to the incredible coaches I’ve had throughout the 2 years and also met great lads along the way.

DK: Unfortunate to not quite retain the Suffolk Midweek Cup, but you must be otherwise proud of that run?

CS: Yes it was a good run and proud to of got back two back finals in this competition but was very disappointing to of not retained it.

DK: An unbeaten U18 League Champion campaign, how does that feel?

CS: Yes feels very good to of gone through the season with no losses in the league and am so proud of the lads.

DK: Can you recall a few saves that you made this season that stand out?

CS: I would say Wroxham away I made a few big saves to keep a clean sheet and win us the game but if I was to pick one it would be a top bins saves against FC Peterborough. 

DK: You've kept a good clean sheet ratio this season, many stand out to you?

CS: Yes I think all of the FA Youth cup ones stand out but if I had to pick one it would be Fakenham in the youth cup made a few big saves.

DK: A largely unchanged team over the previous seasons, how much has that consistency and togetherness played a part in the success?

CS: Yes the consistency has played a big part in the success from the last 2 years and what helps is how close we all are as a team and I think this shows on the pitch.

Harlyn Palmer | 2025/26 Q+A #11 | 12.05.2026 |

Reserves and Under-18's winger Harlyn Palmer looks back at the 2025/26 season.

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective (Res/U18s)?

HP: Yeah even though my season was cut short in January I think I have a good half season and I’ve enjoyed it a lot.

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why?

HP: I would say for me the FA Youth Cup game against Billericay as we got into the first round proper for the first time in the clubs history the second game I’d say is the game we had against Bristol City academy even though they were a year younger we still dominated a top academy side and it was also a good experience, lastly I'd probably say the FA Youth Cup game vs Lowestoft we came into the game after beating them in the county cup the year before so we know they would’ve wanted to get one back on us but we ended up winning the game quite comfortably with a good performance.

DK: You scored some big goals this season, can you pick a few that stand out?

HP: Yeah I scored a couple in the FA Youth Cup but the one that stood out the most was the one against Billericay which earned us first round proper.

DK: How do you think this season ranks within your previous seasons at the club?

HP: Yeah I’m not sure to be fair because obviously last season we had the county cup final win which also made history for the club but then this season we got to the second round proper of the FA Youth Cup and also got to the county cup final which unfortunately I was still injured so I couldn’t play but still 2 very good seasons which are hard to choose from.

DK: Similarly, how'd you summarise your time at the club?

HP: Yeah I’ve found the past 4 years really good 2 EJA seasons and 2 academy seasons but I think I’ve improved a lot as a player and have also made some good memories and new mates.

DK: What'd you make of the season for the Reserves?

HP: Overall a bit of a disappointing season for the reserves because I think we played well in pretty much every game but just couldn’t get the results. I thought we started the season quite well but ended quite poorly.

DK: A very historic season for the U18s - how proud are you overall?

HP: Yeah a really good season again for the U18s reaching the second round proper and the final of the county cup again and I’m proud of the club for being able to reach that.

DK: How special was it being part of that impressive FA Youth Cup run, the best the club's ever had?

HP: It was really special obviously coming short losing 3-0 to a good Southend side in the second round proper but it also created good opportunities for me like going out on trial to Coventry and also for the rest of the team.

DK: Unfortunate to not quite retain the Suffolk Midweek Cup, but you must be otherwise proud of that run?

HP: Yeah it’s annoying not to retain the midweek cup but still a massive achievement reaching the final 2 years in a row.

DK: A largely unchanged team over the previous seasons, how much has that consistency and togetherness played a part in the success?

HP: It’s played a massive part we’ve all grown so much as players and people and I think that’s created good togetherness within the squad which probably links with why we’ve had so much success. 

Joe Neal | 2025/26 Q+A #10 | 12.05.2026 |

Striker Joe Neal recaps the 2025/26 season. 

DK: Overall, how did you find the season from a personal perspective?

JN: Overall I think I had a good season performance wise this season. I feel like I contributed well to the team with performances, goals and assists. However it was also a frustrating season with the few little injuries I had that kept me out for a period of time. I would’ve also like to get a few more goals than I did, however overall I was pleased. 

DK: Plenty of goals in your first season at the club, can you pick 3 that stand out most?

JN: Yeah a few goals to choose from but as I said before I would’ve liked a few more to pick from. One that stands out the most is definitely Bury at home. I think that was my best goal this season, and with it being on my birthday and in a local derby with a big win, that was definitely number one. Another couple that stood out would be St Ives away, it was a good team goal and a finish I was pleased with. Also Bromsgrove away, It was my first of the season so one that got me going and ready to kick on and score more. 

DK: Equally can you pick 3 games in general that stood out to you?

JN: Bury at Home is definitely the game that stands out the most. A local derby win on my birthday, with a goal and MOTM, couldn’t have asked for much more. Another one that stands out is definitely Stourbridge away. Having to go back there on a Wednesday night after the postponement before and getting a big win to help keep our play off hopes alive was big and a great feeling! Final game that stands out to me would be Halesowen at home. Another game where everything clicked for the whole team. A good convincing 3-0 win with a goal to top it off too. Big mentions to the Suffolk cup final and Spalding at home. 2 games where I wasn’t involved on the pitch but stand out massively performance wise from the boys. 

DK: A very good FA Cup run this season, what are your thoughts looking back?

JN: Yeah it was definitely a good run. We were very close to getting to the first round proper, being knocked out by a higher league opposition who at the time were unbeaten at home and flying in their respective league. I think we can wake great pride in our run we had and take it into next season and hopefully get to that first round proper. 

DK: A first Premier Cup triumph for you, how good did that feel?

JN: Unreal feeling! I’ve played in the competition a few times now and to finally win it was a great feeling. It’s actually my first silverware at non league football so that adds to it too! 

DK: A very professional Premier Cup run as well, winning it in style?

JN: Yeah for sure. To win the competition is obviously great and was a goal of ours at the start of the season, but to do it without conceding a goal is a real achievement so credit to the boys. 

DK: Looking at the league campaign, obviously ended in gutting circumstances but there must be a lot of pride to have still finished towards the top end?

JN: Yeah 100%! I think the overriding feeling on the final day was disappointment and frustration after missing out on the plays off the way we did. But as you said, we can take great pride from finishing where we did. I think after the late loss away at Worcester, a lot of people would’ve counted us out. But to go 6 games unbeaten and get us into the position we were in can leave us feeling that pride that you mentioned. 

DK: How do you reflect overall on the league campaign?

JN: Pretty similar to what I said above really. Definitely proud of the team and what we did, getting so close to play offs and winning the Suffolk cup. However there is that frustration of missing out on our goal of getting into the playoffs, something we knew we should’ve and probably deserved to achieve. 

DK: Would you still class the season, overall, as a successful one?

JN: I think so yeah, our goals were to win the Suffolk cup and get play offs. Although we didn’t manage to achieve the later, we finished the 2nd highest the club has ever finished in this league, and were right there in touching distance of the play offs. 

 

DK: What targets do you have next season - both personally and as a team?

JN: Personally I have the same targets I always try to set myself of 20+ goals. That’s something I like to set so I have a goal to work towards. As a team, I think it will be the same as before. Retaining the Suffolk cup and pushing for play offs as a minimum will be our goals I’m sure. 

DK: After a long season, you must be looking relishing the off season, or are you not much of a fan?

JN: Yeah obviously it’s nice to have a break and get away on some holidays, but it does get to a point where I personally get a little bored without football! With us having such a good group of lads, it makes going to training and games so enjoyable so going without it for a while does get a bit boring, but yeah putting your legs up and going to get some sun is also nice.