Keiran Morphew | Get To Know Q&A #20 | 22.03.2024 |

Captain and defender Keiran Morphew is next up in our Q&A series! 

Quickfire Questions:-

Favourite hot drink: 2 feet in the caffeine game now, lattes. 

Favourite cold drink: Moretti and Monster

Favourite snack: Crumpets and cheese baby 

Favourite dinner/takeaway: Lasagne for dinner, 5 Guys for takeaway. 

Favourite TV Show: True Detective: season 1 and will never be beaten. 

Favourite Film: Interstellar/Dune  

If you were to be in any TV Show/Film what would it be and why? Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas because it looks a great party with Raoul Duke

Favourite video game (if any): League of Legends/Final Fantasy

Favourite sport other than football and why? MMA - UFC in particular.

Favourite football team: Man United for my sins

Favourite pro player current/all time: Rooney 

If you could swap places with any professional player, who would it be and why? Probably Bellingham because he has the world at his feet at the start of his career at Real Madrid.

Do you have any sporting memorabilia, if so what are they? No memorabilia other than my FA cup first round shirt. 

If you could play in any sporting event what would it be and why? Playing along side Messi in the latest World Cup final would have been ledge.

Player Profile:

What would you say is the highlight of your career so far and why? Last 3 seasons have been absolutely mental with cup games and now this season with a great league run. Take your pick of them.

How would you describe yourself as a footballer? A hard working head on a stick. 

What do you think you’re best known for as a footballer? Winning headers and being at Needham for so long with Ings. 

Who is the best player you’ve played with and why? Hardest question here and it’s hard to separate it for various reasons but Kem Izzet is the best example of an ex pro being a great non league player and I thought he was excellent. 

What inspired you to be a footballer? Becks and Adidas Predators! Joined a team at under 8s and stumbled through the seasons ever since.

Harrison Podd | Get To Know Q&A #19 | 20.03.2024 |

Goalkeeper Harrison Podd is next up in our Get To Know Q&A series. 

Quickfire Questions:-

Favourite hot drink: coffee

Favourite cold drink: fanta fruit twist

Favourite snack: dark chocolate

Favourite dinner/takeaway: steak, chips and veg

Favourite TV Show: suits

Favourite Film: wolf of wall street

If you were to be in any TV Show/Film what would it be and why? probably suits as it's interesting to watch as a show and to be part of would be insightful

Favourite video game: Call of Duty

Favourite sport other than football and why? rugby as it's very entertaining to watch and different from football

Favourite football team: man u

Favourite pro player current/all time: david de gea

If you could swap places with any professional player, who would it be and why? onana, as a united supporter it would be brilliant Do you have any sporting memorabilia, if so what are they? signed Peter Shilton gloves

If you could play in any sporting event ever, what would it be and why? world cup, highest achievement winning the world cup for your country

Player Profile:-

What would you say is the highlight of your career so far and why? suffolk senior cup final vs ipswich wanderers as it was a good cup run at a young age and getting to play at Col U stadium against a promotion winning team

How would you describe yourself as a footballer? communicative leader with a good presence and base for the team

What do you think you're best known for as a footballer? leadership and distribution

Who is the best player you've played with and why? Josh stokes at Ipswich, he's showed that non-league works for developing young players and he's now making a big move into the EFL

What inspired you to be a footballer? i loved watching united play on TV and seeing De Geg play a role in their success made me want to give football a go.

Ollie Fraser | Get To Know Q&A #18 | 18.03.2024

Winger Ollie Fraser is next up in our Get To Know Q&A series.

Quickfire Questions:-

Favourite hot drink: Tea

Favourite cold drink: Fanta Lemon 

Favourite snack: Biscuits

Favourite dinner/takeaway: Chinese takeaway 

Favourite TV Show: Breaking Bad

Favourite Film: Hangover

If you were to be in any TV Show/Film what would it be and why? James Bond so I could live a day like him. 

Favourite video game (if any): Call Of Duty

Favourite sport other than football and why? Golf - it’s fun to play with mates. 

Favourite football team: Arsenal

Favourite pro player current/all time: Cristiano Ronaldo

If you could swap places with any professional player, who would it be and why? 

OF: Saka as I support Arsenal and he’s one of the best in the league. 

Player Profile:

What would you say is the highlight of your career so far and why?

OF: Either being playing for ESFA or national cup with school team. 

How would you describe yourself as a footballer?

OF: I would say I am a winger who likes to get at people. 

Who is the best player you've played with and why?

OF: Best player is Max McFadden who plays for Leeds while I was at Colchester. 

Marcus Garnham | NMFC Get To Know Q&A #17 | 24.02.2024 |

Goalkeeper Marcus Garnham is next up in our 'Get to Know Q&A series.

Quickfire Questions 

Favourite drink: Jägermeister, or a beer, Guinness. 

Favourite food: Lasagne.

Favourite snack: Crisps. 

Favourite takeaway: Chinese. 

Favourite film: I like Pulp Fiction.

Favourite TV show? Favourite TV show... Oh, at the moment, I've started getting into The Traitors on BBC iPlayer. I love that. Yeah, that's been class.

If you're going to be in any TV show or film, what would it be? I reckon it'd be Love Island because the birds will be all over me. It'd be a joke.

Not Traitors then? No, not Traitors, no. You wouldn't be a traitor? No, I could never do that. 

Favourite team? The Mighty Town.

Favourite player, current or former? For Ipswich, Mickey Stockwell. 

How would you describe yourself as a player? Just work hard and try and be selfless for the team, really, I guess. Just be there when I'm needed and help out when I can. That's about it, really.

What do you think you're known best for? Just being a handsome devil with loads of talent. That's about it, really. 

Do you have any footballing memorabilia? No, not really. No, I haven't collected anything over the years. Not really, no. I've kept my boots from Yeovil and I've kept the kit from Yeovil and that's it, really. That was quite a big moment for myself, so yeah.

What about Burton? Yeah, we got our FA Cup shirts back printed, so that was good. I mean, it took Kev about three years to get it, but yeah, it was all good. Only three years and it was only November the other year? Yeah, Kev took his sweet time about it.

Best player you've played with? Gavin Johnson. Yeah, he's unreal. 

What inspired you to play football? I played basketball.. I was a basketballer and then I met a guy at my basketball camp and he said he was going to start a football team and it was Kesgrave Under-11s, Kesgrave Kestrels, and I played for them because that was quite a new estate back then. Yeah, I went in goal and never looked back, really. Always a keeper, mate, but I showed a few of the lads on pitch how to do it at school and stuff. You know how it is, you know? That's how it is. 

Tommy Smith | Get To Know Q+A #16 | 17.02.2024

Defender Tommy Smith is next up in our Q&A series.

Quickfire Questions

Favourite hot drink: Hot chocolate. 

Favourite cold drink: I like a Coke. I like Dr Pepper. 

Favourite snack: It would be crisps. It would probably be Doritos or I don't mind some Snacker Jacks. 

