AFC Sudbury boss Mark Morsley has swooped to sign Needham Market defender Darryl Coakley on a two-year deal.

East Anglian Daily Times: AFC Sudbury manager Mark Morsley, left, and assistant Lee Norfolk . Both will be happy to have signed a player they know well, Darryl Coakley.AFC Sudbury manager Mark Morsley, left, and assistant Lee Norfolk . Both will be happy to have signed a player they know well, Darryl Coakley. (Image: Archant)

It’s not the first time the former Marketmen boss, who took up the mantle at King’s Marsh Stadium this season, has gone back to his former club to recruit players for Sudbury.

Joe Whight, Billy Holland, Max Booth and Will Crisell (who was on loan at Brantham), the latter two former Needham Academy players, have all joined the west Suffolk club – and now Coakley.

Morsley has nothing but praise for his new signing and feels he is an ideal player for the ‘AFC journey’.

“Darryl was one of my first signings at Needham Market joining in August 2013,” Morsley said.

“He had been a pro at Cambridge United and when he was released he finished the previous season at Mildenhall.

“I was aware of him as I wanted a left-back who could play in the style I wanted as well as being able to also play wing-back and wide midfield if required.

East Anglian Daily Times: Adam Mills, on target for Needham at Enfield on Saturday. Photo: BEN POOLEYAdam Mills, on target for Needham at Enfield on Saturday. Photo: BEN POOLEY (Image: Archant)

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“He totally enamoured himself to me when the deal looked like it would fall through as Mildenhall wanted a fee, but Coaks offered to pay the transfer fee through a wage deduction because he really wanted to join us at Bloomfields.”

Coakley went on to make more than 200 appearances for the Marketmen and was key in much of the success the club enjoyed.

Morsley admits Coakley was “always one of the first names on the team sheet for me, at Needham.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Needham Market boss Richard Wilkins, has been recruiting himself recently at BloomfieldsNeedham Market boss Richard Wilkins, has been recruiting himself recently at Bloomfields (Image: Ben Pooley (Pooley_PitchSide))

“Darryl has joined the ‘AFC journey’ and as far as I’m concerned he is a perfect fit for my team,” Morsley added.

“With bags of experience at a high level he will not only bring his undoubted ability to the team he will be a great influence on the younger players.

“He will become another key part of the long-term plan that myself and my staff are taking Sudbury on.

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“Add to all that he is a really great lad who I am personally really keen on, for me it’s the perfect match.”

Sudbury have been in good form of late and won their last three Bostik North games, including away wins at Heybridge and Maldon & Tiptree.

On Saturday they entertain Waltham Abbey.

Needham Market, meanwhile secured a fine 2-0 win at Enfield Town on Saturday, Adam Mills and Dan Morphew on target, as they bid to climb the Bostik Premier table.

They currently sit fifth bottom – only the bottom side go down and Needham are five points off that.

Recently Marketmen boss Richard Wilkins has been on the look out for new players himself, recruiting Brendan Ocran from fellow Bostik Premier side Billericay Town. He can play anywhere in defence or as an attacking winger.

Also, Callum Sturgess from Colchester United, who is a left-sided full-back or wing-back.

On Saturday at Bloomfields, they entertain Tonbridge Angels.

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