BLUES defender Ben Batho has spoke on how he enjoyed last season, which saw the player clock up 27 appearances in all competitions for the first team. And how a loan move to Brantham helped his form.

“Playing more games means I've gained more experience this campaign," the youngster said. "I speak and communicate with my fellow defenders Eddie Jackson and Kyle Callan-McFadden a lot more on the pitch, or Joao Rangel and Adam Mills further up pitch.

“Seb Dunbar and Ryan Jarvis have helped me so much. I’m calmer on the ball now. I believe I’ve got more to offer and want to be a better defender. I want to be better going forward and also get more crosses into the box.”

Batho has now made more than 50 appearances for the Blues since making his debut in September 2023.

Reflecting on the season, he said: “I think it’s been a pretty successful season. Taking 63 points from the campaign was good. We had a lot of good away results, especially at Halesowen Town and Real Bedford, and the FA Cup match at Cheshunt."

Batho went on loan to Isthmian North, Brantham Athletic earlier in the season, and believes that playing regularly at Step 4 was exactly what he needed.

“I enjoyed going to Brantham," he said. "They have some really good coaches. We played some good teams. I was patient throughout the season and always told myself when the gaffer, Chris Wigger, needed me back at Leiston, I'd be ready."

Batho, who helped the Blues U18s win the 2023/2024 Thurlow Nunn Youth League Central Division, after Sam Burman’s team went the season unbeaten in the league, is looking forward to a bit of a break from the game.

“I will continue to coach and keep fit ready for pre-season training, play a bit of Padel. I want to keep performing well next season and keep improving."