Favourite takeaway or dinner? Nandos, easily. 

Favourite TV show? Prison Break. 

What's your favourite hobby other than football? I definitely like to play some Xbox in my spare time. I like Call of Duty, I like FIFA.

What team do you support? Liverpool. Liverpool? 

Your favourite pro player, current or all-time? Current would probably be Trent Alexander-Arnold, but all-time would be Gerrard. 

Favourite song or musician? I don't really have a favourite specifically, but I like old school sort of pop and hip-hop and stuff like that. 

Favourite moment in a Needham shirt so far and why? Favourite experiences this season would be York City away. Worst experience would obviously be Stratford. But, I mean, overall, I liked Telford away. I thought that was a really good performance. So, it would probably be York City away.

If there was any player you could swap places with, like professional, anyone, current, gone, who would it be and why? It would probably be... I know Jude Bellingham is quite obvious answer, so, I'd probably say Steven Gerrard, just in the past. 

Do you own any sporting memorabilia? If so, what are they? So, I wouldn't own anything specifically signed or anything, but I've got hundreds, well, not hundreds, but I've got tens, twenties of the old school Liverpool shirts from pretty much when I was six, seven years old, all the way up to probably 17, 18.

Who do you say is the best singer in the squad? Well, I actually don't know who to sing. Probably, I reckon Marco's got a voice, he likes to sometimes give it a bit occasionally, so probably Marco. 

Best trainer? Best trainer, I'd probably say Marco. I'd probably say Keiran. 

If you could be involved in any sporting event ever, what would it be and why? It would definitely be 2005 Champions League final in Liverpool, Istanbul.

Player Profile

What's the one thing you think you're personally known best for as a player and why? 

TS: I think I'm personally known best for my consistent performances, I would say. But yeah, I'd say consistent performances.

What inspired you to be a footballer?

TS: I've just always had a ball. From a young age, I've always known my dad to be my manager, so probably him. I've always just walked straight into it, really. It was quite easy. 

Best player you've played with and why? 

TS: Best player I've played with is probably Flynn Downes when I was at Ipswich. He was just something, he didn't give the ball away. Even though that was pre-season, he still wasn't giving the ball away. He was still giving everything 100% on how he would do in a normal game. So yeah, I'd say Flynn.

How have you found the difference between academy and men's football? 

TS: It is a lot different. Obviously, I had experience at Bury when I was on my loan at Ipswich as well. It is a lot different. It's more result-based, obviously, which affects how you play in the game. Obviously, if it wasn't result-based, you'd be working on performances more than trying to get a result, which is the other way around here. You want to be winning games of football, and especially how we are this season, that is literally all we care about right now, is winning games of football. So it was hard to get used to maybe at the start for a few months maybe at Bury, but since Stiwmarket in the evening, I've found it fairly normal. 

Have you found a difference between Step 3 and Step 4?

TS: There's definitely a difference, yeah. You get a lot more ex-professionals and players that have played at higher leagues in this level, and you know it when you play against them. They've definitely played the game for a long time. But it's more quick as well. You don't have a lot more time on the ball. There's always somebody pressing you. You've got to work out how other teams play and try and adjust your play to beat them. Whereas sometimes in Step 4, you just put 11 players out there, and the better players will win the game. This is definitely more tactical, this league. 

Has it helped that we've been flying this season?

TS: It has helped. It has. Maybe this answer is different to how it was last season, but from my experience, it's really easy adjusting to Needham, especially with how Needham play. It suits me perfectly. I think that's shown this season for the whole squad. So I'm just happy really it worked out.

 

Seth Chambers | Get To Know Q&A #15 | 14.02.2024 |

Striker Seth Chambers is up next in our 'Get To Know' Q&A series. 

Quickfire Questions 

Favourite hot drink: Cup of tea. 

Favourite cold drink: Orange juice. 

Favourite snack: Mars bar. 

Favourite takeaway or dinner: Chippy/Indian or roast dinner. 

Favourite TV show: Peaky Blinders. 

Favourite Film: Moneyball. 

Favourite hobby other than football? Tennis/cricket. 

What team do you support? Manchester United. 

Favourite professional player, current or all time? All time would be Van Persie, current would be Kane. 

Favourite song or musician? Noah Kahan or Sam fender currently. 

Favourite moment playing football so far? SC: Favourite moment would be either the Stowmarket game for individual reasons and then playing at Burton, was obviously amazing. 

Do you own any sporting memorabilia, if so what? SC: Memorabilia wise I’ve got a lot of original things from the 50s and 60s for Manchester United from grandparents. 

Player Profile:

What’s the one thing you think you’re known for best as a player and why? 

SC: As a player I reckon a lot of the lads would say I’m pretty off the cuff or out of the box, whether that’s good or bad I’m not sure😂. 

What inspired you to be a footballer? SC: Probably just playing from and I’d probably say my dad was a massive reason

Who’s the best player you’ve played with? SC: Best players I’ve played with would be Keiran/Jakey/Marco. 

Tevan Allen | Get To Know Q+A #14 | 18.01.2024

Midfielder Tevan Allen is next in the Q+A hotseat.

Favourite hot drink: Hot Chocolate

Favourite cold drink: Strawberry Miranda (if you know you know)

Favourite snack: sweets 

Favourite takeaway or dinner: Takeaway = McDonald’s Dinner: Steak 

Favourite TV show: Heroes 

Favourite Film: Paycheck 

If you were to be in a TV show or film, which one would it be and why? Top Boy… i think I could play a role well 

Favourite hobby other than football? DJing 

What team do you support? Arsenal 

Favourite professional player, current or all time? Messi the 🐐 

Favourite song or musician? Drake

Favourite moment playing football so far? Scoring my first senior goal for Bury Town away at Lewes Fc

Do you own any sporting memorabilia, if so what? Not really just a photo of me and John Terry

Player Profile:

How did your iconic post match fist bump celebration with the fans come about? It’s bred from Harry Clarkes celebration with Ipswich after every match 

What’s the one thing you think you’re known for best as a player and why? Energy… at times I can be an oppositions worst nightmare because I won’t stop running 

What inspired you to be a footballer? Thierry Henry and the invincible Arsenal team 

Who’s the best player you’ve played with? This is a tough tough question …. Non league id say it’s a toss up between Nnamdi and Reggie Lamb of the top of my head

Nico Valentine | Get To Know Q+A #13 | 06.01.2024 |

On-loan Ipswich Town winger is next up in the 'Get To Know Q+A hotseat.

Quickfire questions

Favourite hot drink: Favourite hot drink... It's got to be a hot chocolate. Can't go wrong. 

Favourite cold drink: A nice, a cold Coca-Cola.

Favourite snack: Ooh. I love white chocolate. Love white chocolate. 

Favourite takeaway or dinner: That's got to be, I'd have to say takeaway, Chinese and favourite dinner has to be steak, fries, onion rings.

