DORCHESTER Town stalwart Mark Jermyn is gearing up for his 400th appearance in Magpies’ colours.

The Magpies welcome Newport County to the Jewson Stadium on Saturday (3pm) for what is set to be a landmark game in Jermyn’s career. And no one can question his loyalty and commitment to the club after almost nine years’ service.

Looking ahead to Saturday, the versatile player said: “It’s a big old number but it’s a case of just getting on with the game because the result is the most important thing. It’s a great personal achievement though, especially as I’m only 27, and hopefully there’s plenty more games to come.

“There’ve been times where managers have tried to get rid of me but I’ve stuck it out and gone on to get player of the season.

“Getting to 10 years at the club is the next aim and then it’s 500 games, but I’m just looking forward to sticking with the club.”

Jermyn made his debut for the county town side in a 1-0 defeat at home to Worcester City in the Southern Premier Division on October 8, 2000 and has since played in some memorable matches, such as the FA Cup first round clash at Wigan Athletic in the same year.

Jermyn added: “I’m pretty sure I came off the bench in my debut. I remember scoring a hat-trick for the reserves then being in the first-team the following Saturday. It was a while back but I vaguely remember it. I do though remember scoring after 18 seconds in a game once, and it was one of my best goals too.

“There’s been some great games along the way and if Weymouth come down then there will be more to look forward to.

“Wigan was a great day out. I came on for the last 15 minutes or so as I was still a youngster at the time. But one of the best things about being at the club is some of the fantastic people I’ve met along the way and who I am still friends with now.”

Jermyn, who scooped both the Supporters’ Player of the Year and Echosport’s Player of the Year awards last season, is the longest serving member of the current squad by some distance.

The closest to his 399 appearances to date is player-manager Roy O’Brien with 172, followed by 24-year-old Jamie Gleeson with 164.

However, Jermyn’s 399th showing – Tuesday night’s Dorset Senior Cup final defeat to Poole Town – is one he would rather forget.

He said: “It wasn’t the best but Poole deserved it as they showed a lot more desire. On our part it was a very inept performance and Kevin Hill’s sending off made a massive difference.

“You could tell Poole’s players wanted to win, it was a shame we didn’t show the same application.

“We’ll bounce back though and I’m expecting us to be a lot different on Saturday.”

Dorchester supporter Dev Ward paid tribute to Jermyn’s upcoming milestone, saying: “Mark has been a loyal servant to the club. It is rare to see in football these days but long may it continue. He always gives 100 per cent and tries his hardest. Well done Mark.”

MAGPIES' TOP TEN APPEARANCE MAKERS

Player Period at club Total apps

1 Trevor Townsend July 1980 – May 1992 720*

2 Tony White Dec 1985 – May 1996 573*

3 Neil Coates Mar 1988 – May 2000 555*

4 Dinky Curtis Aug 1950 – May 1966 510*

5 Peter Morrell June 1984 – May 1992 484*

6 Gary Borthwick June 1986 – May 1995 451*

7 Peter Poore July 1973 – May 1983 415*

8 Tony Diaz Dec 1986 – May 1994 407*

9 Mark Jermyn July 2000 – To date 399

10 Matt Groves Feb 1999– Sept 2007 393

* Unofficial