STOURBRIDGE stalwart Leon Broadhurst says it is an “honour and a privilege” to reach 600 appearances for the Glassboys.

The midfielder will reach the impressive milestone should he play in this Saturday’s FA Trophy clash at Nantwich.

Broadhurst has been part of many Stour sides and holds fondly the memories of the club’s historic cup runs in recent years. His 600 appearances would be unbroken had it not been for a very brief spell with Leamington in 2009.

He also says he has been delighted with the progress the club has made during his time at Amblecote.

“It is an honour and a privilege to play for Stourbridge for so long,” said Broadhurst. “It’s a great achievement and one I’m very proud of.

“There have been a couple of times over the years when I sat down with the manager and discussed if I would move on when offers came in, but I’ve been happy and have enjoyed my football. When that is the case then you have to stay.

“I’ve made a lot of friends at the club during my time and enjoyed some big moments.”

Broadhurst, who started his career at Bromsgrove Rovers, lists the famous FA Cup games against Plymouth as particular highlights as well as his winner against Leamington in the 07/08 season that sealed the club’s return to the Southern Premier League.

A third-place finish in the Southern League Midlands Division handed the Glassboys a play-offs. A narrow 1–0 win at home to Sutton Coldfield Town took them through to the final away at second-placed Leamington.

Broadhurst struck four minutes from the end of extra-time to seal a 2–1 victory to bag Stour a second promotion in three seasons and a return to the Southern Prem after a gap of 24 years.

Despite all of those highlights, the midfielder thinks the current team is perhaps the best he has played with.

“The team that lost to Chesham in the play-offs with the likes of Ryan Rowe and PaulMcCone was good as well, but this current squad is one of the hungriest I have been involved with,” he added.

“Ability wise it is second to none and it’s great to still be part of it.”

Boss Gary Hackett has also praised the fans’ favourite. He said: “It’s an amazing achievement to reach 600 games.

“It is important to point out that this season, for the first time in a long time, he maybe had something to prove. But it’s typical Leon that he went away, worked very hard and has been fantastic in midfield for us, which shows you what he is all about.

“He’s a great lad and a brilliant servant to the club.”

Broadhurst is set to be honoured at the club’s next home game against Colwyn Bay on February 13. He is hoping to arrange a collection for children with cancer.