Over the past 10 days AFC manager Mark Morsley has been busy talking to our out of contract players and here is an insight into the progress made so far.

Over to you Mark..

‘It was a key part of building my team and preparing for the new season that Andrew, the Chairman confirmed my budget reasonably early on and I pay credit to him for that. We do not need to go over the financial issues that all clubs are facing for the following season because I needed to find out about the players that have been a part of the steady improvement that Sudbury 1st team has shown over my 4 seasons since re-joining the club.’

‘I have to say that I have been blown away by the reaction from the guys that have committed for season 2021/22. Loyalty is a word that has disappointedly disappeared from non-league football in many ways, so I want to firstly make the point that all the players who have committed have done so by taking a reduction in wages from the curtailed season. They can see what we as a club can offer is so much more than an extra tenner!’

‘With no disrespect to any of my players I unreservedly want to pay tribute to Skipper Joe Whight and Billy Holland who have both signed up for what will be their 5th season at the club. These lads joined the club with me, and they are my ‘Lieutenants’, who I can always trust to give all they have for the cause. “Skip” is an outstanding captain who may not always be a leader vocally, but he leads by his attitude and performances week in week out as well as the odd thunderous Joe Whight legendary tackle. Billy has become the linchpin of my midfield, adding a solidness as well as the knack to scoring a few goals. In many ways he is the ‘go to guy’ for me to discuss team stuff and although not the captain he does manage the team vocally and is confident enough to suggest changes on shape with the staff. He is also quite single minded that I really like in a footballer’

My feelings on the others as below:-

Emmanuel Machay – Really pleased Manny has agreed to stay. Suits my preferred style of play with real flare and pace in wide areas. I expect him to score us a lot of goals and become a real fans favourite.

Ellis Girling – Ellis always had a chance with me as his Dad Brett was a key player for me during my first stint at AFC and also at Leiston. However, he is furrowing a career in his own right and is developing as a fine player. He should make himself a certain starter this season.

Joe Grimwood – So glad Joe is staying, but frankly he is ‘one of us!!’. A proper centre half, fearless, powerful in the air and just a great lad to have about.

Luca Collins – With Walks joining the coaching team I needed a number 1 and Luca is another one who is also ‘one of us!!’. Great lad and keeper.

James Askew – However I also need someone who wants to take Luca’s shirt and James fits the bill. He is driven and a joy to have about the place.

Isaac Skubich – I was really pleased when Isaac returned to the club last season having been an Academy star during his time with Danny and his team. Saying that I am equally pleased that he wants to stay. Having gained higher level experience at Braintree and Leiston he can now kick on with us a fore fill all that potential.

Joe Morris – Progressed from the 2nd team and got involved in a couple of games before lockdown. I like him, a tall striker with a lot to offer.

Sam Cooke/ Luke Hipkin – Sam and Luke as products of another successful Academy group who have shown great promise with the potential to become 1st team regulars. Cookey is one of the best passers of the ball I have seen in a young footballer and can run games on the 3G from Centre Midfield. Luke is one of the ‘go to’ guys, great pace, hard as nails and was always picked to play in the big Academy games last season.

Josh Ambrose - Another from last years successful F.A Youth Cup team and I have to say, a lad whose development I have kept an eye on. He'll bring not only a raw physicality to the front line but also an eye for goal and with a trick or two in his locker.

Added to these of course are Reece Harris, Lewis O'Malley and Freddie King who remain in contract so it's a strong start as far as planning goes.

There are still ongoing conversations with other players who I want to commit and when anything breaks we will let you know.