Favourite TV show: That's a tough one, that is. I really enjoy watching like prison documentaries, like insights behind that. Like obviously there's nothing I want to get involved in, but I think to see in behind what actually happens, I think it's really interesting.

If you were to be in a TV show or film, which one would it be and why? 

NV: That's a tough one. I'd probably say, when you watch Creed, it gives you the motivation to go and do what you want. So I think obviously the characters in Creed, Adonis or whatever his name is, I think that's a really good show. That gives you motivation. 

Favourite hobby other than football? 

NV: This is a tough one. I don't get much time to do anything but football, to be fair. But I'm trying to think. I'm trying to get into golf, but I haven't played too much of it. I'm not very good, but I think that's something I want to try and get better at. 

What team do you support? 

NV: Ipswich Town. Well, Chelsea and Ipswich, but obviously I've played at Ipswich my whole life, so I've supported them my whole life, but Premier League team, Chelsea.

Favourite professional player, current or all time? NV: Current, I'd probably go Raheem Sterling. It's the kind of legacy that he's left. Maybe not so much now, but what he's done before for England and all time Eden Hazard. 

Favourite song or musician? 

NV: Drake's probably the simple one here. I reckon that's been said a lot. But to be fair, any sort of American rap or whatever, I can listen to.

Favourite moment playing football so far? 

NV: Probably have to be getting my first call up for an England training camp or the two FA Youth Cup runs I was involved in at Ipswich. They were good experiences and that's helped me realise what I need to do next in my career, I think.

Yeah, you got to the semis and quarters in those, didn't you? 

NV: Yeah, they were two unbelievable runs. Obviously, the semi-final one, I was a bit younger. I came into the squad as an under-16 and had to grow up quite quickly in those games because I was chucked in at the deep end. But then the quarter-final one, I was more of an experienced player within that team. So I'd obviously experienced it before and I had to help boys through it. But both were different experiences, but they're the ones that you live for, kind of thing, and that's why I want to keep playing football for moments like that. 

Yeah, beating some teams that are at the top level of, obviously, under-18 football, it must have been amazing? 

NV: Yeah, definitely. I think we've always had the belief that we can do it. And especially my age group, we've been together a very long time and we'd always beaten the Cat 1 clubs, the top clubs in England, but to do it on that sort of stage where there's a spotlight put on it, I think we just showed what we could do and what we were capable of. And I think more people were surprised externally, but internally, we knew that we had that sort of ability. So it was just one game at a time. We knew we could come out on top.

Do you own any sporting memorabilia, like signed shirts, stuff like that? 

NV: No, I don't. I've got a few of the old Chelsea shirts and a couple of Champions League final where Chelsea played United. I've got a couple of badges and flags from that, which my cousin gave me. So other than that, no. My cousin's stepdad went to the game and he got given both of them. I think it was in Moscow.

What's the one thing you think you're known for best as a player and why? 

NV: Probably my ability in isolation. So in 1v1 situations out wide. And I love to be 1v1 because I think it shows my strengths and I'm able to get spectators on the edge of their seat, which I like to do. I think I said it in my first interview, but that's really what I live for and I want to affect games. 

What inspired you to be a footballer? 

NV: To be fair, I was kind of pushed into it. And it was one of them where four or five, like I'd just go to the sports hall and we'd do mini games and you don't really think much about it. But I was kind of seen to have a talent there. And they kind of pushed me and shaped me into what I was at six or seven. And then obviously Ipswich, I got into Ipswich quite young, and from there, I've never really looked back. Like you can't really reflect on it because it's all quite full on, but you enjoy it at the same time. And you're constantly developing and constantly changing, and I think that's the enjoyable thing. And I just want to know where I can go and the potential that I can reach. 

Who's the best player you've played with? 

NV: This is a tough one. Very tough one. Obviously, there's a few that I've played with in the first team at Ipswich, in friendlies and stuff like that. But in terms of my age, I'd probably have to say I played in a training game with Jobe Bellingham. So he's obviously playing at the top of the game now in the Championship. And I think he's probably the most well-known one. Well, obviously Sam Morsy played in my game in pre-season. He was there. You've got Nathan Broadhead at the top of the game, playing Internationally for Wales. 

Jake Dye | Get To Know Q&A #12 | 25.11.2023 |

Jake Dye is next in the Q&A hotseat.

Quickfire Questions:- 

Favourite Hot Drink: Has to be coffee.

Favourite Cold Drink: Fanta Orange.

Favourite Snack: Don't mind some Doritos, to be fair.

Favourite Takeaway or Dinner: If we go takeaway, I'd probably say Chinese. If we're going dinner, it has to be a Sunday roast.. 

Favourite TV Show: I'll go sit on a fence here, The Inbetweeners.

If you were in a TV Show, which one would it be?

JD: That's a good question. What would it be? I reckon one which no one really watches, because I reckon I don't have much about me. A bit boring. Something stuck on ITV Five or something.

DK: What's your favourite hobby other than football? JD: See, I used to play a bit of cricket back in the day. I didn't really enjoy it, but I was half handy at it, so probably stick that down.

DK: Batter bowler?

JD: Batter batsman. Yeah.

DK: Top order?

JD: Top order. Sundays, I opened a bat and did really enjoy it, score a little bit of runs, but I'd probably go in three or four.

DK: Do you play many video games?

JD: No, not at all. Maybe a little bit of football manager, but nothing recently.

DK: What team do you support?

JD: Liverpool.

DK: Your favourite pro player, current or all time?

JD: So I'll probably go. Two Liverpool lads go. Trent and Steven Gerrard.

DK: Favourite song or musician, if you have one?

JD: I reckon everyone says Drake, so I'm going to steer clear there.

DK: No one's actually said that, from my knowledge. No.

JD: I'll stick it down then. Drake I'll take that one.

DK: I've done about ten. I've got a few to post because we've had games called off.

JD: I'll tell you what, I'll take Drake if no one's taken it. If someone has taken it,  if you look back, I'll go Fred again.

DK: Sorry. Favourite moment in a Needham shirt so far and why? 

JD: I think York's been was pretty special. York away, great team performance. Obviously the heroics right at the end. Little header off the line. So that or Yeovil was definitely up there. What a win that was.

DK: Yeah, I think that's something I've been wanting to talk to you about. How did you manage to get that off the line?

JD: I don't know, mate. I think I'm still concussed from it, if I'm honest. It was just one of those where just instinctively just dropped back in and thankfully volleyed it straight towards my head and I'd take maybe two steps to my right and, yeah, thankfully stayed out.

DK: Any goalkeeper would be proud of that save with their hands.

JD: Yeah, absolutely. But, yeah, I don't know, but obviously it's disappointing because the home fixture, but, yeah, I think York away was a great day out.

DK: Definitely was. Do you own any sporting memorabilia? If so, what's your favourite and why?

JD: No, I don't think I do, if I'm honest. No, I don't think I do.

DK: Who would you say is the best singer in the squad?

JD: Best singer? I reckon a few of the lads think they've got a bit. I'll go Sethy Chambers.

