Last week I caught up with Joe Jefford to discuss the season ahead and his overall time at the club. Joe joined the club in the Summer of 2011, making his debut on the opening game of the season at Waltham Abbey in a 3-3 draw, with the Blues leading 3-1 but conceding two goals in added on time. Joe has since won the Ryman One Division One title and help Leiston win the Suffolk Premier Cup.

Joe, your in your eighth season at Leiston now, what are your thoughts ahead going into the new campaign?

JJ - Going into a new league is a bit unknown for us but the squad is strong and we are confident we can compete at the top end of it. The Gaffer won’t change his philosophy so there’s no reason why we can’t pick up where we left off.

Your on the verge of 300 league appearances and 400 in total. How would it feel to pass that milestone?

JJ - Obviously I’ll be pleased to pass the milestone on an individual note, but the focus from myself is to try and help the team push on again. I work hard on my fitness e.t.c outside from the club and I’d like to think that’s helped my time at Leiston be reasonably injury free. Long may that continue.

In your time overall at the club, what would you say is your most memorable achievement?

JJ - Without doubt it would be reaching the play-offs for the first time. The BOSTIK Premier (that Leiston were in last season but have now moved into the Evo-Stik Central Southern Premier Division) is a very competitive league. For a club in a town the size of Leiston to compete around the top speaks volumes about the players and staff. The year we won the Ryman One North (in 2012) was a great season and progression to the 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup a couple of seasons ago was a great experience.

And the low points…..

JJ - A couple of lows stick out that would be the defeat in the 4th Qualifying Round in the FA Cup against Westfields in October 2016. That was a great run that year and on another day we would have won 4-0. Also in that same season, losing the play-offs by five minutes. Having said that you have to appreciate these lows to help you appreciate and strive for the highs..

Who are the best players you have played with at Leiston?

JJ - Best goalkeeper would have to be Danny Potter, while Seb Dunbar and Bully (Tom Bullard) are players who I’ve played in defence for a while now with and are the defenders I’d rate most. In midfield I’d go for Byron Lawrence and up front Niko Muir and Jake Reed have been impressive.