Loyalty is a rarity in football these days but Slimbridge stalwart Jamie Martin has it in spades, writes Tim Blake.
Named captain for the night, Martin posted his 350th appearance for the Swans in their 3-0 win at Barnstaple.
Making his first appearance in August 2008, Martin has now scored 84 goals for the club, and is in his 14th season at Thornhill Park.
The club honoured Jamie’s achievement with a presentation by Manager Lee Driver-Dickerson before the game with Barnstaple, and he went on to play his part in a 3-0 victory, denied a commemorative appearance goal by a superb stop from a goalbound header by Barum Keeper Jack Arthur.
Co-Chairman Colin Gay said: “Jamie has represented this club with passion and pride for 13 years, and we are proud and grateful for everything that he has contributed to Slimbridge AFC.”
Speaking to Severn Sport the following day, Jamie said: “It’s crazy how quickly my time at the club has gone, and hopefully there are many more games ahead of me. I’ve loved it, there have been highs and lows, but that’s football! But I want to thank the people behind the scenes, as they’re fantastic, they’re the ones that make the club so special.
“My favourite game for Slimbridge has to be Hereford away at Edgar Street. It was a good experience and I actually felt like a pro for one game.”
With the Swans a quarter way through the current season, Martin is sure that he has more to contribute to the side, he added: “I want to score as many goals as I can. I will continue to do that and make sure I’m in the starting eleven, week in week out. With the players, we have if I am doing that I’ll be happy.”
