POST MATCH REACTION | SETH CHAMBERS INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET 3-1 STOURBRIDGE | 20.08.2022 | SOUTHERN LEAGUE CENTRAL PREMIER DIVISION, GAME 4 |

After yesterday's 3-1 home win over Stourbridge (click here to give it a read), I quickly caught up with Needham's Man Of The Match and double goalscorer, Seth Chambers to get his thoughts on afternoon.

DK: Congrats on your brace and being named MOTM, first all talk us through how you found it today? 

SC: Firstly thank you, Today was a great 3 points for us as a follow up from the match Tuesday, it was really important we matched the result from earlier on in the week.

DK: What was going through your mind as you scored both goals? 

SC: As both the balls got laid back to me it was all about hitting the target and thankfully I managed to do that, luckily Ross and Taylor both put it on a plate for me which always helps! 

DK: Now that we've recorded back-to-back wins, are you pleased with that, or do you think we could've won by more? 

SC: Following on from Tuesday’s result is massive. Making sure we prepare well this week and do all we can before the next game is what we will focus on.

DK: Having putting two fantastic performances within a week, it must be pleasing to have won MOTM today?

SC: Getting MOTM is always special but I’m happy that I could repay the management by having faith in me and selecting me. I’m delighted for the team as we got the rewards this week from the hard work that was put in.

POST MATCH REACTION | ROSS CRANE NEW SIGNING INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V ST NEOTS TOWN | PSF | 09.07.2022

A slightly older post-match interview, now that the club's signings have been announced, I caught up with new signing Ross Crane, fresh from scoring a brace against St Neots Town, report HERE. 

DK: Two good goals for you today on your second Needham game. 

RC: Yeah it was, firstly I thought it was a good performance from the boys that played, we started fast, I thought we kept possession really well, and probably could have been more at the end of the game I think we could have had a few more goals, but we kept the clean sheet as well which was important for the defenders and the team. 

DK: You've settled in quite well so far, even though it's like one full game and obviously the hour against Ipswich, have you found it alright? 

RC: Yeah, I've enjoyed it, obviously all the boys have made me feel welcome and really enjoyed it and Kevin's a great manager I think he can really push me on and make me onto better things. 

DK: Talk us through your two goals today! 

RC: Yeah so first goal, I think it was TC (Taylor Clark) I think he played me in behind, just made a run and it was a great pass got a bit fortunate, but a goal's a goal. The free-kick, obviously they are the things you practice at and obviously it paid off. 

DK: Obviously, today a lot of the fans would have seen got to see a bit about you, but is there anything more that maybe fans can expect from you? 

RC: No, I think, I've proven what I'm good at and what I bring to the team, and I think I'll do well here, I've really enjoyed the two games I've been played in and training. 

DK: Did you find it a fitting experience for your first Needham game to be against Ipswich, obviously your former club? 

RC: Yeah, obviously the game against Ipswich they were very experienced, and obviously they've got a lot of quality, but I think it was good for us to play against players like that. And then obviously today, we're playing against a team that is a league below, but I think we dominated and I thought we'd done really well good! 

DK: I think you'll be you're going to score a lot of goals for the club and look forward to seeing you more in Needham red. 

RC: I hope so! 

DK: Cheers Ross. 

RC: Cheers.

POST MATCH REACTION | JAMIE MCGRATH NEW SIGNING INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V BURY TOWN | PSF | 26.07.2022

Now that the club's new signings have been announced, one of our new recruits - striker Jamie McGrath -  spoke to Drew Kendall, after Tuesday's friendly against Bury Town report here.

DK: A good goal tonight, what did you make of it? 

JM: Yeah it was, to be fair, I saw Patch (Patrick Brothers) get the ball and the other day whipped in a similar ball for Seth (Chambers) so I thought you know if I make the run I'll get on the end of it, and thankfully put it he put it right on the spot - so just all I have to do is yeah get a foot on it and it should go in and it did!

DK: Bit of a super sub tonight!

JM: Yeah, to be fair that's what you got to do though, when you come on as a sub, you've got to try and make an impact, and fortunately I was able to make one straight away, so yeah happy days! 

DK: How have you found it at Needham so far? 

JM: Yeah, I've enjoyed it, obviously it's quite a big step up from where I came from, but you know it's a challenge that I've relished, and enjoyed every minute of it really! The boys have been great, and obviously it helps with like games like tonight getting a goal, because ultimately that's what I'm here to do!

DK: You took the word right out of my mouth there saying that, but yeah you've taken to it like a duck to water, and you've not looked like you've jumped up about four levels! 

JM: Yeah that's right, I mean obviously it's a big step up, but I suppose you've got to back yourself and from the training sessions, obviously playing with better players that obviously helps as well. And as I say, a lot of thanks goes to teammates like Patch tonight - putting the ball on the plate for me! 

DK: This isn't the only goal you've scored, you've scored two now! 

JM: Yeah, I got a couple now, got one in my first, well not the Ipswich (Town) game, the one after that St Neots which was nice! So that was a few games without a goal, so it was nice to get back on the scoresheet tonight for sure!

DK: It's looking like a very good, well oiled I guess, squad as well!

JM: Yeah, I think so, I think that's one of the the main things! I think with the squad so far, is the squad depth, you know we've got a lot of players who can play different positions, got a few players scoring goals at the minute which is good to see. So that's what you want, you want competition for places, because then you're always pushing each other, whether it's in training or in matches to get the best out of each other!

DK: How do you see this season going for you personally?

JM: I think it's just a case of try and get as many minutes as I can, try and contribute to the team whenever I can. Obviously, as I say, there's a lot of competition for places, so I appreciate it's going to be difficult to always be starting, but that's ultimately the aim that's what you want to do as a player! You want to be starting every game possible, but I'm not the only one thinking that! Everyone else is thinking that, but that's healthy I think, so yeah that's the aim!

DK: Again, you took the next question! You'd almost make as good of an interviewer as I do😂!

JM: I don't know about that, I'm happy to be in this side of it!

DK: Yeah, you'd rather be the one scoring and take the headlines! 

JM: Yeah exactly, but no you're doing a good job as well!

DK: Cheers mate, thanks for that!

POST MATCH REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V BURY TOWN | PSF | 26.07.2022

After Tuesday's victory over Bury Town (report HERE), I spoke to Needham Manager Kevin Horlock, who reflected on the game and previewed both the Felixstowe friendly on Friday, and also looked ahead briefly to the league opener away to AFC Rushden + Diamonds. 

DK: A nice 4-0 win over the local rivals!

