AFC close to third signing

AFC Sudbury manager Mark Morsley was holding talks last night with an ex-professional player as he bids to strengthen the first-team squad.

Morsley has already re-signed Jordan Blackwell, and a deal has been agreed with Callum Harrison, who joined the club on loan from Needham Market last season.

“We need to bring in a bit of experience. But if the fans are expecting a plethora of signings, that’s not going to happen,” said Morsley, who has missed out on one of his targets, the player opting to join another club.

Blackwell was part of AFC’s Ryman League North Division One championship-winning squad in 2015/16, but after an injury-hit 2016/17, moved to Stanway Rovers.

“A year at Stanway hasn’t done him any harm,” said Morsley. “I knew Jordy from his first time at the club, and tried to sign him last season. He fits in with the way we play.”

Midfielder Harrison made six appearances last season, scoring two goals. “We’ve agreed a deal, and he’s signing for next season.”

Morsley is looking for a more settled squad as he bids to build an identity for the team.

“There were 23 first-team debuts last season, as we chopped and changed, so we didn’t really have a chance to do that. But it will come from familiarity, a settled squad who know each other.”

He was happy with defence and midfield last season, but the team struggled up front at times, needing players who could hold the ball.

Pre-season training starts on Tuesday night, and the first pre-season match, at home to West Wratting, takes place five days later, on Sunday, July 1 (3pm).

Morsley has eight players returning from holiday the day before, and expects to field two teams in what he anticipates will be a possession game, if more challenging than training.

The players then have nine days before the next game, at home East Thurrock United on Tuesday, July 10 (7.45pm).