Midfielder and loyal coach leave champions

Needham Market manager Mark Morsley will be without two key figures when his champions kick off in the Ryman League’s top flight in August.

The Ryman North winners announced on Friday that Morsley's long-term playing-coach Lee Norfolk is taking a year out of the game next season following their promotion while former Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Cheltenham Town and Wycombe Wanderers midfielder Ian Westlake, 31, is leaving Bloomfields to retire from football and spend more time with his family before the birth of his second child.

Morsley said: "Two years ago I met with Ian Westlake and convinced him to have a crack at Non-League football. He has been a key part of our success, especially this season where his work rate and little bit of class gave us a much-needed edge.

"He was also our second highest in appearances. Too much to do away from football is one reason he is retiring but I believe that the arrival of his second child in October is a bigger draw. So although we will miss him, we congratulate Ian and his lovely wife Claire on the soon to be new arrival."

He added: “I will be losing one of my key generals as player-coach Lee Norfolk is taking a year away from the club. Norfs joined me as a player in my first tenure as Needham manager and five seasons ago he joined me at Leiston.

"Those five seasons have been filled with successes and for me, none of that would have happened without my loyal sidekick and great mate, he will be sorely missed.”

The Marketmen's manager has moved quickly to replace Norfolk by appointing former Colchester United stalwart and player assistant manager Karl Duguid as his replacement.

He added: “However, going forward there is of course a replacement needed and I am delighted to announce that Karl Duguid has agreed terms to join us as a player-coach for the coming season. Ex-Colchester United stalwart and player-assistant manager Karl brings a wealth of experience that our young players will benefit from.”

Image courtesy of www.buryfreepress.co.uk

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