KH: What did I make of it? Yeah, look it's pleasing, obviously pre-season still I know, but winning's a habit, so we want to perform well and I thought tonight, I thought we did. We bought Trialist 7 in at the 12th hour, I thought he played really well tonight, added a different dimension to us. So to get four goals, and a clean sheet, no injuries, so it's yeah it's been a good night for us tonight!

DK: As you say Trialist 7 was unlucky to have a hat-trick, himself, on another night!

KH: Yeah, he's been a little bit rushed in terms of I've only met him today, and we've obviously agreed a deal for him to come across to us, then threw him in the starting (eleven). I think it's important that new players obviously get minutes, and get to know what we're about, but I thought he's an unbelievable footballer. (He) takes care of the football, gets in really good areas, and yeah on another day he could have scored a couple, but I'll take that from him getting in them areas, because there's no doubt that the lad's going to do well and score goals for us. 

DK: It was the perfect preparation, for obviously we've got Felixstowe still to come on Friday, but also the Rushden game, Saturday following, with Trialist 15 getting another goal, Trialist 11 getting another goal and Trialist 14 getting his first Needham goal as well.

KH: Yeah look, you want goals in your team, and if they can be shared around then that's great, but you want your centre-forward scoring, which is good for Trialist 15. Obviously Seth scored the other day as well, I think pre-season's just about getting the balance right, in terms

of you don't always want to blitz teams and win games, like we have done comfortably tonight. You want games where we obviously was up against it against Ipswich, it was too early, we didn't have a squad together. We've not played well in certain games, Braintree being one of them, but it's about getting that timing right, and getting a mixture of games and results, and hopefully the time is right. We look good tonight, so hopefully we can do that again on Friday against Felixstowe, and obviously get prepared and ready for the first league fixture. 

DK: As we talked about, they were well worked goals tonight, obviously that's something that you're hoping will transpire into league games.

KH: Yeah, look there was no denying the fact that we were trying to bring players in the forward areas. Obviously we lost Pagey (Callum Page) and Harvey Sayer, obviously on loan going back to the parent clubs. Fowkesy, obviously

moving on to Braintree, Ingers (Luke Ingram) having the injury, so we were in need of reinforcement in forward areas. Obviously I think Trialist 11's come in and been a revelation, if he continues like this I'm probably going to struggle to keep hold of him, because he's tore it up, so he's been a massive positive. Obviously Trialist 7's come in today, Trialist 15's come in and scores goals and added to the group. Obviously Seth (Chambers) has come in and scored goals, and we know what a future Seth could have. So it's been about time in pre-season, obviously the season is coming upon us, but I haven't panicked in signing anybody. I've got signed the right players for this group, right players football wise and mentality, which I think we have, and I think everyone's hopefully looking forward to the season! We'll see the fruits of our labour, in terms of the squad we've put together, I'm hoping for a big season for us!

DK: Would you call it a clinical performance tonight?

KH: Yeah, I think so! I think we could have scored more, I think at half time, I did say that was one thing that we were missing the first half, we wasn't clinical enough. We create chance and it should have been four or five, and I 

don't think anyone could have argued, but we got the goals in the end, it could have been more but it was a controlled performance. I don't think they ever really troubled us, we looked dominant, and we look dangerous going forward. So, yeah it was pleasing!

DK: Is this the full squad now are you looking for any more?

KH: Potentially one more, we'll see I'll probably know over the next couple of days, or 24 hours. If that doesn't happen, then it doesn't happen, but I think maybe one more at some point, but like I said I'm not going to rush into anything. It's got to be the right player for this football club, it's got to be the right player football wise, mentality, work ethic, training attitude and everything. Them players ain't always just hanging around everywhere, you've got to be patient and wait for that right person, so that's what I'll do. Obviously there's options of loans as well, and obviously the good young players that Manty's bringing through the 23s, so I'm a pretty lucky manager in that respect, I'm not going to make any knee jerk reactions on

signing anybody. It'll have to be the right player. 

DK: Looking forward to the Felixstowe game, will you see it as a similar type of game to tonight?

KH: Look, it's the last (friendly) game obviously, by Friday we're also then looking forward to the first league game of season - obviously lads are vying for places in the team, l so I imagine it will be a similar game (to) tonight, in terms of two local teams willing to win, but it's just putting the final touches to what we're going to do first game of the

season. And hopefully, we'll be ready to go. Hopefully, I'll have a full squad to pick from come the first league game. 

POST MATCH REACTION | TOM ROTHERY INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V MALDON + TIPTREE | PSF | 23.07.2022

After Needham Market's pre-season friendly at home to Maldon + Tiptree (REPORT HERE) on Saturday, I caught up with Assistant Manager Tom Rothery to discuss the game and the remaining friendlies ahead. 

DK: Another good pre-season run out today!

TR: Yeah, really hot conditions again, probably hotter than

even we expected it to be. I saw it was going to be about 25, 26 (degrees), but it felt hot, I don't know what it is today, but it felt hot. But yeah, good workout only Dan (Morphew) missing. Obviously still trying to manage players minutes you know, and be a little bit cautious and careful around people, and got a few knocks. But yeah, overall good workout, quite a hard workout! Maldon give us a good game so yeah, box ticked I suppose is the best way to put it.

DK: A nice assist from Patch (Patrick Brothers) for Seth (Chambers)'s goal!

TR: Yeah I said, really Marco (Marcus Garnham) made a couple of really good saves in the first half, but I still felt we had the better of it. I mean we had probably four or five very similar chances, sort of eight, ten, yards from goal where it looks like it's going to (go in), sometimes it weren't the cleanest contact, it looks like he's going to scuff beyond the goalkeeper - he just seemed to seem to stop it with his legs, or his body or whatever, but yeah I thought overall we had the better chances. I thought it was quite an even gain really, wasn't too much in it, but you know I thought we did well at times. There's still things that we need to do better, obviously, but that's the whole point of pre-season. You know we're not going to be the finished article now. So yeah, it's not settled down still, which is really frustrating, I said last week before, it would be settled down by even Tuesday, but definitely by the

the game today and it still hasn't. And again like I said last week pre-season is just false. You've got Archie (Exworth) and Louie (McDonagh) have come on for the last few minutes to help them (Maldon) out. Keiran (Morphew)'s come off at half time, nothing wrong with him, but did, I mean you don't do that in the end game. It just changes the flow of the game. I decided first half I'm going to play a certain formation, second half I'm going to play the old formation. You wouldn't do that in a league game, because if things aren't working you change it, so there is always that falseness in pre-season. Again, I said last week you should never get over excited you should never get too down beat. Look, there's still things that we need to improve on, there's things that you can see coming together, and there's things that you can see that we still need to work on. So it is what it is, but yeah we're heading the right way! What was pleasing, and obviously, they only had 12 players, that's why Archie and Louie helped them out in the end, but I still felt our fitness was really good at the end, because actually I thought there were good spells in that in that part, when we moved Trialist10 over to the left especially. I thought we started getting a lot of good crosses in the box, so fitness is not too far off where we want to be really, so that's good.

