Nothing beats the bracing sea air. Tom Rothery and his Needham Market team have spent the past weekend in Brighton as part of their pre-season preparations.
Whilst there was obvious disappointment when their scheduled pre-season friendly at Whitehawk was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch on Saturday, they have tried to use the time on the south-east coast as constructively as possible as they plot an immediate return to Step 2 following relegation from The National League North at the end of last season.
“Last season was tough for everyone here,” Rothery told us. “I’m eager to right some of those wrongs and build on the positives.
“The players deserve plenty of credit for the attitude that they have displayed. They gave their all last season and whilst ultimately it wasn’t quite enough, they are determined to respond in the right way.
“We’ve had a really good pre-season so far, aside from seeing Saturday’s game called off, but we’ve shown great intensity and focus. We’ve introduced some new bits and that alongside the fact that we’ve had a solid summer of recruitment makes it feel like we are in a good space right now.
“We’re going into a tough League. I keep seeing the signings that our rivals are making and thinking to myself; ‘wow, they look strong this year’. I’ve said that a lot; there are going to be plenty of teams who feel that they can be in amongst the leading pack.
“Look, we’re under no illusions about the size of the task in hand. Yes, we won the League the last time we were in it, but prior to that we’d never finished higher than ninth at this level, so we’re fully aware that to do well we will need to be right at it as well as having that bit of luck on our side too.
“I want us to be competitive; I believe with the squad we have, we should be, so what position or where that takes us I’m not sure as you can only control your team and your efforts. But after last season, I certainly want to see us give the supporters something to be happy about and for them to see a competitive team that is giving it a right go.”
Rothery stepped up from his coaching role to take over in the hot-seat in February 2025 and his efforts earned him a two-year deal towards the end of last term.
“I believe in playing on your terms whenever possible,” he said as he explained his philosophy. “I like my teams to play on the front-foot and leave everything out on the pitch.
“I have a clear way in which I like to play, but at the same time I also think that it’s important to be adaptable and always willing to do whatever you can and give everything you’ve got for the good of the team.
“We do it because we love it and I want any player that plays for me to enjoy it but also be prepared to give their all, play without fear or pressure and with plenty of desire.”
One of Rothery’s new summer signings is Ryan Miles, who has been snapped up from Wroxham, where he emerged through the ranks to become a key player as he helped them return to Step 4 and establish themselves at that level.
Miles has been on Needham Market’s radar for a number of years and now he is relishing the challenge that stands before him with the Marketmen.
“I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead,” Miles told us. “It’s a new League with new players and I am excited to get started.
“Pre-season has been good, but nothing beats competitive action and working towards the goals that we have been set both individually and collectively.
“We’ve been working hard to get to the levels that we need to be at come August 9th when it all kicks off. Personally it’s been a good eye-opener to the standard that is required at this level and I have already learned a lot from the lads around me.
“I’m feeling fit and ready to go! I know that this League will be quicker and more physical than I am used to; I’ve spoken to a lot of people about it and they all say similar things. The transition from Step 4 to Step 3 is a big one, but, as I say, I am excited by the challenge ahead.
“We have to target the play-offs as a minimum. No-one plays football to not achieve anything and our goals always have to be high.
“The core of this team played at Step 2 last year and having that taste has made them hungry to get back to that level. It’s made things very competitive for places in the team, which is a great problem to have.
“Personally, I think as a winger the aim is always to help the team win games with assists and goals. 15 goals and 15 assists would be nice and if I can get more, that would be a bonus!”
IMAGE: Needham Market FC
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