DK: Best trainer in the squad.

JD: Keiran Morphew.

DK: Now, I've been told that one before. If you could been involved in any sporting event ever, what would it have you been? Why.

JD: Any sport? What, me, actually playing in? I'll probably say probably golf Ryder Cup.

DK: If you could swap places with anyone else in football, who would it be and why?

JD: Say one of the Liverpool players to try play games with them. That'd be pretty special for me.

DK: I'm surprised you didn't say Trent. Alexander Arnold.

JD: To be fair, yeah straight swap. Firstly, steer clear of Andy Roberston, don't play left back anymore, but, yeah, I'll stick down Trent, get in that Liverpool team!

DK: Didn't enjoy it left back, did you?

JD: To be fair, I've done alright if you look at the end of season, doo. Yeah, but I'd play anywhere, if I'm honest. Just get told where to play. Yeah, I just get on with it.

DK: You took all the awards, didn't you? Yeah, it was the Jake Dye end of season presentation. How would you describe yourself as a player?

JD: Good attitude, work extremely hard. Defensively, very sound. Now there's an attacking threat to my game. So, yeah, I wouldn't quite put all-rounder just yet, but I'm getting there. But, yeah, just burn my heart on my sleeve and committed to the cause.

DK: Gradually getting more goals.

JD: Gradually getting more goals. Yeah, more assists. They all come one by one.

DK: That's gradually rising up the list of attributes.

JD: Yeah.

DK: What's one thing you think you're personally known best for as a player and why?

JD: I think probably my one V one defending. Work hard to not get beat as much as possible, but also perhaps my engine. I think I'm up and down that pitch and knackered by the end, if I'm honest. But, yeah, either my one v, one defending or my energy, my engine to go up and down the pitch.

DK: What inspired you to be a footballer?

JD: Just had a football at my feet for a young age. Watched my dad's team Saturday afternoons, so I was always amongst football, always amongst the changing rooms. So appealed to me from a young age. And yeah. School PE, straight away I'm barking at the PE teacher, can we play football? And, yeah, Saturday, Sundays, play for teams and training two, three times a week. So, yeah, football wouldn't stop, so come at a young age, to be fair, but if we're going for an inspiration, probably my dad. Yeah.

DK: And the last one, the best player you played with and why?

JD: I'll probably still go with the best trainer, Keiran Morphew. Just because Mr Needham, he trains like he plays. Formed quite a good partnership. Right centre half, right back. Communicates to me, well, makes my life a lot easier. And I know if I'm missing the ball, he's there to sweep up behind me. So, yeah, probably Keiran Morphew. I'm glad I'm on his team, if I'm honest. Yeah, if I'm on his team, I'm fine. If I'm not, I'm making sure I'm checking my shoulder every now and then.

Hugh Cullum | Get To Know Q&A #11 | 19.11.2023 |

Defender, and Academy graduate, Hugh Cullum is next in our 'Get To Know Q&A' Series, talking about his loan spell at Thetford Town and being recalled to play against Berkhamsted, Mickleover and Stowmarket.

About his loan spell and the aforementioned First Team matches.

DK: First of all, how have you been finding your loan spell at Thetford so far, and it must've felt good being back involved the last week or so with us?

HC: Yeah I have enjoyed every minute, playing every week and everyone is a good group of lads. Yeah it’s good to come back and get minutes and contribute to the team. 

DK: You slotted back in seamlessly, did it feel like that despite playing in important games?

HC: Took some time to get back up to speed but all the players helped me settle in really quickly and get playing. 

DK: What did you make of those 3 games, and is it especially pleasing to have kept 2 important clean sheets?

HC: Yeah it’s always nice to keep clean sheets, that’s what my job is to do, but no especially the point away at Mickleover was great result. 

DK: What stood out to you as the most important part of the last 3 games? 

HC: I think personally just being back and playing was the most important part for me. 

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite Hot Drink: Cup of tea.

Favourite Cold Drink: Lucozade orange.

Favourite Snack: Any kind of biscuit. 

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Chinese. 

Favourite TV Show: 100% The Walking Dead. 

Favourite Film: Shawshank Redemption. 

If you were to be in a tv show/film what would it be, and why? Peaky Blinders no reason just would be cool to be in that. 

Favourite Hobby (other than football): Pool or Darts. 

Favourite Game: GTA V. 

Team you Support: Ipswich Town. 

Favourite Professional Player (current/all time): Robin Van Persie.

Favourite sport other than football, and why? Reckon the darts because the atmosphere. 

Favourite moment in a Needham shirt so far and why? Definitely making my debut at home. 

Do you own any sporting memorabilia, if so what's your favourite and why? Probably my England shirt. 

If you could’ve been involved in any sporting event ever, what would it have been and why? The 2022 World Cup final just to see Messi win it close up and personal.

If you could swap places with anyone else in football, who would you pick and why? Jude Bellingham, very young and an unbelievable player.

Player Profile:

How would you describe yourself as a player? Good on the ball, would say I’m quick not slow, good range of passing, good defender.

What’s the one thing you think you’re personally known best for and why? Probably my positioning sense and reading the game.

What inspired you to be a footballer? My dad and my brothers.

Best Player Played With and why? Corr toss up between two, Josh Stones from England who now plays for Wigan, but I’d say Josh Stokes who now is doing bits for Aldershot.

Luke Ingram | Get To Know Q&A #10 | 11.11.2023 |

Forward Luke Ingram is next in the hot seat, in our Get To Know Q&A series. 

Quickfire Questions:-

Favourite Hot Drink: Cup of tea.

Favourite Cold Drink: a pint of beer.

Non Alcoholic: Monster.

Favourite Snack: Ginger Biscuits.

Favourite TV Show: Breaking Bad.

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Chinese.

Favourite Film: Wolf of Wall Street.

Favourite Hobby Other Than Football: Watching the UFC.

Favourite Video Game: I used to play, I was a FIFA and Call of Duty player.

Team You Support: Ipswich Town, till I die!

Favourite Professional Player: Matt Holland.

Favourite Sport Other Than Football: Fighting, because I love fighting.

Favourite Moment In A Needham Shirt So Far: Either winning the league at Chatham or going to Burton away.

If you could've been involved in any sporting event ever what would it be and why?

LI: Man United winning the treble, coming back against Bayern.

If you could swap places with anyone in football who would you pick and why?

LI: Probably Mbappe because I wouldn't mind his pay cheque.

Do you own any sporting memorabilia and if so what's your favourite?

LI: I own a signed picture of Lionel Messi, because he's the best player to ever play the game.

Player Profile:-

How would you describe yourself as a player? LI: I'd say gives his all, sometimes good, sometimes poor.

What do you think you're best known for as a player? LI: I'd like to think I could be called a good teammate.

What inspired you to be a footballer? LI: Just loved playing football and some of my best friends play here, so I enjoy getting the best of both worlds!

Best Player Played With? LI: We had a lad called Jay Davies, he was sexy and probably Keiran Morphew's outrageously good every week.

