Defender Brian Wilson has become the latest player to join Oldham Athletic’s 100 league appearances club.
The 34-year-old came on for the injured Anthony Gerrard on Saturday against local rivals Bury to pen his name into the club’s record books.
On the accolade, Wilson said: “I’m delighted, I’ve fully enjoyed my time here and to get to 100 league appearances makes me overjoyed and very pleased.
Wilson joined the club in the summer of 2014 from Colchester United, linking up with manager Lee Johnson who he played with at Bristol City.
“I initially signed a two year deal so I knew I wouldn’t reach the 100 mark even if I played every game for the two seasons, but I knuckled down, worked hard and I’ve ground out a few more years,” he said.
The hard work paid off when he was given a one-year contract extension over the summer by John Sheridan, giving him the chance to go for a century of league games.
Latics are the third club he has reached the milestone with after having previously played 128 league matches for Cheltenham as well as 151 league appearances for Colchester United.
Talking about his longevity in the game, Wilson said: “The older you get the harder it gets, when you’re younger you can kind of get away with what you eat and how you are away from football.
“Now I’m older and have children I’ve mellowed down and I look after myself a lot better than I did do when I was younger and I think that has stood me in good stead.
“I still mess about and play tricks with the younger lads, I’m still young at heart but more professional with what I do away from football.”
On the pitch, Brian has scored just once in the league but it was a strike in a pre-season friendly against Halifax Town that prompted fans to chant his name and ask ‘how did you score that goal?’
“It’s always nice to hear the fans sing your name, it gives you goosebumps and it gives you that little bit extra on the pitch,” Wilson said.
“I’ve not scored since the Bradford City match at home last season but hopefully if I get a chance between now and the end of the season I’ll take it.”