Our All Time XI series provides ex-players, coaches, and stalwarts of the club a platform to share their all time Saxmundham Sports FC XI, with a goal of promoting our clubs rich history, whilst enabling those connected with the club to reminisce and share nostalgia.
Next to make their selection is ex-player Ian Morphew.
I started playing for Saxmundham Town as a teenager and, apart from a couple of seasons at Leiston Town, didn’t hang up my boots until I was forty. In those years I was player, captain, committee member and chairman. I was also manager and assistant manager for a short period of time a few years after I stopped playing playing.
Over that time I played with a huge number of fantastic footballers and I apologise that I am unable to name you all in my all time best eleven to have played in my time at Saxmundham Sports Football Club.
GK - Adie Brown
Great goalkeeper to play in front of, good shot stopper and came out to catch crosses, also a very good talker which makes a huge difference. Adrian played out in the field before dislocating his knee, ended up being one of the best goalkeepers in the SIL league.
DR - Richard Nettleingham
Sorry Richard I know you prefer Center half but I have to pick myself. Came into the team straight from youth football and you knew as soon as you saw him he was going to be some player. Strong, aggressive, good in the air and on the ball. We played against each other in Sunday football, both playing at centre midfield and used to have some really good battles.
DL - John Daniels
Big, strong, naturally left footed, and aggressive. John had a way of tackling while keeping upright on his feet, must have been every winger’s nightmare. Took a very good free kick with that left foot of his as well.
DCR - David Brown
David isn’t the tallest in the world but was by far the best header of a football that I have ever seen, made my job very easy playing alongside him as he took all the headers on his side and down the middle. I spent a lot of the games hearing the call BROWNIES BALL and either David or Adrian would win the ball.
DCL - Ian Morphew ©
Rules of this selection means I have to pick myself and if doing so I am going to be captain as well. I was so privileged and lucky to have been captain of the team over a period of time when Saxmundham played at the highest level throughout the club’s history and at that time we were the highest ranked team in the local area. Highlight of that time was for me winning the Suffolk Junior Cup and being able to lift that as captain.
MR - Carl Page
Carl came into our team as a very quick, tricky and skilful right winger/midfielder. Don’t think I have seen quicker feet from anyone I have ever played with. The downside of being young, slight and quick is that you get kicked a lot but Carl always got up and got on with the game. Moved into the centre of midfield later on and became a very effective and creative footballer who could run the game from start to finish.
ML - Phil Stone
Phil had a wonderful left foot and could win you a game on his own. Not only could he score some wonderful goals but he also could see a pass and made good runs. I don’t think I have ever known a more confident footballer or person and my god didn’t we have fun on and off the pitch. His dad once accused me of leading him astray, I don’t think that would have been possible!
MCR - Laurie Cook
Laurie played for us when David Greaves was manager. He moved here from Coventry where he played semi pro football to work for Greavsie. He came into our team and made us tough, he hated losing and showed us what competing in a midfield battle was really about. I always believe that you should play football with a smile on your face but he taught us that you only smile if you win. Not just a tough competitor but also a proper footballer with a hell of a shot and a hell of a tackle.
MCL - Ivan (Zippy) Fryer
Zippy was without doubt the best player I was privileged to play with, he was big and strong, would run at defenders from midfield who didn’t know which way he was going and could win you the game on his own. Best memory for me was travelling home on the bus from drawing 0-0 with Mildenhall in the Suffolk Senior Cup and Radio Suffolk stating it was Saxmundham town's finest day, the next Saturday we played them at home in the replay and Zippy tore them apart scoring a hattrick and sending us through to the semi final.
ST - Duncan Ferguson
Duncan is a few years younger than me but because of his size, strength and ability he made his first team debut before me. He was a proper centre forward who was good in the air, could hold the ball up and bring others in to the game and had a bullet of a shot with an eye for goal. I played more with him on a Sunday that Saturday and ended up playing against him which was not a very nice experience.
ST - Paul Addy
In my opinion Paul was the best goal scorer that there has been in this area. We played together on Saturdays and Sundays, sometimes three games in a weekend, grabbing a liquid lunch in the Eight Bells following a Kelsale game before playing for Sax Youth Club on the Sunday afternoon. Fell out with the Manager at Sax and never returned. I ended up playing against him which was a nightmare, he was one of only two players that I remember that would run at you at full pace with the ball and I never knew which way he was going to go, the worst thing was when he had gone past me he would have the biggest grin on his face.
Sub 1 - Paul Mays
Don’t know how Paul is not in the team, maybe because he stopped playing far too early. I used to be behind him at centre half and watch him beat players running in a straight line while dropping his shoulder and sending them the wrong way, I still sometimes fall off the kerb when I see him out walking the dog.
Sub 2 - David (Woody) Blades
Woody joined us from Leiston Town and was a huge player for us when we played senior football, he was a winner and very competitive but also had a smile on his face. Was a huge influence both on and off the pitch. Still haven’t worked out where his nickname comes from.
Sub 3 - Chris Kitson
Chris lived in Saxon Road as I did and I knew him for his gymnastics which he was outstanding at. When he joined the football team he was a revelation. I have never known anyone with as much energy, enthusiasm and body strength. We played him at right back and he used to be right midfield and right wing at the same time. He was playing as a wingback before they were a part of the game.
If you are interested in taking part and choosing your own All Time XI, please contact Martin Salter at martinjsalter@hotmail.co.uk