SOCCER: A third member of the Bloomfield family from Trimley has joined a professional club. Following in the footsteps of Danny, a striker on Norwich City's books; and Matthew – a midfielder with Ipswich Town and an England Under-19 international – younger brother Joseph is currently having a six-week trial with Ipswich Town Under-11s.

By Elvin King

A THIRD member of the Bloomfield family from Trimley has joined a professional club.

Following in the footsteps of Danny, a striker on Norwich City's books; and Matthew – a midfielder with Ipswich Town and an England Under-19 international – younger brother Joseph is currently having a six-week trial with Ipswich Town Under-11s.

Father Steve is a busy man, watching all three boys play whenever possible.

Danny, who left Felixstowe and Walton United to join Norwich 16 months ago, is being released by the Canaries when his contract runs out this summer.

He has already played for Cambridge United Reserves and is being linked with Southend United as he seeks another club.

The 19-year-old was loaned to DrMartens League King's Lynn earlier this season and scored seven goals in ten games.

Steve's achievements as manager of Felixstowe in the Jewson League last term are now being shown in their true light. With a tight financial budget he managed to keep the Seasiders out of any relegation trouble and they finished 15 points above the second-from-bottom club in the Premier Division.

Successor Paul Adams' side is in grave danger of a drop down to the First Division, seven points off third-from-bottom Ipswich Wanderers and having played one game more.

Bloomfield senior has no thoughts about returning to management, happy to watch his talented sons and play for Felixstowe's veteran side.

NEEDHAM Market are to merge during the summer with local youth side Needham Phoenix.

The headquarters will be at Bloomfields, the home of the Jewson League First Division club.

Alan Sparkes, chairman of Needham Market, said: "In addition to the May merger we will be forming a new Saturday C team.

"This will play an important role in the progress of youngsters from the Phoenix Under-16 side. An Under-18 Sunday side may become an option."

Phoenix operate teams from Under-8 through to Under-16 with 150 boys registered and they believe the merger will attract more players.

Sparkes added: "To stop other clubs attracting local players at the end of their youth days we need this amalgamation."

HADLEIGH United entertain Cambridge University in a eagerly-awaited friendly next Tuesday. Cambridge are using the game to prepare for their Varsity match against Oxford.

Former Hadleigh player Mark Pett has been a regular in the Cambridge side for the past six years and was instrumental in arranging the fixture.