Friday night was notable not just for manager Gary McCann reaching his fourth anniversary as manager (actually today), but also for senior player James Burgess reaching his 250th appearance for the club, a feat not achieved since left back/midfielder Simon Clarke went beyond the marker at the other end of this decade. Simon went on to pass 350 appearances in his time with us before leaving for an easier commute to more local sides.

James made his debut eactly seven years ago today, appearing as a substitute in our 2-0 FA Trophy defeat of Cambridge City, played at St. Albans' Clarrence Park and while he only made two further appearances that season - one as a substitute and the other in a squad side for the league cup, he has since been an invaluable member of the team, usually making 30-40 appearances in a season and rarely giving anything but 100% for the side.

James' strengths and loyalty are well known within the club - much of this explains why he and brother Mark were nominated as "Hendon Heroes" in Peter Lush and David Ballheimer's book, Hendon FC: The First 100 Years - but it's also notable that like Simon he has found himself filling in all over the pitch. This season alone has seen James start right across the back four, in the middle of midfield and even play a quarter hour in goal after Luke Blackmore was injured at Margate earlier this season. James even started up front in the No. 9 shirt for the first team in their close season game agaist the supporters team, going on to score a hat-trick, despite his meagre return of one goal for the club in competitive fixtures.

All at the club would like to thank James for his efforts over the years and hope that he continues to enjoy his football with the club for many years to come.