DARCY De’Ath’s determination to prove himself has paid handsome dividends.

Although Danny Laws, manager of Ryman League Division One North side Needham Market, had expressed an interest in signing him in the summer, it appeared at one stage that was as far as it would go.

The 23-year-old defender or midfielder had spent the last two seasons at Whitton United, after following manager Ian Brown, who was assistant manager to Steve Buckle, across town after he left Ipswich Wanderers to take charge at the King Geroge V ground.

De’Ath, who played a starring role as 10-man Whitton lifted the Suffolk Senior Cup at Portman Road last season, said: “Needham were interested in signing me, but Danny Laws spoke to Ian Brown, who said he felt I needed another season in the Ridgeons League.

“I spoke to my friend Joe Francis, who plays for Lowestoft Town, and he said I should be ringing Danny Laws to see if I could show him what I can do. I took his advice and after a good pre-season I signed a two-year contract.”

Competition for places at Bloomfields may be tough, but De’Ath added: “They have made me feel really welcome. I am playing with good players at a good level and I am happy here.”

Although he can play as a defensive midfielder, De’Ath admitted he feels more comfortable playing as a centre half than as a central midfielder. It was as a centre half that he made an impressive home debut in the Ryman League in a 3-2 win against Suffolk rivals AFC Sudbury.

“I was happy with my performance, although I found I had to concentrate more. In the Ridgeons League I could find myself not concentrating but could get away with doing the basics, but at Ryman League level you have to concentrate for the full 90 minutes.

“I do miss Whitton United at times; I have kept in touch with them and they have said I am welcome to go back if I wish to. I would be happy to go back because Ian Brown is a great manager.”