700 appearances for one club is a select group of players, but Thames Valley Premier League side Reading YMCA have one of their own in Steve Woodrow.
39-year-old MK Dons defender Dean Lewington is the standard bearer in England with over 770 appearances to his name. Elsewhere it’s John Trollope of Swindon Town (770) or Jimmy Dickinson of Portsmouth with 764.
Veteran Woodrow started playing for YM in 1991 and remains a mainstay in the club’s Rapids side where he has now ticked over into 700 appearances.
A spokesperson for the club said: “Steve’s longevity is a testimony to his fitness levels, technical ability & love for the club. His contributions also extend beyond the pitch and he sits on the Reading YMCA FC committee helping to guide the club into the future.”
It’s worth noting that one-club men like Ryan Giggs and Paolo Maldini didn’t hit the 700 mark in their respective careers at Manchester United and AC Milan.