Seth Chambers scores the winner against Maldon.

DK: As you say today was the closest we've had to our

most probable 11 for when we go to Rushden.

TR: I wouldn't say necessarily the 11, because there's players in there that had to get minutes today so they started - they wouldn't necessarily start yet in the league, so no it wasn't. I said that to the players before, Fitzy (Tom Fitzgerald) and Taylor (Clark), for example, have had a lot more minutes than other players - so that's why Fitzy and Taylor didn't start, but Noah for example didn't need minutes. Patch (Patrick Brothers) needed minutes, so there were other players, Hammo (Kyle Hammond) missed last week, so there were other players that had to get minutes today, more than certain other players, so I wouldn't say that's close to our starting 11 - but it was it was better not having as many players away, obviously there was only Dan away and *Trialist*' got an injury obviously, so yeah but other than that everyone was available.

DK: It can be slightly frustrating in that sense when... 

TR: It's really frustrating, really frustrating, I feel like the last three weeks me and Kevin have had so many messages and phone calls about players, and trying to get them signing, and that's why I hate pre-season! You know, come August 6th, and look there'll always be changes after August the 6th, but you know come August that's your squad, and then when players leave or players come in, it just gets done. You don't spend weeks and weeks, and weeks, discussing with them and trying to negotiate - it just either happens or it doesn't! So, from that point of view like I said again today, even though I thought it was a good workout, I still don't like it! Today you know the players are not always, even though I feel there's a lot of players out there that are giving 100%, you're not going to give a hundred, you're not going to be full quote. Because, it is pre-season, like I said you're making false changes you're playing around with tactics and shape. And like I said last week, you've got to do it, because you've got to get ready for August 6th, but regardless what goes on in pre-season, all that's important is that on august the 6th we've got who we've got signed on. Me and Kev will know on that given day, what our best what our best starting 11 is, which obviously will change at various times during the season, and what our best shape is. And I believe we'll be at that place on August 6th, so that's all that needs to happen really. But yeah I'll be well and truly glad when the pre-season's over, because I've just never liked it, I hate it.

DK: We'll just hope and see!

TR: Obviously we started with a different shape first half, but you need options, you play this shape, that's whatever, but you need options! Obviously Luke he's had his surgery, he'll be back September time, so he can play through the middle or out wide obviously so that will give us another option. And obviously a very good option when he's back, but you know before he comes back, we need at least one more. I mean ideally, if I'm being brutally honest, I want two, because you need competition. You don't want anyone getting complacent, I don't think that will happen anyway with the players that we've got, but you just need that competition through your team. 

DK: In my opinion, this is like the strongest and best competition for places, we've had at this club, and the best. No offense to the lads like Seth, they they deserve this chance to come through, and they've taken it, but also on the other hand, it's good to have those...

TR: You need players that can have played this level, you need senior players, you need that competition within the squad. And I think with the younger players what needs to happen, because younger players need to gain experience and they don't need to be thrown in at the deep end, so they need at times to play, at times to be in the squad, at times they'll need to come out of the squad to get minutes. So we'll just have to see how that goes really. 

DK: On to Tuesday's game, any bit of certain team news?

TR: Dan still won't be back. *Trialist's* 10 days, so he's seen Jenks today. Dan is the only other one. 

DK: Perfect, so yeah, all in all it's looking very positive, and hopefully we can start the season in a better way than we did last year. 

TR: That's the plan mate!

POST MATCH REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V IPSWICH WANDERERS| SUFFOLK CHAMPIONS CHARITY CUP | PSF | 12.07.2022

Following last night's Needham Market's Suffolk Champions Charity Cup penalty shootout win over Ipswich Wanderers, REPORT HERE, I spoke to manager Kevin Horlock.

DK: Nice to get a bit of silverware in pre-season! 

KH: Yeah I think it's always nice, obviously we're the holders, so we come into it wanting to retain it so it's

nice to do that. We went the hard way about it, we

wasn't great tonight, we're a little bit short obviously numbers. Everyone knows obviously the injuries we got and people missing, but if we got here in the end. I said in the previous interview, I've said in the changing rooms winning is a habit, so we've won the last two so we'll take that and we'll definitely be better than we were tonight. It was massive for them to come here, obviously being the lower league team, they wanted to put one over on us and rightly so, and I thought they played reasonably well. Albeit we didn't play great, but at the end of the day, after all we all go home tonight, and tomorrow to say that Needham won so we'll take that and move on.

DK: Do you think the scoreline reflected the game?

KH: I don't know really, we had a few chances even when we were down to 10 men, which stretched us a little bit even more. We had a few half chances, which on another day I think we score. I know they've had a few chances, I think (Matt) Blake hit the inside of the post, great save from Marco (Marcus Garnham). So I don't know maybe 0-0 or 1-1 was a fair result, and obviously it goes into penalties - which we meant to do really, because we did that to so Marco could get some practice! So it all went to

plan really! A penalty shootout, Marco gets a chance to save penalties, so it went exactly how we wanted it to!

DK: Taylor (Clark) scored a good penalty himself, in the first half, to make it 1-0!

KH: Yeah the lad's composed, he's got so much ability, still really young, and he's got the world at his feet he keeps listening and progressing and improving like he is, he could end up anywhere.

DK: Was it his decision, or your decision, whose decision was it to take the penalty?

KH: I think penalties, I know you probably nominate a penalty taker at the start of the season, but I think certainly in pre-season, in games like this, I'm a big believer and whoever's confident enough to take it, to take it! I think that's the best way, so he was brave enough to step up and it was a cool finish!

DK: Onto the penalties, some more good saves from Marco to obviously win the shoot out. Good penalties from Kyle (Hammond), Trialist11 and Fitzy (Tom Fitzgerald) as well!

KH: Yeah, as soon as it went to penalties I knew we was going to win! Marco's the penalty king, he's shown it so often! He's a master at it, so as soon as we went to penalties, I knew our name was going to be on the cup!

DK: Ultimately, as we've said it's nice to retain it!

KH: Yeah it's important, look, at the end of the day, we are short, we have got bodies missing - probably missing five or six today, who would probably get in around, or in the starting eleven! So we was light and they're a lower league team, so it's still important that we win tonight, albeit on penalties. But it's a win, I think that's really important for a club like us, that wants to progress, you need to beat teams that are in the lower division. Even teams like Ipswich Wanderers, who are a decent team with players that possibly could play higher, so it was a test for us tonight, but we come for it and won it so that's pleasing! 

