Seymour: 'I had to take this chance'

James Seymour has revealed that the fear of not getting another chance to test himself at a higher level was a leading factor behind his move to Mildenhall Town.

The midfielder has spent the majority of his career in senior football at Steps 5 and 6, having had a 12-month spell with Newmarket Town between a lengthy period in Ely City’s colours.

He played a key role in the Robins’ Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup (CIC) final triumph over Cambridge United’s Development side last term, setting up the equaliser for Sam Reed before Deakan Napier fired in a dramatic late winner.

However, when Bostik League North Division’s Mildenhall came calling, the 25-year-old felt he owed it to himself to see if he can cut it at Step 4.

“I am not old but I am also not getting any younger,” said Seymour.

“Ultimately, if I passed up this chance it might not have come again and then I would have been left thinking what might have been.

“I was really happy at Ely, but once Dean (Greygoose, Mildenhall manager) got in touch and said he wanted me to come training I had to give it a go.

“Like most players, I want to play as high as I can.

“I watched Mildenhall a couple of times last year and you can see the difference in the levels. It is only small details, but they make the biggest difference.

“It will be a big challenge, but I am a winner and I cannot wait to get going.”

While excited for what the future holds at Mildenhall, it was also a wrench for Seymour to depart the Ellgia Stadium.

But, under the guidance of manager Brady Stone and his assistant Martin Grey, Seymour is confident a good season lies ahead for Ely in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division.

“It was really tough (to leave). It was not something I did straight away,” he added.

“I trained and played with both teams for a couple of weeks and was open with both managers.

“It is so rare to play with genuine mates, but that is what I had at Ely.

“They have some really experienced players over there and the youngsters look like they are ready to step up.

“You will not find anyone that has played for Brady and Martin that has a bad word to say about them – that sums them up.

“Brady has been fantastic with me. When I spoke to him about Mildenhall he told me to go for it and I cannot thank him enough.”

Seymour was part of a Mildenhall side that lost 2-1 in a friendly against Cambridge United’s Under-18s, with Dylan Logan on target for the home side.

On Tuesday, Mildenhall were up against another Under-18 side – this time Leyton Orient – who ran out 2-0 winners at Recreation Way.

Hall travel to United Counties League outfit Eynesbury for another friendly on Saturday (3pm).