Former Ipswich Town professionals Ed Upson, Chris Casement and Tommy Smith leave Stowmarket Town with Leiston and Needham Market among next destinations

Three former Ipswich Town professionals – in Ed Upson, Chris Casement and Tommy Smith – have become the latest names to leave budget-cutting Stowmarket Town.

SuffolkNews’ sister print title the Bury Free Press revealed on Friday that former Yeovil Town, Millwall and Bristol Rovers midfielder has been released from the final year of his contract following a settlement being reached.

While that exit has cost the Pitching In Isthmian League North Division club, full-back Smith’s departure has seen them gain a transfer fee following a move to higher-league neighbours Needham Market.

One-time Northern Ireland capped Casement, who finished the season as player-manager of the Old Gold & Blacks as they missed out on a play-off place, ending in seventh, has also joined a Step 3 outfit from the county.

The FA Youth Cup winner with Ipswich Town in 2005, like Upson, has joined Darren Eadie and Chris Wigger’s Leiston side who narrowly missed out on promotion via the play-offs in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central.

On joining the Blues, 35-year-old Casement, who recently stepped down as manager of Stow with his assistant Richard Wilkins replacing him, is looking forward focusing on playing again.

“I’m really excited and pleased to be joining Leiston,” he told the club’s website.

“Having spoken to Darren and Chris at length, it really felt right that I wanted to come and play at Leiston. I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“I wanted to solely concentrate on playing.

“I stepped in at Stowmarket for the last remaining months of the season and I enjoyed it. But it’s very difficult to both play and manage.

“Physically I feel good and feel I have a few seasons yet to offer playing.”

And Wigger revealed the Ipswich Town Academy recruitment team member, who recently returned to Northern Ireland to continue his coaching badges, has been a long-time target for the Blues.

“From the first time I spoke to him, I knew he was a player for me,” Chris said.

“Chris is someone that Darren and I have admired for some time, and this is not the first attempt we have made at signing him,” he told the club’s website.

“We are happy he has chosen to join us now. He will bring his experience and winning mentality to our squad, and we’re delighted to have him on board.”

Upson’s next desitnation is currently unclear but the Bury St Edmunds-based 33-year-old midfielder had told SuffolkNews last summer he had left the professional ranks to join Stowmarket to put his family first.

It all comes in the wake of new Stowmarket boss Wilkins revealing last week, as the club announced his first three signings, that the drastic budget cuts in the wake of donor Tom Morley leaving had left him with just ‘five or six’ of the 32 players that made appearances for them during 2022/23.

One of those who since departed at the end of last week was experienced goalkeeper James Bradbrook, whose next club, like Upson, is yet to be revealed.

Meanwhile, local businessman Nick Merritt has been appointed vice chairman at Stowmarket, though it is understood he will not be the club’s next donor, instead looking to help drive sponsorship with local businesses.

A club statement read: “Stowmarket Town FC is thrilled to announce an exciting development within our club’s leadership.

“Effective from June 1, 2023, we will be appointing Nick Merritt as our new vice chairman.

“Nick will be taking over the role previously held by the esteemed Ian ‘Pony’ Moyes, who expressed his intention to step down from the club’s board at the beginning of the 2022/23 season.

“Nick Merritt’s journey with Stow Town FC began as a sponsor, but his passion for the sport and our club grew to such an extent that he and his wife Sarah decided to deepen their involvement.

“Nick is a local business owner, and after moving into the area last year, Nick and Sarah wanted to become more involved in the community. This opportunity allows Nick to combine his passion for football with his enthusiasm to help STFC move forward.

“With a wealth of experience in managing his own business, Nick brings valuable commercial expertise and a keen understanding of our supporters to enhance the leadership team at Stow FC.

“Not only does Nick possess a strong business acumen, but he is also known for his approachability and popularity among the Stowmarket community.

“Our clubhouse has seen him as a familiar face after home games, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, Nick has been a dedicated supporter at away matches, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the club.”

Merritt said “I’m very excited to be joining the board at my local club, and be part of the future of Stowmarket Town FC.

“The club has some brilliant volunteers and dedicated fans, and I’m committed to do what I can together with them for the best of the club. Up the Stow!”

On Moyes stepping down, the statement said: “Pony’s contribution to our club over the years has been truly inspirational, and his leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on Stow Town FC.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Pony for his unwavering commitment and invaluable service throughout his time with us.

“His contributions have been instrumental in our club’s growth and success.”