DK: I know it's only, what two, three days since the last game, but is there any more updates?

KH: Not as yet not as yet, there's conversations still to be had. I'm hoping, hopefully maybe be someone in the door by Saturday, if not it might be the week after. We'll have to

see, but look it's frustrating. I know Needham fans want to want to hear names, and see players coming in, but they need to trust me on it. By the time season starts, well before that middle of pre-season, we'll have bodies in and the squad will be looking how we want it to look, how we want it to look, so we'll be really competitive this season.

DK: Any team news ahead of Saturday's game?

KH: Probably Keiran (Morphew)'s still out, and again Keiran and being Keiran, he wanted to play tonight. But I'm not risking him, in it he's he's obviously a massive player for us, a massive figure, so I need him fit for the start of the season - so I'm not going to push him into tonight's game. And he'll probably miss saturday as well I imagine, and then we just have to see on the rest. 

DK: So will it be roughly the same squad?

KH: I think there'll be a few back I'll see Jake Dye, you've got Patch (Patrick Brothers) away as well, so there's still a few a few missing, so yeah we'll see. We'll probably have another couple of bodies back by Saturday.

DK: In the other end, there will be Fowkesy (Ben Fowkes) coming back, will you see that in your mind?

KH: No, look it's another pre-season game, I think that the boot's on the other foot really, like today, we're the lower league team, we shouldn't really have a chance. You want to pit yourself against teams in the higher division, obviously look Fowkesy, I always like working with the lad, you know he's a great kid, he wants to progress, he's got a great move going to Braintree. So I'll shake his hand on the way in, and he's been great for us. He's got a lot of

good goals, just hopefully he's not quite shooting boots on Saturday!

DK: What was the most pleasing thing about tonight for you?

KH: I think the biggest positive is retaining it I think, we've got minutes in the tank, we wasn't great. I think the standout performers were probably Kyle Hammond and Trialist11, I thought Trislist12 come on and look lively, the rest were a little bit by below par, but look it's early days. We obviously played Saturday, gone with a similar team, so lads have played probably more football than I have liked. If I've had more lads available, then I'd have rotated a little bit more, so there was there was positives, the biggest positives that we've got the trophy again, so we're top team in Suffolk! 

POST MATCH REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK | NEEDHAM MARKET V ST NEOTS TOWN | PSF | 09.07.2022

Following Saturday's 4-0 pre-season friendly win over St Neots (report can be viewed HERE, I caught up with Needham manager Kevin Horlock to get his thoughts on the game, pre-season so far and a look ahead to tonight's (Tuesday 12th July) Suffolk Champions Charity Cup (as Suffolk Premier Cup holders)/friendly with Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Premier Division side Ipswich Wanderers (holders of the Suffolk Senior Cup).

Kevin Horlock watches on during his side's 4-0 win over St Neots on Saturday.

DK: A good start to pre-season, what'd you make of it? 

KH: Yeah, I enjoyed it, I thought we performed really well! Obviously, last game against Ipswich was probably, like I said in an interview, it is a bit soon. We still haven't got our full squad together, we've got lads missing today, so it's an opportunity for others. I mean it was an opportunity for the young lads. And it was just a good performance all round really, after last week with bodies missing again today, it was important that we performed well, we worked hard which we did, we looked organized, and we looked a threat. So as far as pre-season goes I was pretty pleased with that, although in the big scheme of things it doesn't mean a thing does it once a season starts, but there was positive signs. Lads have done themselves justice today and hopefully like I've said in there (changing room), winning's a habit, keeping clean sheets is a habit, so hopefully we can continue to do that throughout pre-season, it goes into our league campaign. 

DK: Fitting we're standing just beside the goal that Trialist scored that stunning free- kick as well! 

KH: Yeah to be fair when we got it I said 'oh, that's perfect for left foot, it's a sort of area that I'd have liked to have taken a free-kick, but he still showed that the technique and poison, the ability to get it over the wall and in the corner. So yeah it was nice, because we don't score many goals from set pieces, or we didn't last year anyway so that's a real positive sign. 

DK: All the goals really were very good. 

KH: Oh they were pleasing today, because it's stuff that we spoke about, we spoke about forward runs, which Taylor Clark made a forward run from midfield and got in. They're all real pleasing today, yeah. 

KH: I'm still talking to another three or four, so hopefully over the next 10 days, seven days, we'll have a few more bodies in. More competition for places and the squad will be looking roughly like I want it to look. So yeah there's a big seven days ahead of us and hopefully we can add to the undoubted ability we got. The young lads that I've got at my disposal, which Manty, and Aaron Hall and Colin Grogan have done an excellent job with and Luke Betts, so yeah I'm very fortunate to be manager of Needham's first team. So, if I get the players that I'm speaking to to add to the ones we've got, and the ones we've got coming through the Academy, and the ones that have stayed here from last season, we'll be in good shape, so hopefully that that lends itself to hopefully a really strong season. 

DK: And as you say with the youngsters, Flynn (Crosthwaite) who obviously played against Ipswich, I think Mo (Igwebuike) made his debut for the first team today, Dimi(tri Gayle) I think has played once or twice before Archie (Exworth) obviously played last season, etcetera etcetera, they did really well coming off the bench. 

KH: Yeah look, I've said it all along, I want to create a real clear pathway for young players, that need a market that come into the Academy, that the potential to get to Needham's first team is there, it's there if you're good enough it's there. I don't care about age, if you're good enough you'll get an opportunity, but it's not easy you have to earn it we've got good players at this football club already, so they've got to work hard and try and show me that they're good enough and if they do that then they get a chance. 

DK: Tuesday we look to obviously defend the suffolk Champions Charity Cup I think it's called against a tough team in (Ipswich) Wanderers, despite the levels below is that how you'll see it? 

KH: Yeah, they look they've got good players though, I know a few of them, they're going to be a tough outfit. They're also going to be mad for it as well, which why wouldn't they be - we will be as well. And hopefully we're at full strength, we've got some more bodies back that weren't here today and hopefully it can be a good game, and a good spectacle, for everyone to see. 

DK: Will you see it in the sense of a more competitive game or will you see it still as just a friendly? 

KH: It's still a pre-season game as such, but it's for charity which is the main thing, which is really good, but also on the

back of it you do get silverware. We won it last year, so we want to win it, and like I said at the start of the interview winning is a habit I want to create that habit, so we'll be going out to win the game, we won't be going out there just to be participating. 

More pre-season interviews to follow in due course...

BEN FOWKES | END OF 2021-22 SEASON NMFC Q+A 11

Having scored 19 goals for the Marketmen last season, Ben Fowkes reflected on how he felt his final season with the club went, and discusses his time with the club. 