Inside the Squad:-

Who's the best singer in the squad? LI: Apparently Pagey can sing, but I haven't heard it for myself.

Who's the best trainer in the squad? LI: Keiran loves training!

Dan Morphew | Get To Know Q&A #9 | 04.11.2023 |

Defender and vice-captain Dan Morphew answers the questions for our 9th instalment of our Get To Know Q&A Series.

Quickfire Questions:-

Favourite Hot Drink: Latte.

Favourite Cold Drink: Vimto.

Favourite Snack: Biscuits, or chocolate, dark chocolate's good.

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Takeaway would be Greek, like a Greek kebab.

Favourite TV Show: That's a toughie, True Detective.

Favourite Film: Another tough one, Saving Private Ryan.

Favourite Hobby Other Than Football: Well if I wasn't playing football, I'd do a bit of tennis. I reckon I'd tennis quite a lot more.

Team You Support: Man United.

Favourite Player - Current or All Time: All time would have to be either Ronaldinho or Zidane, and currently it's hard not to say Bellingham at the moment.

Favourite Song or Musician: Tough questions these, aren't they Drew, if I had to pick one I like the blues songs and that sort of stuff, maybe like Nina Simone or something like that.

Favourite Moment In A Needham Shirt So Far And Why: Most probably be when we got through to the first round of the FA Cup, winning the game prior to the first round, winning the Maidstone game.

DK: If you could've been involved in any sporting event so far, what would it have been, and why?

DM: World Cup Final, because it's the pinnacle of sport in the world. Any World Cup Final would be good enough for me.

DK: If you could swap places with anyone in football, who would it be and why?

DM: Again it's hard not to pick Jude Bellingham, to be doing so well, so young. To have that impact at 20 years old in the world of football is amazing.

Player Profile:

DK: How would you describe yourself as a player?

DM: Calm, read the game well, composed on the ball. 

DK: What's the one thing you think you're personally known best for as a player and why?

DM: I'd say maybe just reading the game, being composed on the ball.

DK: What are your standout moments from your career so far?

DM: The good cup runs are the standouts, getting to the first round of the FA Cup and getting so far in the FA Trophy the previous year. The York games were good this year as well, enjoyed the York games, obviously. Football's a lot about winning things, so I won the league with Dereham quite a few years ago, so that was good, a good experience, but any good things in football are winning games.

DK: What inspired you to be a footballer?

DM: My dad really. My dad was a good footballer, I grew up going to watch him play and kicking a ball on the sidelines while he was playing, so it's what I wanted to do really.

DK: Continuing the Morphew tradition!

DM: Yep, think his father was a footballer as well, so it was all I ever wanted to do.

DK: How is it being confused for being Keiran's brother?

DM: Yeah, I think we get that most places we go. It doesn't bother me too much, we look pretty similar as well. There's not many Morphews about, so it's an assumption that people tend to make. I think because it's such a rare surname and because we look so similar, people often find it hard to believe that we're not related, but as far as I know my dad's not done any family tree, I don't know if Keiran's family have done any family tree research, but as far as we know we're definitely not related. We both used to be centre midfielders as well!

DK: Who is the best player you've Played with and why?

DM: Most probably would've been Keiran really, we've had such a good partnership for so long. Playing with Keiran the last couple of years has been really good. It wasn't going to me, better give it to another Morphew!

DK: You must be disappointed with the injury today (Nuneaton defeat)?

DM: Yeah, frustrating. The whole day's been frustrating to be honest. I think the circumstances around the game being on or off suited Nuneaton really, being a wet day and soggy pitch was in Nuneaton's favour, the referee gave everything in Nuneaton's favour, me getting injured was in Nuneaton's favour. The fact that Keiran's not available. It was just a frustrating day, there's just nothing other than frustration for me about today.

DK: Despite how it ended, you must be pleased with the recent FA Cup run?

DM: Yeah, I think we did really well both games against York, we did really, really well. Obviously we played well against Peterborough Sports as well, but you know it's really disappointing to end up losing against York in the way we did, in the last minute. I think on the day we've gave such a good account of ourselves that it's a shame that it ended that way that we weren't playing today in the first round, but that's football. Football's full of highs and lows, the highs are high and the lows are low. I think I'm more frustrated after today's game than I was after the York game, at least we could say we gave a really good account of ourselves against York. We did everything we could as a club off the pitch and on the pitch to win against York. I feel like maybe we let ourselves down a bit today, we could've been better today. 

DK: The back four after you went off injured was made up of half midfielders, or all full-backs and we still defended solidly.

DM: Yeah, I think both Tommy and Jake Dye are having great seasons so far, both great defenders and so to step into centre-back, I'm not sure if they enjoyed it but, they're both strong, quick and good footballers they can play at centre half. I'm sure they'd rather be playing at full-back, but they're good subs in when they need to be.

DK: You might end up having to play left-back to get back in the team!

DM: I hope not! I've had to do it a few shifts out at full-back, but the older I get the less I enjoy that. So hopefully I don't have to do that!

Byron Lawrence | Get To Know Q+A #8 | 13.11.2023

Midfielder Byron Lawrence continues our Get To Know Q&A series, and also discusses his return to injury after 2 years out.

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite Hot Drink: Hot Chocolate

Favourite Cold Drink: Orange Juice

Favourite Snack: A chocolate flapjack

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Cannelloni

Favourite TV Show: Friends probably all time favourite, but The Bear is my current favourite.

Favourite Hobby (other than football): Walking my dogs

Favourite Video Game: Don’t play it anymore but Crash bandicoot was the best game.

Team you Support: Manchester United 

Favourite Professional Player (current/all time): Wayne Rooney  

Favourite sport other than football, and why? It changes but i started playing golf earlier this year and I love it, even though I’m still crap!

Favourite moment in a Needham shirt so far and why? My one and only adult Hatrick, against Hitchin. Luke was a legend for giving me the penalty that day for my third.

If you could’ve been involved in any sporting event ever, what would it have been and why? I’m probably a rubbish United fan for saying this but it would have been class to be Aguero scoring that winning goal in 2012. 

If you could swap places with anyone else in football who would you pick and why? Its got be Messi, won’t ever be a player as good!

Player Profile:

How would you describe yourself as a player? A midfielder that likes to get on the ball and start attacks, who can chip in with the odd goal or assist. 

What’s the one thing you think you’re personally known best for playing wise and why? Maybe hitting the ball as hard as I can from distance and hoping it goes in the back of the net. 

What are your standout moments from your career so far and why? Probably waking up in the ambulance the day I got injured, I was high as kite! I've played in some really good teams but I haven’t got a promotion yet so hopefully I can achieve that at some point, fingers crossed its with Needham!

What inspired you to be a footballer? Probably watching my older brothers play football every week, I've always loved playing football.  

Best Player Played With and why? Thats a tough question as I’ve played with a load quality players. But I’ve never played with or against a better goalie than the main man, Marcus Garnham!

