MARK MORSLEY is happy to keep sounding like Claudio Ranieri – he just wants his side to be this year's answer to Leicester City.
Just like the Foxes did in 2015, Needham Market only just stayed up last season but they too have transformed themselves from relegation fodder no-hopers to the talk of the division.
Unfancied
Market topped the Ryman Premier after Boxing Day's matches – something nobody predicted as they just staved off the threat of the Ryman North back in April.
The small-fry Suffolk side were on no tipster's lips and although they may not have been 5,000-1 like the Premier League champions, manager Morsley believes his team are achieving something big.
He said: “I'm more than happy to keep sounding a bit like Claudio Ranieri was this time a year ago, as nobody expected us to be on top of the table, like nobody expected Leicester to be.
“It's really a case of enjoying the moment. We may not last the course like they did, but I'm so proud of the players for how they have turned it around.
“We really struggled last season, only a good late run kept us in the Premier, but we've taken that into the first half of this year and used the momentum to carry it on.
“We're more organised this time, and we're better at moving the ball around but no, like everyone else I wouldn't have thought being top at the halfway stage was realistically possible.
“Again, there's another Leicester similarity – we know how to play on the counter attack. It's suited us so far.”
Can the Marketmen sustain National League South football? It's a question the club may have to start asking itself as the weeks roll on.
“We've got no wads of notes, we've got good loyal sponsors and supporters, but we haven't got what many have at this level and that's what makes the league table so good to read,” said the former Leiston man.
“What we do have is a full time academy and ambition. With driven young players coming through that always gives you a chance.”
