Revealed: Former Needham Market, Leiston and AFC Sudbury boss Mark Morsley’s best-ever XI

Nathan Munson (Goalkeeper)

He perfected the camera dive and had the ability to pluck a ball out of the air, like picking an apple off a tree.

He could walk in the dressing and people would take a breath, he had that presence about him.

He has done two or three team-talks for me at half-time. He’s been so furious, carved the players up and I have not said anything because I am frightened as well!

Brett Girling (Right-back)

He is only about three-feet tall but he had this incredible ability of being able to win headers against big guys. He was so clever, just as the player was about to jump he would give him a little nudge and I have seen guys six-foot plus, pulling their hair out as they can’t understand how this guy is beating them in the air.

Kevin Horlock (Left-back)

I have had some good left-backs. Shane Wardley was good, Darryl Coakley has been with me for the last few season, but Kev played for me under Danny Laws and is a great lad.

I am a Manchester City fan and he is a Man City legend and so, he is definitely my left-back.

Kieran Morphew (Centre-back)

The finest non-league footballer I have ever worked with and he is still a young man.

I glowed with pride when this lad played for Ipswich Under-21s last year, on trial, and Mick McCarthy said it was the second-best trial he had ever seen behind Tyrone Mings.

We used to call him the poster boy for our academy but he is such an ugly so-and-so, he wouldn’t scrub up as that!

Versatile, he is an immense player and been a massive part of what I have done at Needham.

David Head (Centre-back)

Captain fantastic, my skipper at Sudbury and Leiston.

A great guy from a great family, his dad is one of the most-respected men in Suffolk football, he has got a brother who played for me, who I like immensely. David is a great centre-back, a phenomenom that led by example. If there was ever player that could motivate others, based on his performance, it is him.

Captain – Kem Izzet (Defensive midfield)

You can see why he was captain at Colchester for years and why he has done so well in pro game.

We have had massive rows in dressing rooms but I have immense respect for him, I like him a lot and there were games where we were struggling, in the season we won Division One North, and he dragged us through.

Neil Calver (Defensive midfield)

I suspect a lot of people will remember Neil for getting booked and sent off, he played for me at Sudbury and Leiston.

We convinced him to play a deeper role in the Sudbury team and he was an outstanding player.

Recognisable, very blonde, he was hard as nails, but he could pass and head the ball, score goals and was very much under-rated.

Anyone who played for me, Calvs would not want to mix with him.

If my front four were going to do well at the business end, I would need Neil and Kem behind them.

Luke Ingram (Winger)

We clicked when he came in and he has got better and better. He is one of the best offensive players in the (Ryman Premier) division and is still a baby, at 22.

He will get better and better. He has pace on both sides, is good in the air, and scores goals from midfield.

Matty Clements (Winger)

Professional at Cambridge United, Matt could have been a England hurdler or football player, and he chose the latter.

He is the quickest thing I have every seen over 15 yards. You could smash the ball over the top and he’d be there.

He played with me at Needham and Sudbury and was unplayable on his day

Gareth Heath (Second striker)

Plays the role just behind striker. Scores goals, has great work-ethic, and looks after himself fitness-wise.

Was a really important part of my career and success and is the best player I have managed.

Jamie Rowe (Striker)

Was phenomenomaly quick and scored goals in a front three with Clements and Heath at Sudbury.

They all picked up injuries at the wrong time there but on their day they were unplayable.

I have managed a lot of good strikers and he would be my man up front.