DANNY Thrower is joining Ryman League Premier Division newcomers Leiston on a two-year deal.

Thrower, who was one of Danny Laws’ first signings after he took over as manager at Needham Market six years ago, met with manager Mark Morsley earlier this week and has agreed to make the switch to Victory Road.

Morsley said: “I know him from when I was at Needham Market, and he has got something that a lot of other players haven’t got. He is a left-footed player and at 24 he is the right age. He can play on the left, in the middle or behind the striker.

“One of the areas we have not been as good as we should be is ball retention, which we will need at the level we are going to be playing at, and he can provide that.

“I think he has a point to prove and at a decent level with a decent club he has the opportunity to push on, although he faces the challenge of getting in the side.”

Thrower, who almost left Needham a year ago, made 49 starts and five more as a substitute in the season just finished, scoring 15 goals.

He fell out of favour towards the end of the campaign and was not involved in Needham’s promotion push which culminated in them losing 1-0 in the Ryman League Division One North play-off final at Enfield Town.

The announcement of Thrower’s signing comes hot on the heels of the club’s double coup of Brantham Athletic striker Ollie Mann and ex-Colchester United, Norwich City and Ipswich Town coach Steve Foley also joining the club for next season.

Meanwhile, Hadleigh United have signed midfielder Neil Calver from Leiston.

Calver, 30, returns to Hadleigh for a second spell after he was part of the side which won promotion from Division One of the Ridgeons League in 2008/09.

He has since spent three successful seasons at Victory Road, winning back-to-back promotions. The tough-tackling midfielder also enjoyed four successful years with AFC Sudbury.

Hadleigh United manager Stuart Crawford said: “Calvs offers all the attributes I’m looking for in a player and he will suit our style of play.

“We are moulding a side that can play football but are also fit and physically strong and he ticks all the boxes. He knows me well and I know what he can do. He is a winner and is a great addition to our side.”