BLAKE MAKES A BIG STEP UP
Matt leaves United with heavy heart
NEW Leiston striker Matt Blake admits it was tough to leave Norwich United – but is relishing the step up to play at a higher level. The 27-year-old scored 119 goals in three seasons to eventually fire the Planters to the Eastern Counties League Premier Division title. But after agreeing to join the ambitious Ryman Premier League Blues, Blake knows the time was right for a move away and test himself two leagues above. “It was something that I had to do,” he said. “I was gutted to leave Norwich and I have to admit it beat me up for a while, but I’ve got over it now. “It was really tough as I’ve got a lot of good friends there; they’re the lads I go out with, but this season I just had to do it. “It was important because I didn’t want to be one of those players that are comfortable staying where they are. I want to play at the highest level.
Buzz
“There were three or four clubs interested in me and I spoke to a few of them, but I got on really well with the guys at Leiston.” Blake was the star man as Norwich United gained promotion to Step 4 for the first time in their history, in Ryman Division One North next season. But despite being something of a late bloomer at 27, Blake is confident that he can make the jump and play even higher than Step 3. “I think and feel I can do it,” he said. “Step 3 is a decent level and I feel I’m athletic enough to do well. “I started out when I was 21 at Thetford Town which at that stage was way down the pyramid. I joined Wroxham and there was a bit of a buzz. At Norwich I scored 119 goals and learnt really quickly. It could have been different had I gone to gym when I was 15 or 16, but I am where I am. “I think I could play Conference level. Players have got professional deals from my level and people have told me that these lads aren’t half the player I am.” Promotion is the aim for the Blues and with Blake in their ranks, you wouldn’t bet against them achieving it.