Being back playing:

How did you find it being back out there for the first team against Long Melford, must've felt good? Yeah its been a long process getting back to football and I still need to manage my ankle moving forward. But I loved playing again, I've missed it a lot these last two years. 

Did it make it any more special being captain? That was nice of Kev to do that. Kev's been great with me throughout my injury and I know how pleased he was to see me back on the pitch. Even if he had to close his eyes every time I went into a tackle! 

How do you think you did, as you got a couple of good shots off at goal? Those shots weren’t my finest! But yeah I thought I did alright. I just wanted to make sure my ankle coped with the game which it did, so I was happy with how it went.  

We've spoken about it over time, but how did you find the recovery process over all? Full of ups and downs. Its been frustrating at times, especially when I wasn’t sure if I would make it back onto the pitch again. But that makes me proud of myself that I’ve got to this point. So I’m going to try and enjoy every minute I get to play because it can easily be taken away. Jenks and Bex have been really helpful through every step. Day to day having my girlfriend and dogs keeping my mind healthy has been the most important thing. 

The support you had during your recovery must have made it even more special to be back playing both with the 23s and first team? Yeah I’ve had incredible support from so many people willing me to get back on the pitch, so it feels great to finally get there. 

With our start to the season, did it make your return back to the team more seamless? Yeah the boys are flying this season which makes it a really enjoyable team to get back involved in. Hopefully as time goes on I can contribute to a successful season!

Callum Page | Get To Know Q&A #7 | 04.11.2023 |

Forward Callum Page answers the questions for our seventh instalment of our Get To Know Q&A Series.

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite Hot Drink: Hot chocolate.

Favourite Cold Drink: Coke, just normal coke mate, Coca-Cola. 

Favourite Snack: Probably those Squares bars, the little Rice Krispies thingys.

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Chinese.

Favourite TV Show: Power.

Favourite Film: The Wolf Of Wall Street.

Favourite Hobby Other Than Football: That's a tough question Drew, probably gaming.

Favourite Video Game: Call Of Duty.

Team You Support: Liverpool.

Favourite Player - Current or All Time: Of all time, it's Stevie G. Current, it's Messi.

Favourite Sport Other Than Football: That's a tough question, I don't know. To play, probably darts.

Favourite Moment In A Needham Shirt So Far And Why: It's got to be Yeovil, the penalty shootout alone. The up and downs of emotions, like them being one penalty away from winning it, Marco saving

3 times and then us going to score the winner, probably the best day I've had in football.

DK: That's the day your one looped in, almost giving us an anxiety attack!

CP: Yeah, the keeper put into the top corner for me, thankfully!

DK: If you could've been involved in any sporting event so far, what would it have been, and why?

CP: Probably Liverpool, Istanbul 2005, the Champions League Final.

DK: If you could swap places with anyone in football, who would it be and why?

CP: Right now, I'd probably say somebody like Rico Lewis from Man City, being young and working under Pep. Obviously if he stays there his whole career, he gets to learn from the best his whole career. Like Phil Foden, as well, that's another one. 

Player Profile:

DK: How would you describe yourself as a player?

CP: A big confidence player, I'd say I'm direct, quick, skillful and can produce a moment of magic.

DK: What's the one thing you think you're personally known best for as a player and why?

CP: It used to be a goalscoring midfielder, but I'd probably say now movement and taking people on in and around the box, making something happen. I'd wouldn't really say there's one thing about me that stands out, maybe finishing or shooting.

DK: What inspired you to be a footballer?

CP: Probably Gerrard to be fair mate, always watched him when I was younger, I kind of played similar to him when I was younger. I used to be like a holding midfielder, just used to be bigger and stronger than everyone and just ping the ball from left to right. Yeah, I just loved the thrill of scoring a goal to be honest mate, and never fallen out of love with it.

DK: Who is the best player you've Played with and why?

CP: I'll say Idris El Mizouni at Ipswich, in training, unbelievable.

DK: At the minute, including you, there's four or five level for top scorer, that must make it quite interesting?

CP: Yeah, obviously I'd like to have more, got high standards of myself, as obviously I've had chances in games and haven't taken them, but yeah obvious;y I'm happy to be up there. Hopefully more to come mate to be honest! I'd like to get more than five for the season.

DK: You must've been buzzing Wednesday, when you got the winner?

CP: Yeah, course, I said to the lad after the game I was annoyed about the first one, chopped in and smacked one against the post but happy to get the winner.

DK: With the FA Cup run now over, it must make it even more important that we're still in the County Cup?

CP: Yeah, the key to confidence is success and obviously we've been on a big winning streak, unfortunately it's ended today, but yeah we'll do everything we can to retain it. It's our Cup, we want to keep that way.

DK: Looking back quickly at today (the home defeat to Nuneaton), it was a bit of a gut wrenching one?

CP: Yeah, it was always going to be tough, first half it just wasn't good enough from our standards. Second half we was good, we didn't take chances, we had 3 or 4 maybe that we should've put in the back of the net, and they took their chances and we didn't, so that's the way football is. They scored 2 and we didn't score any, so it happens, but onto Tuesday, put it right.

DK: It's not acceptable, but do you get a bit of leeway given how we've started the season?

CP: Yeah, obviously we're all disappointed to lose to be honest, we have such high standards considering everyone can see how we can play, and how we have been playing. It's annoying to lose, because we felt that we was the better team, we're better than them, but their game plan worked out better than ours today, so it's just football. Things happen mate.

Jacob Lay | Get To Know Q&A #6 | 02.11.2023 |

Midfielder Jacob Lay answers the questions in our Get To Know Q&a series.

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite Hot Drink: Cuppa tea

Favourite Cold Drink: Water

Favourite Snack: Chocolate

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Chinese

Team you Support: Chelsea

Favourite Professional Player (current/all time): Hazard

Favourite sport other than football, and why? Tennis because I enjoy watching it. 

If you could've been involved in any sporting event ever, what would it have been? Watford vs Leicester playoff semi final absolute scenes.

If you could swap places with anyone else in football (player, coach), who would you pick? Ronaldo because he’s over 6ft

Player Profile:

How would you describe yourself as a player? Small and exciting

What's the one thing you think you're personally known best for (playing wise)? Dribbling around alot.

What are your standout moments from your career so far and why? All the fa cup games have been a great achievement.

What inspired you to be a footballer? Just something that felt natural for me to do and I enjoyed it

Best Player Played With? Marcus Garnham 

REECE HARRIS | GET TO KNOW Q&A #4 | 18.10.2023 |

Midfielder Reece Harris is next up in our Get To Know Q&A series!

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite Hot Drink: Hot Chocolate 

Favourite Cold Drink: Ginger Beer

Favourite Snack: Twirl

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Noodle Bar (Thai Food) 

Favourite TV Show: Sopranos & Seinfeld 

Favourite Film: The Hurricane (Denzel Washington) 

Team you Support: Spurs 

Favourite Professional Player (current/all time): Messi Currently - All time Ronaldinho for the flare.

