Anyone seen the animation of this (it builds from 1887 to date) produced and posted on twitter by @bfcstats? Very good - worth checking out if you're on Twitter. Not a surprise when I thought about it but it's very noticeable how little change there is in the table since the turn of the century. Since Nicky Eaden (339 appearances) left in 2000 it's pretty static with only Bobby Hassell entering the top 25. Prior to that there was quite a lot of movement - Redders, Ian Banks, Mick McCarthy, Joe Joyce (who I didn't appreciate has the 4th highest number at 428), Paul Futcher, Clive Baker, Phil Chambers (also didn't appreciate he is 2nd with 494 appearances), Eric Winstanley, Ally Millar and Kenny Brown all on the list since I've been attending. ****Edit - thanks orsenkhat (see below) - and record appearance holder Barry Murphy **** Can't help wondering how long it might be before we see another player break into the list given the current policy - 25th on the list is Arthur Kaye with 288. I was also reflecting last night on how the emotional connection is somehow easier (at least for me) when players have some longevity. Our current strategy makes it more difficult. There's another which shows the All Time Top 25 Goal Scorers and there's a similar theme in that, Bruce Dyer being the last player to break into the top 25 in 2002, with 68 goals. Fewer modern day players on that list: King Ronnie of course, Redders, Bruce, Mick Butler, and Ian Banks who is 25th on the list with 51 goals. I think Cauley has 34(?) so another 18 needed to get on the list. I hope he stays long enough!
I think gone are the days of the one team men, sadly. Money talks in football now- this isn't directed at players at our level, more the way clubs have to sell their best to stay afloat.
Can't believe your entire original post doesn't even mention Barry Murphy! His record will never be beaten.
Nor me, what a faux pas! He was playing when my Dad first took me and 'spud' was an early hero. Good player too. I agree his record won't be beaten. Thanks for correcting me! And btw - what a lovely bloke too!
Read that he blunts had Chris Basham from 2014 today and I thought I can't imagine any of our current players staying as long,
