Tom Dickens | Needham Market

The off season has just started after a full nine months of thrilling Southern League Premier Central football. The transfers are flying in, and just four weeks after the end of the league play-offs, nine players have joined one of the 22 clubs set for the 2025/26 season to commence in August.

Dickens won Sudbury's fans player of the season for the 2024/25 campaign 📷 AFC Sudbury

The five new additions to the league have seen Bury Town, Real Bedford, Quorn, and Worcester City promoted from step 4, and the return of last season's relegated step 2 side Needham Market. The latter have not messed around in their transfer buisnsss since the end of their disappointing 2024/25 campaign.

A total of four players have joined Needham before the end of May, three of which have joined from AFC Sudbury. The additions of three of Sudbury's four ever presents in the league from last season is goalkeeper James Bradbrook, striker Joe Neal, and defender Tom Dickens. The focus of this article is on the latter, and his move from the Suds. The 22 year old was a pivotal figure in Sudbury's remarkable achievement which saw them survive relegation twice following their promotion to step 4 two years ago.

The defender played in all 42 league games last season, one of 19 players to do so, and contributed to two goals. His arrival at Needham damages the Suds chances next season, but supports the claim of an instant return to step 2 for The Marketmen. The bedrock of Needham's step 3 title winning side in the 2023/24 season was a solid defensive structure. The Suffolk side only conceded 34 goals in their 40 league games, and the youthful addition of Dickens will no doubt bolster their chances to do similar.

"I really enjoyed my two seasons at Sudbury, as I managed to play with some top players and coaches who massively helped in the improvement of my game", stated Dickens. "In fairness, the two seasons were difficult as they were filled with some ups, but also a lot of downs. The positive is my delight at being able to play such a big part in their survival, not just once but twice in the league, which has proved massive to grow my experience as a young player.

"I joined Sudbury in 2023 without much experience of first team football as a 20 year old. The chance to play for Marc (Abbott) for 18 months, and Danny (Laws) towards the end of my time at Sudbury, and the amount of time they allowed for me on the pitch has hugely improved my skillset and game. I managed to start almost 100 games in just 24 months, and the chance to have spent all that time playing in step 3, will only set me up for the good in future years.

"I had a great partnership with James (Bradbrook) in goal who has joined me at Needham, and backed me up a number of times with Sudbury. We all contributed to a huge 12 clean sheets, which for me was the biggest reason why we stayed up, the defensive improvement of the team in the last months. As a team, we were able to create a brilliant relationship on and off the pitch, especially as a defensive unit, which became crucial particularly from February onwards.

"To be honest, there is no main reason why I left the Suds. I have a lot of respect for the players, coaches, staff, fans and the club itself, and they were all a key factor in two of the greatest years of my life. The interest and offer from Needham came to my attention, and was to hard an opportunity to not be interested in. I am over the moon to have been able to sign for Needham. They have always seemed like a great club to be a part of, and have great ambition to get back to step 2 at the first attempt.

"I am really looking forward to the new challenge. It is my aim and would be a dream to take them back to step 2, in whatever way I can. The season ahead will be tough with sides like Harborough, Halesowen, Stamford, Spalding, who all ended last season well, but they have the belief at Needham that they can do what they did a year ago again. I spoke with their management team, and after the meeting, it did not take me long to make my decision. They have the belief in me to help them achieve the goals they have set out for the coming months and years.

"The next few months before the 2025/26 season commences will put my focus on enjoying the time off, but more importantly keeping fit. I have plenty of golf, and holidays planned for the next month and a half, but I am more looking forward to getting started with my new gaffer and players. A quick message to the Needham supporters would be to share how grateful and excited I am to have signed for your club. I can't wait to get out on the pitch at Bloomfields, and play in front of you, and hopefully after a difficult year in the National North, bring the good times back to the club."