Favourite Song/Musician (if any): Tupac - Changes

Favourite sport other than football, and why? Boxing/MMA, - aside from the technical aspect of seeing someone figure out how to win a fight, seeing people get hit feels relaxing to watch. 

If you could’ve been involved in any sporting event ever, what would it have been and why? Utd Champions league final v Bayern Munich. Being part of that utd comeback team the buzz and the atmosphere plus I imagine the one heck of a party afterwards would've been off the charts. 

If you could swap places with anyone else in football (player, coach), who would you pick and why? Phil Foden. Just to be able to see what it's like to work under someone like pep and train and be around all those players would be a unreal experience I'd imagine. 

Player Profile:

How would you describe yourself as a player? Now. Experienced who knows the game and knows how to adapt my game to most given positions on the pitch. 

What’s the one thing you think you’re personally known best for (playing wise) and why? I would probably say freekicks both assisting and scoring would be that. 

What are your standout moments from your career so far and why? Playing in the Conference Premier for Welling for 2.5 years was a great experience playing with an against good pros an ex pros. Getting to the second round of the FA Cup and first round a couple of other times also. One being on TV against local side too. - Winning promotion a couple of times via play offs also would be the stand out bits so far. 

What inspired you to be a footballer? I can't put my finger on one thing particularly but I would say having an older brother who I can remember before I started he was already playing so I think it would've been going to his games and wanting that same buzz and feel but also seeing if I can be better than him when I was younger wouldve been part of my thinking as I was ultra competitive as a kid. 

Best Player Played With and why? Such a hard one this, probably someone who wouldn't be as known as some people I could put on the list but I'm gonna go with Dom Vose - Just cause at times he would hardly look like he's bothered. Hardly warmed up what you would call a modern day warm up, would be doing kick ups and step overs whilst you're stretching etc but would just go out or in training glide past people like they just wasn't there. But also had a football brain too. So I'd go with him yeah.

JAMIE MCGRATH | GET TO KNOW Q&A #4 | 23.08.2023

Striker Jamie McGrath answers the questions in the fourth instalment of our home matchday Get To Know Q&A series. 

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite Hot Drink: Tea

Favourite Cold Drink: Fanta Fruit twist

Favourite Snack: Crisps

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Chinese

Favourite TV Show: Prison Break

Favourite Film: Shawshank Redemption

Team you Support: Liverpool

Favourite Professional Player (current/all time): Current - Firmino (has been for years) All time - Stevie G

Favourite Song/Musician: Song, Danza Kuduro - what a tune

Favourite sport other than football, and why? Cricket, played it pretty much my whole life. 

If you could’ve been involved in any sporting event ever, what would it have been and why? Football World Cup final just gone, Messi winning the WC on pens after the best final ever. Or the Cricket World Cup in 2019 when England won, that had everything in it as well and was won on the last ball of a super over!

If you could swap places with anyone else in football (player, coach), who would you pick and why? Probably Trent, has won it all already and still has years ahead of him playing for Liverpool. 

Player Profile:

How would you describe yourself as a player? Haha think I’ll leave that for others to do!

What’s the one thing you think you’re personally known best for (playing wise) and why? Hold up/link up play, would say it’s one of my strong points. Or being able to jump high!

What are your standout moments from your career so far and why? Getting to the FA cup first round, and scoring over 50 goals in a season for Bergholt! Think they’re both great achievements in their own right

What inspired you to be a footballer? Probably my Dad, and the rest of my family to be fair. They all love it so it’s what I grew up around.

Best Player Played With and why?

As a youngster Luke Woolfenden, always had another level of quality on the ball, as well as pace/strength/height etc 

At senior level Keiran Morphew - probably the best centre half in our league!

KEVIN HORLOCK | GET TO KNOW Q&A #3 | 12.08.2023

Manager Kevin Horlock continues our 'Get To Know Q&A' series, talking about his favourite food and drinks, his playing career, his managerial career so far and more.

DK: What's your favourite hot drink?

KH: Oh, I'll go hazelnut latte.

DK: Cold drink? Non-alcholic please.

KH: Yeah, that's fine, cold drink I would probably go Oasis. If I want to throw a little bit more in there, I'd probably go the berry one, not the orange, but I like either.

DK: Yeah, favourite snack?

KH: I'd go crisps, any flavour, any crisp.

DK: Favourite takeaway or dinner?

KH: Favourite takeaway is one hundred percent Chinese or Thai, I like noodles.

DK: Team you support, I think that's a bit obvious isn't it?

KH: Well as a kid I was a West Ham fan, obviously my affiliation with Man City went on quite a long time so I'll always look for Man City results, and obviously gloat to the Man United fans I know.

DK: You played for City and West Ham though, didn't you?

KH: Yeah, my dad used to take me to Charlton when I was a kid, but then as soon as I was old enough to one understand football and two old enough to go to games with friends, I ditched Charlton, went across the river and went and watched West Ham.

DK: Favourite pro player, current or all time? 

KH: My favourite pro player..... That is a tough one mate, I'm going to go Phil Foden.

DK: Favourite song or musician?

KH: That's easy, that's the same as my drink. I'm going to go Oasis.

DK: Favourite sport other than football?

KH: I'd probably go.... Tennis.

DK: Why?

KH: That's a good question as well, because it's played in the summer. You can go and watch it and have strawberries, and I don't know, I quite like the - obviously football's my favourite, it's a team sport and it's about that team bonding - I think tennis obviously individual sport, mentality, application. And to be fair I think I would've probably played tennis, if I wasn't a footballer.

DK: If you could've been involved in any sporting event ever, what would it be and why?

KH: I think, I don't know why I'm even going to say this, because I don't actually play that much, I played a few times. I'd love to won the Masters at golf. I'm crap at golf, I used to play with the lads and like we'd start and I'd hit one good shot, and then I'll duff the next. Then I might get on the green in two, and be on for a par, then I'd 4 putt, it's a really frustrating game. But I quite like it when they're walking up the 18th and they're winning and they take their hat off and all that. It must be a good feeling.

DK: What are the standout moments from your managerial and or playing career?

KH: I think the biggest standout, which is quite well documented, and one I'm probably best known for at City was the play off final. Probably didn't realise at the time how important it was. Managerially a hundred percent getting this group of players, who I've obviously got a great group together that I love working with. It's probably, and I'm not going to say getting to the quarter final (of the FA Trophy), the biggest standout for me was playing Yeovil away and winning that game on penalties. No-one gives us a chance, it was unbelievable, and obviously the Burton game. But my favourite is still to come, we've not been there yet!!

DK: Hope so, what inspired you to be a footballer?

KH: Probably my dad, although he wasn't pushy at all, I was obviously keen on football, but as most footballers that played the pro game have often got a parent that runs around for them, and time again I probably didn't realise he was picking me up straight from work, taking me training, not getting in 'till ten. And you don't appreciate it as a kid, do you, until now I look back and jesus it must've been tough for him! So probably my dad!