1. First of, congratulations on your move to Braintree, a well deserved move for you - but can you put in to words how you found your time at Needham?

BF: Yeah thank you! One I’m very much looking forward too. My time at Needham was great! Enjoyed it very much wanna say thank you to Kev, Tom, munno and everyone at the club for their help and wish them the best.

2. Now the season is complete, how do you feel the season went overall? 

BF: Season was okay, we done well in the Trophy and winning the Suffolk cup but I felt we could have performed so much better especially in the league.

3. How did the season fare in terms of personal and team targets, must have felt nice to have surpassed 50 NMFC appearances?

BF: Yeah it was a good season scoring 19 from wide left, yeah getting more then 50 caps has been a pleasure!

4. Looking back at the FA Trophy run now, how do you reflect on it? Can you pick a standout moment?

BF: Coor standout moment would be Yeovil . Scoring in front of 1600 was great, then winning on pens was unreal!

5. Do you remember much about what was going through your mind during that specific moment?

BF: Was over the moon when we won, best feeling I’ve had so far in football.

6. Can you describe how it felt to be the club's second top scorer last season, with 19 goals?

BF: Yeah scorings great but wish we could of finished higher.

7. Would you say of those goals, that your strike at Yeovil was the biggest Needham goal you scored, if not which one?

BF: Yeah that goal at Yeovil was unreal. Definitely the biggest moment of my career so far.

8. Can you talk us through that goal at Yeovil?

BF: I gambled and then knew I had to lift it into the top corner as the keeper ran out and luckily it went in.

9. Any point in either cup run or season in general you knew something special could be round the corner?

BF: When we beat Yeovil I knew we could do something special.

10. Must have been nice to win the Suffolk Premier Cup for second straight season, what did you make of the game itself and the shootout?

BF: Yeah was great to win some silverware, game wasn’t great but a wins a win!

11. Looking back at the FA Cup and League Cup, would it be fair to say you're disappointed with how both competitions went for us?

BF: Could have been better and we all know that.

12. Are there any league games that stand out to you?

BF: Winning at Stratford scoring last minute was great. Also at Hitchin winning 6-1 was amazing!

13. Best game from a personal/team perspective?

BF: Best game was Yeovil personally!

14. Your player of the season and why?

BF: Marco was great all season and saved us alot of times!

15. If you could relive any full game from this season, which one would you pick and why?

BF: Would relive that Yeovil game all over again, would be sick tho watching the pens again haha!

DAN MORPHEW | END OF SEASON NMFC 2021-22 Q+A | 10

For the tenth instalment of the 2021-22 Q&As, defender Dan Morphew reflects on the campaign and hints at what's to come in 2022-23.

1. First of all, now the season is complete, how do you feel the season went overall? 

DM: Last season is a difficult one to summarise, we had some high highs and some low lows, hopefully in time it will be only the high points that remain in the memory for both the players and fans! 

2. How did the season fare in terms of personal and team targets, must feel nice to be closing in on 200 NMFC appearances?

DM: The targets I had hoped we as a team would attain and subsequently my individual targets, in particular those in regards to league finish weren’t met. However, I’m pleased with the amount of appearances I managed to make last year especially as I was carrying niggling injuries for certain periods of the season.

3. Looking back at the FA Trophy run now, how do you reflect on it? Can you pick a standout moment?

DM: The trophy run was a great experience, to beat those teams from a higher level was fantastic and will forever be great memories. The victories against Dartford and Wealdstone particularly stand out for me, as there was no doubt on both occasions that we were the better side. 

4. Do you remember much about what was going through your mind during that specific moment?

DM: There was one moment of pure relief in the Dartford game as Marco made a great save in the latter stages of the match, a Dartford attack which began as a result of me giving the ball away 😅.

5. Any point in either cup run or season in general you knew something special could be round the corner?

DM: Following the previous season, which cut was short, I felt that we had a really good core group of players and that we were capable of achieving good things… glimpses of that we demonstrated in the trophy run, and hopefully we will see it on a more consistent basis in the season up and coming. 

6. Must have been nice to win the Suffolk Premier Cup for second straight season, what did you make of the game itself and the shootout?

DM: I think as a group currently we believe the Suffolk cup is a competition we should be winning. But saying that and achieving it are two different things, so it was good to confirm that belief and it will be a competition we will be aiming to win again. The game itself was awful, devoid of any standout moments. The penalty shoot out we all though we would win with the form our GK has been in!

7. Looking back at the FA Cup and League Cup, would it be fair to say you're disappointed with how both competitions went for us?

DM: The FA cup was especially disappointing for me - I was injured for that game so could not contribute only shout from the sidelines. An extended FA cup run like we had in the trophy is something all the players and staff would love to be a part of!

8. Looking at league season how do you summarise it?

DM: In reference to my answer in question 1, many of those low moments were a result of disappointing leagues results. The position we finished in the league is not what we had set out to achieve and so it’s far to say the league season itself was overall disappointing.

9. Are there any league games that stand out to you?

DM: In a league season of 30-40 games there are many high and lows, good performances and bad (although hopefully not too many bad). At this point my focus is on more the things that didn’t got so well that the team and I can improve, so maybe those games wouldn’t be the best to share… 😂 

10. Best game from a personal/team perspective?

DM: The Wealdstone and Dartford games I felt almost all 11 players were very good on both occasions.

11. Your player of the season and why?

DM: I think Marcus Garnham thoroughly deserves the plaudits he got at the end of the season. The penalty shoot out performances alone were enough to seal that in my opinion.

12. If you could change any part of this season, what would you change? Why? What would you do different looking back?

DM: The way we performed in the league is what I would change, and hopefully that is something we can correct in the season to come.

13. Season from your personal perspective?

DM: As a player and a competitor you always want more. Looking back, that is how I feel about my own performances and that of the team and is something to always strive for.

14. If you could relive any full game from this season, which one would you pick and why?

DM: Yeovil away. A great result against the odds. 

15. Are there any other moments from the season standout to you?

DM: There aren’t too many other stand out footballing moments for me. What does stand out are some of the really good characters we have amongst the staff and players and what a pleasure it is to play for and represent NMFC.

POST MATCH REACTION | FLYNN CROSTHWAITE | NEEDHAM MARKET V IPSWICH TOWN | PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

After making his Needham Market First Team debut on Saturday 25th June, as a second half substitute against Ipswich Town FC, I caught up with Academy midfielder - who was part of the club's Thurlow Nunn Youth League Central Division winning side last season -  Flynn Crosthwaite to discuss how he felt his senior debut went, and the penalty which has since gone viral on TikTok (which can be watched below, or on the club's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts).

