Adam Mills re-signs for Southern League Premier Central Leiston after ending fourth spell with National League North Needham Market
Winger Adam Mills, who ended a fourth spell at Needham Market this week, has had his return to Suffolk rival Leiston confirmed.
The 27-year-old previously played at Victory Road after joining Leiston in the summer of 2021, going on to make 85 appearances for the Blues, scoring 24 goals, across two seasons ahead of joining Vanarama National League South side Chelmsford City.
Needham Market - currently battling relegation in their debut campaign in National League North and having just seen boss Kevin Horlock accept an offer to lead takeover club Maldon & Tiptree - revealed he had departed ahead of Tuesday’s 2-1 away defeat at promotion-chasers Brackley Town.
A Needham club statement said of their academy graduate: “Winger Adam Mills has departed the club, having recently surpassed 200 appearances for the Marketmen.
“He made 30 appearances this season, scoring in the away draw at Rushall Olympic, after returning last January, becoming one of three players to be involved in our last two league title triumphs, including last season's historic Southern Central Premier Division success.
“The club would like to wish Adam all the best for the future and thank him for his efforts for the club.”
It also revealed the men’s first team, now run by Horlock’s former assistant, Tom Rothery, had brought England Schools international Ollie Fraser back from Ipswich Wanderers where the winger had been on a dual registration deal.
Mills, who had re-joined Needham for what was a fourth spell from AFC Sudbury last January, is set to be available for seventh-placed Leiston’s key clash at sixth-placed Stamford tomorrow (3pm).
And Blues boss Chris Wigger revealed his delight managing to persuade him to come back to Victory Road.
“Adam is a player who has done well for us in the past,” he told his club’s website.
“I think we need an extra body in our front line. Bearing in mind if we look at playing a front three, we’re currently playing a centre back as a centre forward, who can also play in goal to be fair!
“And, although Kyran Clements is doing a fantastic job, I need a little bit more variation, different players, different strengths.
“So, to be able to bring Adam in at this stage of the season gives strength and depth to the squad. It’s a real boost and adds something different to the IX on the pitch.”
Wigger was referencing how former Bury Town centre-back Clements played more than 80 minutes as an emergency goalkeeper, following Billy Johnson being sent off, in the 1-0 home win against Redditch United.
It left Leiston two points from fifth-placed Kettering Town, who hold a game in hand, in the final play-off spot.
Needham, meanwhile, travel to fourth bottom Farsley Celtic, who are playing their home games 70 miles away in Buxton, tomorrow (3pm). Rothery’s side are looking to lift themselves off the bottom of a tightly-congested lower end of the table, with the last six separated by just a point.