DK: What about what inspired you to be a manager?

KH: Do you know what, it just happened Drew, I don't think I planned it, I didn't even think I'd stay in football, and then all of a sudden I end up coaching football, because I didn't know anything else and it just sort of progressed from there really. I was Assistant Manager here with Danny Laws, I don't know actually how it happened, but I enjoy it. I enjoy it, it's only enjoyable when you have people around you that you like, obviously, and help you out and I've said it all along having Tom as my assistant I wouldn't be able to do it without him. He does so much, he knows the game, he's knowledgeable, and we work off each other really well.

DK: Nice one, and the best player you've played with?

KH: Obviously I was really lucky to play with some real big names, and I'm not going to just pick one of them because that'd be too easy. The favourite player, or the best player that I enjoyed playing with was someone called Eyal Berkovic. An Isreali lad that used to play for West Ham. He was brilliant, obviously there was other great players I played with, but I enjoyed playing with him most. He kept it simple, he had bags of ability, but he didn't overdo it. He was very similar, and again this is was someone that I would've was Georgi Kinkladze. He could play in Man City's team now. He was just at the right club, at the wrong time with players around him that weren't good enough unfortunately!

DK: What about best player you've coached?

KH: That is hard, because I don't want to single any out. Am I allowed to say two?

DK: Yes go for it.

KH: So far, Keiran Morphew. I'll never forget the first day I met him. I think I asked him what was his favourite position, I was at a Reserve game, what was his position, he said substitute. He had heart, he had desire, at that time he didn't bags of ability, but he's added to that. For me best centre half and this level and should've been a pro. And the other one, which unfortunately we've not seen much of him over the last two years, but he's not far away and he's going to be back playing for Needham is Byron Lawrence. My first signing!

DK: Love it, how would you describe yourself as a manager?

KH: Quite calm, quite understanding, I think the biggest thing for me as a manager, I'm not one for shouting. I don't really lose my rag, I think it's been calm, collective, and building that relationship with the lads. Knowing they can trust you, knowing that you're vulnerable, knowing that you can get emotional. I think it's just letting players see you, and I think that works quite well.

DK: What is the one thing you think, personally, that you're known best for, both when you were playing and now as a manager?

KH: Playing, I think everyone talks about being sent off for aggressive walk. Highlight of my football career, which tells you that I weren't particuarly good. It always gets mentioned I got sent off for walking towards the referee in an agressive manner at Bournemouth. Not a lot at the minute, I suppose I could be best known as a manager for getting Needham Market furthest they've been in the Trophy and the furthest they've been in the FA Cup, so far, and the manager that won 3 Premier Cups back to back!

DK: Having played for Ipswich, how did feel to then manage against Ipswich's first team?

KH: It was a bloody nightmare Drew, I don't know what the score was, it was heavy! But, look it was a pre-season friendly we played that game way too early, we didn't really have everyone here. It was a little bit of a farce in the end, but one day you never know we might play against them for real, in a competitive game. FA Cup maybe, we can live and dream and can work towards that so we'll see.

PATRICK BROTHERS | GET TO KNOW Q&A #2 | 11.08.2023

Ahead of today's home game with Halesowen Town, midfielder and coach Patrick Brothers answers the questions for the second edition of our 'Get To Know Q&As Series.'

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite Hot Drink: Vanilla Latte 

Favourite Cold Drink: Dr Pepper 

Favourite Snack: Starbar

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Thai

Team you Support: Colchester United 

Favourite Professional Player (current/all time): CR7 Ronaldo / R9 Ronaldo 

Favourite Song/Musician (if any): 50 Cent

Favourite sport other than football, and why? Golf - can’t beat a round in the sun. 

If you could've been involved in any sporting event ever, what would it have been and why? World Cup Final - Playing for your country in the biggest sporting competition in the world. 

If you could swap places with anyone else in football (player, coach), who would you pick and why? Bellingham - Young, world’s biggest talent, in Madrid.

Player Profile:

How would you describe yourself as a player? Hardworking and Versatile.

What's the one thing you think you're personally known best for (as a player) and why? Hot headed - love a head loss and moan up, espically to the refs.

What are your standout moments from your career so far? Fa cup 1st Round - Back to back promotions from step 5 to 3.

What inspired you to be a footballer? Family, older brother and Dad both played.

Best Player Played With and why? Byron Lawrence - best left foot in non league. Set piece specialist and all round midfielder. Not a bad bloke either. 😉

TOM ROTHERY | GET TO KNOW Q&A #1 | 07.08.2023

Assistant Manager Tom Rothery kicks off our 'Get To Know Q&A' series, with the club's Players and Coaching staff.

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite Hot Drink: Tea

Favourite Cold Drink (ideally non alcoholic): Water

Favourite Snack: Crisps

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Chinese

Team you Support: Liverpool

Favourite Professional Player (current/all time): Zidane or Gerrard

Favourite Song/Musician (if any): Eminem

Favourite sport other than football, and why? Darts, I used to play when I was young. Represented Essex at U18’s. 

If you could've been involved in any sporting event ever, what would it have been and why? The World Cup win for England in the Cricket Vs New Zealand for the tension and the drama. 

If you could swap places with anyone else in football (player, coach), who would you pick and why? Pep or Klopp. The best currently, Klopp due to the team I follow and Pep because I think he’s the most innovative manager there has ever been, he’s changed English football.  

Player/Coach Profile:

How would you describe yourself as a coach? Demanding but fair, very driven and ambitious; Organised and Passionate 

What's the one thing you think you're personally known best for (coaching wise) and why? Difficult to answer myself but knowing about other teams and players in non league I would guess. 

What are your standout moments from your coaching career so far and why? I’ve enjoyed all the promotions as they are hard work over a season but winning trophies are special for the day. The FA cup run last year was brilliant but I don’t think Yeovil can be topped. The circumstances of that win and what everyone did but Marco in particular is just unbelievable and I don’t think it could be repeated. 

What inspired you to become a coach? My manager at the time said he thought I should, he knew I was retiring and suggested it. I thought about it and the bug just got me from that point. I liked the idea of organising a team and the more I got into by doing my coaching badges and actually managing teams the more it gripped me. 

Best Player Coached With and Why? That’s a difficult one, I’ve enjoyed working with players sometimes for the relationship you build with them and how you’ve helped them develop but if it’s just the best player as in who I believe could play at the highest level I’d probably say Keiran Morphew. I also enjoyed working with Kem Izzet, whilst it was the end of his career I really respected how professional he was and remained to the end of his playing days with Needham demanding top standards which I loved.

How did it feel last season both as a team and personally to test yourself against professional teams in Ipswich & Burton 1st teams? I never really enjoy the occasions as such I just see it as another game that I want to win. On reflection maybe I should have enjoyed them more but to me it was just another game that I wanted to win. The winning and planning on how to win are the driver for me the occasion doesn’t really get me until maybe after where you then win but even on those occasions I’m then thinking about how to win the next game.