DK: First of all congratulations on making your first team debut against Ipswich Town, can you put into words what it meant to do make your debut in a game like that?

 

FC: Thank you, it was an massive honour to make my debut at such a great club especially against a professional team! It meant lots to me as I have become very much attached to Needham as a club and the people involved in it over the last couple of years. It’s hard to describe the feeling of when I found out I was in the squad vs Ipswich, I was nervous but that was overridden by excitement. Stepping on the pitch was a very proud moment for me and in a game like that I was very grateful for the chance to play against a professional team on my debut. 

DK: Can you describe how you found the whole experience in general? 

 

FC: From receiving the message on Friday evening to actually arriving at Bloomfields on Saturday is all a bit of a blur. I remember waking up Saturday morning slightly nervous but also extremely excited. Walking into the ground as a player rather than as a fan was a very different feeling. And then I found myself in the dressing room with players that I have looked up to for the last couple of years. This was by far the biggest crowd I have walked out in front of and getting on the pitch was a real bonus. Scoring in the penalty shootout at the end very much topped off a great day. 

DK: How did you find it being on the same pitch as professional footballers? 

FC: Firstly it was a fantastic learning experience. It has made me even more determined to work hard and fully commit myself to NMFC academy this coming season. Of course it was great to be amongst players that have made it into the professional game. And gave an insight into the levels needed to reach this standard. 

DK: We can't not talk about THAT penalty, can you talk us through what was going through your mind as you stepped up and took it?

FC: Firstly the goalkeeper (Walton) was huge and made the goal look like a 5-a-side goal. Also to take it in-front of all the fans at that end was something that I was confident to do. I stuck the principle of pick a side a put it there and not change my mind. Once I was walking up I managed to stay focused and slot the penalty into the top right corner. Seeing the ball hit that back of the net was more a feeling of relief than joy.

DK: You sent Walton the wrong way into the top bin...

FC: Yes he definitely made the goal look very small but I managed to stay calm and put it in the back of the net.  

DK: How did you decide who took which side?

FC: Kev was asking who wanted to take one in front of the large crowd at that end and I backed myself to score so decided to take on the pressure!  

DK: Of what you saw of the shootout, what was the best one - but you can't pick yours?

FC: I can’t decide which one was the best, it’s out of Cameron Burgess who smashed it right in the top corner with lots of power. Or Marcus who also leathered it high into the goal! 

DK: Did it help squash any nerves having Seth, Taylor, Hugh & Ewan in the squad, having played with them in the Under-18s?

FC: Having them in the squad was really good as I have got to know them over the last year playing alongside them in a lot of games including the u18s and Reserves.

@needhammarketfc NERVES OF STEEL 😏 @f.crosthwaite comes on for his first team debut a calmly slots it past a league one keeper in front of a sell out crowd 🥶 #NeedhamMarketFC Needham Market Academy #fyp #viral #foryoupage #nonleaguefootball #footballtiktok #trending ♬ Know Yourself - Drake

(C) DREW KENDALL/ NEEDHAM MARKET F.C.

TAYLOR CLARK | END OF SEASON NMFC 2021-22 Q+A | 9

The inaugural Needham Market F.C. Young Player Of Year award winner, Taylor Clark reflects on his first season involved with the first team.

Taylor Clark scoring his maiden First Team goal at St Ives

1. Now the season is complete, how do you feel the season went overall for the team?

TC: Overall the season was good, obviously with FA trophy run and then winning the Suffolk cup. Our League campaign was off from where we want to be but still some positives to take from it.

2. How did the season fare for you personally?

TC: Personally I really enjoyed this season, starting in the reserves and then being given an opportunity in the first team was a good feeling and I’m grateful for it.

3. Looking back at the FA Trophy run now, how do you reflect on it? Can you pick a standout moment?

TC: The trophy run was great for the club and for us players, if I could pick a moment it would probably be starting against Yeovil.

4. Do you remember much about what was going through your mind during that specific moment?

TC: When I found out I was starting it was more excitement than anything and playing in the stadium infront of the crowd was a moment I won’t forget.

5. Any point in either the cup run or season in general you knew something special could be round the corner?

TC: After we built some momentum in the home games beating Dartford and Wealdstone there was an injection of confidence within the squad.

6. Looking at league season how do you summarise it?

TC: The league results wise was off the standards we set, but still some positives to take from it to build into this coming season.

7. Are there any league games that stand out to you?

TC: Alverchurch away was a standout game, coming from behind to win it was class.

8. Best personal and or team performance in a game this season?

TC: St Ives away personally was one of my best performances, coming on to impact the game and to pick up my first senior goal was nice.

9. Your player of the season and why?

TC: It’s close as there are a few but I went for Keiran because of his leadership and giving 100% every week.

10. If you could relive any full game from this season, which one would you pick and why?

TC: Wealdstone was a game I’d like to relive, the home crowd and playing infront of friends and family was nice.

11. Are there any other moments from the season standout to you?

TC: I’d say my first league start against Peterborough Sports was a standout moment to me.

12. Can you describe how it felt to be the first player to win the club's Young Player Of The Year award?

TC: It was a nice feeling winning the award, I’m grateful that the club and management team gave me the platform to play week on week.

TOM FITZGERALD | NEEDHAM MARKET END OF SEASON Q+A 2021-22 | 8

Next up in the Needham Market End Of 2021-22 series, midfielder Tom Fitzgerald reflects on a "very positive" campaign from his personal perspective. 

1. Now the season is complete, how do you feel the season went overall for the team?

TF: For the team I think the season was a very positive one. Despite not making the playoffs and only finishing mid table, the fa trophy run along with winning the Suffolk cup was a great achievement.

2. How did the season fare for you personally?

TF: Personally I would also say it’s been very positive. I feel I’ve improved as a player and am now a more important member of the squad. My injuries have held me back a bit but it has still been good.

3. Looking back at the FA Trophy run now, how do you reflect on it? Can you pick a standout moment?

TF: The fa trophy run was unbelievable and something I’m really proud to be apart of. The highlight would have to be the away win at Yeovil and Marco’s heroics.

4. Do you remember much about what was going through your mind during that specific moment?

TF: Watching from the sideline, I remember being extremely nervous but also felt very confident that we would win.

5. Any point in either the cup run or season in general you knew something special could be round the corner?

TF: There were a few moments across the league season that I thought we were going to gather some real momentum but it never quite happened. For me the fa trophy was completely unexpected.

6. Looking at league season how do you summarise it?

TF: Disappointing. We could have done so much more but for whatever reason it never quite materialised.

