Goalkeeper Marcus Garnham reflects on ‘brilliant’ six years at Needham Market after leaving the club following 1-0 defeat to King’s Lynn Town in National League North.

Departing Needham Market goalkeeper Marcus Garnham described his time at the club as 'brilliant' following his final game coming in Monday's 1-0 home defeat to King's Lynn Town, writes Drew Kendall.

But the veteran shot-stopper who began his senior career with Bury Town before taking in spells with Leiston and AFC Sudbury does not seem set to hang his gloves up yet.

Garnham, a fans’ favourite who made around 250 appearances for the Bloomfields club including ended with a man-of-the-match performance, said: "It's been wonderful being here. I've got nothing but good memories, so I'm looking forward to the next challenge or whatever comes my way.”

Looking back on his six seasons with the club, he said: "We've achieved so much together. It's been fantastic, there's only one season, I think, where we weren't very good in the league below, but everything else has been perfect.

"It's a shame we couldn't stay up this year, but we gave it everything we’ve got.

“They'll learn a lot from it and, you know, Tom (Rothery, manager) will take a lot of what they've learned this year into next season as well, so that'll be good. I wish the boys all the best and I'm sure they'll go and smash it next year.

When asked about his final game – settled in the promotion-chasing Linnets’ favour with a goal three minutes from time from defender Kian Ronan – he felt a draw would have been a fair result.

“The boys played exceptionally well. You could see we were getting a bit tired towards the end but we gave a good account of ourselves,” he said.

“They're flying, they're full-time. I think in the second half they came out and were a much, much better side than they were in the first half, but we matched them for long periods.

“It's a shame at the end they get in one-on-one but that's the way it goes: story of our season, really."

When asked about his highlights during his spell at the club he said, "Kev (Horlock) came in and just breathed confidence through the whole team and got the best out of me.

“And then we went on a crazy trophy run, which was ridiculous, which I'll never forget.

“Then the crazy FA Cup run, then the league, then the Conference North. And then now, here we are today, it's been brilliant. I'll never forget it. It's been superb.”

Meanwhile, Marketmen boss Rothery added on the club’s website: “A thank you to Marco for what he’s done for the club in my time. When I rejoined I hadn’t worked with Marco but knew of him and in those nearly six years he’s been outstanding for us and given me my favourite moment in my career in all the years I’ve managed, coached or played.

“The day at Yeovil will take some topping. The saves he made in the penalty shoot out three times to save us losing and then stepping up and ripping one into the top corner was just an unbelievable moment.

“He’s been outstanding for us in all that time and I really don’t believe we’d have achieved or won what we had without him. I wish him and his family all the best in whatever comes next for him and wherever he joins will be lucky to have him."

Needham will look to finish the season on a high following two straight defeats over the Easter weekend - starting with a 2-0 defeat at Peterborough Sports on Good Friday - with a mammoth 410-mile trip to mid-table side Darlington tomorrow (3pm) to finish their maiden season in the National League North.