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Walsham-le-Willows excited for new season after making club history during the previous campaign




Joint Walsham-le-Willows manager Ian Hubbard believes that the squad’s desire to continue ‘punching above their weight’ burns as brightly as ever.

While it ultimately ended in disappointing fashion, the 2024/25 campaign was still a record-breaking one for the village club.

They were denied an historic promotion with a defeat to Downham Town in the final of the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division play-offs, yet their fifth place finish was Walsham’s highest ever at the level and they also equalled their best FA Vase run, reaching the fourth round.

Chay Budd and Ian Hubbard will lead Walsham-le-Willows into the new season. Picture: Mark Bullimore
Chay Budd and Ian Hubbard will lead Walsham-le-Willows into the new season. Picture: Mark Bullimore

And with the new season set to start in the FA Cup away at Harleston Town on August 2, Hubbard is confident that the players remain determined to keep the club on an upward trajectory.

“There was obviously a little bit of disappointment with the defeat to Downham because we were so close, but from our point of view it was the club’s highest ever finish and that’s something to be proud of,” said Hubbard, who is in charge of Walsham alongside Chay Budd.

“A lot of the lads have grown with us and it’s a strong squad – the amount of seven-dayers we receive shows the talent we have in the group.

“We know we’ve been punching above our weight and the players expect to keep doing that.

“They want to achieve things and they’re not just playing for us for the sake of it.

“We want to keep improving. We’ll be looking at the play-offs again, but can we also improve our FA Cup record? We’ve not done well in the League Cup in recent years either and we’d love to go a bit further in the Vase. There’s plenty for us to look forward to next season.”

Having announced the return of striker Jamie Smith earlier this summer, Walsham recently confirmed Zach Gayer as their second addition of the off-season.

The young defender has previously turned out for the likes of Stowmarket Town, Ipswich Wanderers and Hadleigh United.

“Zach is someone that was recommended to us by Muzzy (Paul Musgrove, Bury Town assistant),” said Hubbard.

“He told us how much of a good lad and a good player he is, so we’re delighted to have him with us.

“He’s got some good experience at Step 4 for someone so young and he’s only going to improve.

“We’re at a point now where it’s going to have to be a very good player to come in and improve us, which we think Zach does.

“It’s great for us to have Zach as part of the group.”

Walsham will play their first league game of the new season on August 9 away at Ely City, who were beaten play-off semi-finalists last term.



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