7. Are there any league games that stand out to you?

TF: The howler I had away at Royston was pretty memorable. Stratford away was another memorable game, for the right reasons. There was a lot of late drama and some great goals.

8. Best personal and or team performance in a game this season?

TF: Personally, I think my best game and the best team performance was against Wealdstone in the fa trophy. We completely dominated them in the first half and definitely deserved the win in the end.

9. Your player of the season and why?

TF: For me it’s between Ingers and Marco. Both were exceptional. Luke’s goals and work rate from the first game to the last was admirable. Marco had all our big moments and stepped up when it mattered - every time.

10. If you could relive any full game from this season, which one would you pick and why?

TF: For myself it would be Wealdstone, because it was our first big test in the fa trophy and I feel I had a really strong game. Beating them at Bloomfields was superb.

11. Are there any other moments from the season standout to you?

TF: Marco’s moment against Yeovil. The team were brilliant throughout that match but Marco’s saves and penalty were very special.

CALLUM PAGE | END OF 2021-22 SEASON NMFC Q+A | 7

For the seventh Q&A I caught up with Needham Market attacking midfielder Callum Page, and discussed how returning the Ipswich Town loanee felt it went. 

1. Now the season is complete, how do you feel the season went overall for the team?

CP: The season was a bit of a rocky and bumpy one, but we all stuck together! An unreal cup run, whereas some may say we underachieved in the league, but as a whole the main thing was game by game we stuck together.

2. How did the season fare for you personally?

CP: Personally I wasn’t consistent enough for my liking, I know what I’m capable of and at times I showed it but I wanted it to be through all of the season. But there’s always room for improvement!

3. Looking back at the FA Trophy run now, how do you reflect on it? Can you pick a standout moment?

CP: Wow! What a run it was. There’s no better feeling than winning 3 games as underdogs in each. Standout moment has to be Yeovil, the penalty shootout was a heart in mouth moment for the whole thing! But what a day it was!

4. Do you remember much about what was going through your mind during that specific moment?

CP: I felt on top of the world the morale in the changing room and the mood after the game was a feeling like no other. Unreal.

5. Did it feel any different re-signing for the club on loan?

CP: It’s a place I’m familiar and comfortable at, therefore I enjoyed it loads! A great club and will always have a place in my heart, but now it’s time for me to come out of my comfort zone!

6. How does it feel to have finished as the club's joint second top scorer in the league this season?

CP: It feels good! Didn’t score anywhere near as much as I’d of liked to but I’ll take that. Started quite strong in terms of scoring and died off a bit, but it’s what I always want to do is score and help the team!

7. What's your favourite goal you personally scored this season and why?

CP: My favourite goal this season was my goal at home against Tamworth, turned the defender inside out, left foot post and in! And a 1-0 win alongside it couldnt of got any better!

8. Any point in either the cup run or season in general you knew something special could be round the corner?

CP: You could tell after we beat Wealdstone! Our mentality and mindset going into playing these teams in higher leagues than us. Was something else we was fearless!

9. Looking at the league season how do you summarise it?

CP: The cup run was great! But some may say we underachieved in the league! Still a season with lots of highs!

10. Are there any league games that stand out to you?

CP: I’m going to say Alvechurch, 2-0 down at half time and not only that we was getting played off the park! I’m wet and boggy conditions we stick together and got a goal early in the second half. And then after that all of the momentum was with us!

11. Best personal and or team performance in a game this season?

CP: Best personal performance would be for me Dartford, I feel I was a threat the whole game. Which is what I always want to be. And a team performance I would say Dartford again.. we pressed the life out of them and made sure they had no room to play! What a day!

12. Your player of the season and why?

CP: My player of the season has to be Marco.. I know his job is to stop the other team from scoring but the amount times the man has made me speechless with the saves he makes, what a guy!

13. If you could relive any full game from this season, which one would you pick and why?

CP: Yeovil, everything about it. The nerves, the adrenaline. Best day in my football career so far.

HUGH CULLUM | END OF 2021-22 SEASON NMFC Q+A | 6

In the sixth of the Needham Market end of 2021-22 season Q&A series, I caught up with defender Hugh Cullum - who started the season with the Under 18s and ended it as a first teamer, having made over a dozen senior team appearances. 

1. First of all, now the season is complete, how do you feel the season went overall, for both you personally and the team? 

HC: This season for me and the team has been very successful. Firstly, making that step up into Step 3 football and making my debut for the first team was special. Overall if you ask anyone that being quarter-finalists of the FA Trophy and winning the Suffolk Premier cup, is a very successful season. However, we would have liked to be higher in the league table but again overall it was a good season for me personally and as a team and we will be back even stronger next season. 

2. Looking back at the FA Trophy run now, how do you reflect on it? Can you pick a standout moment?

HC: Personally being involved in the Fa Trophy for the first time and going on a run as we did, is very special. Looking back now it was an experience I will never forget. Of course, the most standout moment was winning away at Yeovil, them being a higher opposition, a massive crowd, and the whole team who put in a great performance.

3. Any point in either cup run or season in general you knew something special could be round the corner?

HC: In any cup run you set out to win it, what every team wants to do and the same goes for the league, again you want to finish top or as high as possible. For me when I thought something special was around the corner it had to be the Trophy run. When you beat the likes of Wealdstone, Yeovil, and Dartford, all of who are in higher leagues consecutively after each other, you feel like anything is possible and that as a team we could go all the way.

4. For you personally it's been quite a successful season, making your first team debut, winning the league with the U18s and Suffolk Premier Cup with the First Team, can you pick a couple of standout moments from all of it? 

HC: As a whole this season has been one that I will remember, making my first-team debut at 17, winning the U18s league as well as the Suffolk Premier Cup. One standout moment is probably making my Debut. The lads took to me really well and I can't thank them enough, especially Kieran and Dan as they continue to help me develop and learn to be a better Centre Back.

5. How does it feel to have achieved all that, plus representing England's Schoolboys team in just a single season?

HC: To achieve all that in one season you can't ask for much else really. To represent my country was really special and something I will never forget.

6. Do any games as a whole stand out to you from this season, if so why?

HC: Its definitely got to be Yeovil away, it was a great performance from everybody especially Marco with some outstanding saves throughout the game then to save us on penalties and finally scoring the winner.

7. Best game in terms of personal performance this season?

HC: My best game would be my (league) debut (Redditch at home), I thought I adapted really well and managed to settle in quite quickly. I could definitely tell the difference in speed and quality of players.

8. Best game from team perspective?

HC: The best game from a team perspective is between two Alvechurch and Stratford away, but for me, it definitely has to be Alvechurch. Everyone showed true character despite being 2-0 down and then to come out with a 3-2 victory.

