Earlier this month, defender Aaron Roberts played his 300th game for Sporting. At this weekend’s game vs Alvechurch, our record appearance holder will mark this special milestone. Here, he reflects on his incredible achievement…
“My early Sporting career came about through being a youth team player, from 15 to 18, in the Rovers Floodlit team. Having won the Floodlit league with the team, as captain, I made my first team men’s appearance at Chesham united in the British Gas league. That same season, the club folded, so I was clubless and without many contacts in the game at that level.
“I was then offered a trial at Hednesford and signed by Bernard McNally – the ex-Albion and Northern Ireland player. During this period, Sporting were being formed. I didn’t really take much notice at first, but with me only being 18, I was not getting regular game time at Hednesford, who managed to eventually win that league that season.
“Therefore, I approached Bernard a few times and several loans were offered to me. I had contact from John Day, whose son Myles was the inaugural manager at Sporting. They were family friends, so convinced me to come and get some games – although at a much lower level, Bernard agreed that I would benefit from men’s football.
“I have to be totally honest – I didn’t envisage at that time the club would reach the heights it has now and I didn’t really see my personal time with the club being much further than a game-by-game basis. I did well in this period and then things changed pretty regularly during our first few seasons – I was in and out until Keith Draper was announced and he asked to re-sign me.
“From then on, and back at our rightful home (finally), it was at this point that I really began to get my love for Sporting and didn’t want to play football anywhere else – regardless of levels. I briefly left to captain Alvechurch for a couple of seasons and then had an offer to return again to Sporting, which I took with both hands.
“It was then that the fans really began to see me and what I could bring to the team and we embarked on the famous Vase run and back-to-back-to-back league promotions. The crowds were amazing and they took a real shine to me, which to this day is still there and that connection will never be broken.
“When I left Sporting under a slight cloud, for what I perceived to be the last time, I was devastated. I then took an easy route at a lower level, which in hindsight was the wrong decision. I left with 220 appearances and during that time, Jack Wilson, one of my best mates in the game, overtook me and it was a great achievement.
“People always say football is a funny old game and when Michael McGrath offered me a shock return, I snatched his hands off. I left with more to give previously and I missed Sporting greatly. So, even though I knew there was sections of the fan base worried I may not be the same at the level, I believed in myself that I would be more than capable.
“Fast forward to the end of that season and I had managed to overtake Jack’s record and pass the 250 appearance mark, and also win the Supporters Player of the Year. Then, this season, I’ve managed to stretch that even further to 300 appearances and beyond.
“I’m so proud to have represented this town (so much so I’ve moved here to live!). I’ve loved representing this town on the pitch so many times and have achieved so many things, both personally and as a club. It’s an honour to still be here contributing, on and off the pitch, to the club ethos.
“I would like to thank my family so much for doing nothing but support me, week in week out, for so many years – especially my partner Emma and son Darcy, along with my season ticket holder dad, who I’m sure has spoken to you all at some point over the years!
“I want to thank the supporters who have seen me grow from a petulant, over-aggressive teenager to a leader and better player, now I have fully matured as a person and player.
“There are so many people at the club I would love to thank, but a few shoutouts would be Graham Scott, who has had my back since I was 18 years old and I have a great amount of respect for him, and Rod Brown, along with his board members, who show me the utmost respect and value my contributions.
“I feel as fit and sharp as ever and, as long as I do, I will try my best to continue to represent the club as best as I can. Thanks to you all for making this a place I want to continue to be part of!”
