LOYAL servant Mark Jermyn has been granted a testimonial this summer after 11 years at Dorchester Town.

The 29-year-old made his Magpies’ debut in a 1-0 defeat to Worcester City on October 8, 2000.

More than a decade and 489 appearances later, the midfielder’s commitment to the cause will be honoured in a pre-season friendly against Champion-ship heavyweights Portsmouth.

Jermyn admits it will be a “surreal” moment when he takes to the pitch for his richly deserved testimonial but is already eyeing his next milestone – 500 appearances in county town colours.

The club captain, who has averaged a remarkable 44 outings per season, told Echosport: “The testimonial is going to be quite surreal and I can’t believe it has come. However, I’d like to think I’ve still got a long time left to serve.

“I’ll be 30 on April 16 but I hope I have a few more years left in me yet. Ashley Vickers has just come out of retirement and he’s 39.

“The next milestone for me is to reach 500 games, and I’m really hoping I can do that. I’ve got a contract for next year so there’s no reason why I can’t.

“I’ve made almost 500 appearances in 11 seasons, which is quite unbelievable when I think about it – I don’t know how my legs have coped.”

The date with Pompey is due to be held in July, with former county town legends such as Matty Holmes and Matt Groves expected to return to the Avenue Stadium.

Jermyn, who bagged his 36th goal for the club in uesday night’s 4-1 win at St Albans, added: “Not many people get the opportunity to have a testimonial but the club have been great in agreeing to hold one for me and it’s very kind of them.

“I’m chuffed to bits that there will be a game, especially against Portsmouth, and I’ve got lots to organise.

“Portsmouth have said they will bring down their first team, which is even better because usually you only get their fringe players.

“I have spoken to Ash to see what players he would like to use but I have a few players I would like to see have a run out.

“I bumped into Alex Browne recently and he said he would play.

“Matt Groves said he’d be gutted if he missed out, while the likes of Jamie Brown, Mark Ormerod, Matty Holmes and Mark Robinson will hopefully be involved.

“I have grown up with a lot of these guys and they have been my friends for the last 10 years, so I really want to get them involved.

“I have grown up at the club as well and really enjoyed my time there. I hope it’s a great day for everyone.”