9. Your player of the season and why?

HC: Everyone this season was really good however, it has to be Marco. He made vital saves all season, keeping us in many games, and that unforgettable moment in Yeovil. What a keeper!

10. If you could relive any full game from this season, which one would you pick and why?

HC: You probably know the answer to this. It has to be the Yeovil game, no doubt about it.

11. We touched on winning the U18s League and winning the Premier Cup, can you describe how it feels to have won both of those?

HC: It was a good feeing to win the league on my last year as an u18s players which unfortunately couldn’t do it last year due to COVID. Winning the premier cup is special because I have said before that’s it my first time in the competition and playing a part to go on and win it was really special.

KYLE HAMMOND | END OF 2021-22 SEASON NMFC Q+A

Having completed his first season with the Marketmen, I caught up with midfielder Kyle Hammond to discuss the 2021-22 season, including making over 50 appearances in one season with the club. 

1. First of all, now the season is complete, how do you feel the season went overall? 

KH: Thought the season went fairly well overall if you said at the start of the season we would win the Suffolk cup and get to quarters of FA Trophy I’d have taken it although we just didn’t get started in the league and never really got a run of wins which is why we ended up mid table in the league.  

2. How did the season fare in terms of personal and team targets?

KH: Personally I thought the season was a good one for myself I think I only missed 3 games and played consistently well throughout. As a team we wanted to retain the cup which we did, but in the league we wanted to get into playoffs which we didn’t.     

3. Looking back at the FA Trophy run now, how do you reflect on it? Can you pick a standout moment?

KH: The trophy run was a great experience for us boys I think especially for the younger lads to play the teams we did and beat them then lose to the national league champions in the end. The shootout at Yeovil stands out with the big man saving us 3 times then scoring. That feeling was amazing!

4. Any point in either cup run or season in general you knew something special could be round the corner?

KH: While we were getting further into the trophy run I genuinely thought we were going to go all the way tbh just thought we had in us how the run went but in the end Stockport showed us a different kinda level and it was such an eye opener playing against them.

5. Must have been nice to win the Suffolk Premier Cup for second straight season, what did you make of the game itself and the shootout? 

KH: Yeah was nice to win the cup always nice to end the season winning the Suffolk cup. But the game was absolutely terrible and the pens weren’t much better for myself haha. I felt sorry for anyone who sat and watched the game that evening. 

6. It must also be a nice feeling to make 50 appearances for the club in your first season?

KH: Yeah was nice, I think I played every game I could which must mean I’m doing something right🤣!

7. If you had to pick a goal of the season, not scored by you, which one would you pick and why?

KH: Luke Ingram against Royston absolutely unbelievable chip on the bounce!

8. Looking at league season how do you summarise it?

KH: Season was just inconsistent from us never got a run of games going and didn’t win our first game till October I think which was frustrating for us all.

9. Best game from team perspective?

KH: Other than Yeovil like I’ve mentioned I think the dartford game was our best team performance of the season. Everyone of us were excellent.

10. Your player of the season and why?

KH: Marco the cat garnham. Who else could it be?! Been unbelievable for us and saved us in games so many times this season.

(C) ©️ Needham Market F.C./Drew Kendall 2022

KEIRAN MORPHEW | END OF SEASON Q+A 2021-22 |

Up next in the fifth Q&A, I caught up with Needham Market captain and centre-back to reflect on his first season as skipper and more......

1. First of all, now the season is complete, how do you feel the season went overall? 

KM: I think with the premier cup win it probably tips it into a decent season. Just need to improve in the league next season. 

2. How did the season fare in terms of personal and team targets?

KM: Both mine and the teams targets were to get into the play offs and win the premier cup. 

3. Looking back at the FA Trophy run now, how do you reflect on it? Can you pick a standout moment?

KM: Yeovil away will be the best day in my football career solely on the bus journey home. 

4. Do you remember much about what was going through your mind during the Yeovil shootout?

KM: Please don’t get to me haha. 

5. Any point in either cup run or season in general you knew something special could be round the corner?

KM: If we would of best Stockport then we would of been 1 game off playing at Wembley. 

6. Must have been nice to win the Suffolk Premier Cup for second straight season, what did you make of the game itself and the shootout? How was your nerves watching it unfold?

KM: I thought the game was pretty poor really but great to be on the winning side in the shootout. I was pretty steady watching it as we have Marcus the cheat code. 

7. As captain, I bet it must've felt even better to lift some silverware on top of the Trophy run?

KM: Yea we want to win the premier cup every year, so was ledge to win that next to a great cup run. 

8. How does it feel to have done your first full season as club captain?

KM: Yea it’s been great, I’m hoping i can wear the band until I stop playing! 

9. On top of being a captain and one of many fans favourites, it must've felt even sweeter to surpass 350 club appearances - especially marking that game with a goal?

KM: Yea 350 games is a decent milestone and I feel very lucky to hit that number. The goal was cool too but I don’t care for them so much as long as we win.

10. Looking back at the FA Cup and League Cup, would it be fair to say you're disappointed with how both competitions went for us?

KM: Yes I definitely feel like we should of kicked on in the FA cup but we had a great season in the trophy instead and you can’t have it all haha. 

11. Looking at league season how do you summarise it?

KM: The league season I think started off poorly and then felt like we were behind for the whole season. Overall I think it was poor in our own expectations but realistically it was ok. 

12. Are there any league games that stand out to you?

KM: St Ives at home set the tone for the season. 

13. Best game from a personal perspective?

KM: Can’t remember too many but Alvechurch away to win it from 2-0 down at half time was pretty cool. 

14. Best game from team perspective?

KM: Probably the same game just because we had a decent reaction from a first half disaster. 

15. Your player of the season and why?

KM: I voted for Kyle I thought he was excellent wherever he played and raised the standards. I think it was between Kyle, Ings and Marco as they were all excellent. 

16. If you could change any part of this season, what would you change? Why? What would you do different looking back?

KM: I wouldn’t change anything because the cup run will live long in the clubs history and I wouldn’t risk losing that haha.

17. How nice does it feel to get a completed season finished after a couple straight voided? 

KM: Yea the season felt very long in comparison but was nice to finish it. It dragged towards the end because we weren’t getting the right results. 

18. Season from your personal perspective?

KM: Cup runs make our season a decent one. 

19. Is there anywhere that you maybe think the team need to improve in order to succeed next season?

KM: The players who are still here and the players who are coming in need to be more willing and committed as ever to aim for playoffs/promotion. 

20. If you could relive any full game from this season, which one would you pick and why?

KM: Wealdstone at home, it was the toughest game of the trophy run and the relief after winning was massive. 

21. Are there any other moments from the season standout to you?

KM: The coach ride on the way back from Yeovil was good fun.