WELCOME TO NEEDHAM MARCEL

Needham Market are delighted to announce the signing of attacker Marcel Lewis.

The 24-year old joins the Marketmen started his youth career with Cambridge United, ahead of progressing through Chelsea's academy.

Marcel notably made a combined 76 appearances for the Blues' U18 to U23 teams, registering 53 goal contributions, featuring in the team that went onto win the U18 Premier League South Division and National Final in 2018.

He also reached the FA Youth Cup Final while at the Premier League club, top scoring 6 times in 6 appearances in the process, including the final in a 3-2 defeat to Manchester City in November 2020.

After 5 seasons in London, in which he featured twice in the EFL Trophy for the U23s, Marcel moved to Union Saint Gilloise in 2021, where he made his full senior debut in the Croky (League) Cup against FC Lebbeke in a 7-0 victory.

A loan spell at League One side Accrington Stanley, prior to permanently moving to Burnley in 2022. During his spell at Turf Moor, he featured in the Carabao Cup against Crawley Town and gained valuable experience on loan at Dundee FC and Curzon Ashton.

More recently, Marcel has spent time at Cambridge City and most recently AFC Sudbury - where he's been since last February, and departs the Suds' as their top scorer with 10 goals this campaign.

Marcel said on joining the Marketmen, "Needham was the first and most attractive option. They're in a great position in the league. I spoke to the manager, he expressed how much he wanted to work with me and how he sees me in the team. It's just a really good opportunity for the playoffs and I know I've got a few lads who are already there, so it was a no-brainer for me.

"I'll give a lot of energy. I'll look to get on the ball, create chances and also try and score goals and I'm a dribbler. I like to enjoy the football and I like to express myself on the pitch with tricks and like people to enjoy watching me play."

Manager Tom Rothery added, "Delighted to get Marcel and I think it’s a really great addition at a key moment in the season. When I was made aware that Marcel was available I did everything I could to try and get him to the club and I have to thank David, Keith and in particular Graham for allowing this to happen. Marcel is a really technical player who I believe will fit into our playing style really well and his pedigree suggests that also with his career to date. I’m really excited to see what he brings to the team and in particular the final third of the pitch. Thank you to AFC Sudbury and Dave Hennesy for their cooperation and professionalism in this transfer."

Welcome to the club Marcel, who goes straight into the squad for Saturday's Southern League Central Premier Division trip to Redditch United.