LONG-SERVING playmaker Kevin Coyle says he has plenty of happy memories from his time with hometown club FC Clacton.

The 30-year-old is poised to clock up his 400th appearance for the Seasiders - including some from their previous incarnation as Clacton Town - in Saturday’s Thurlow Nunn League premier division fixture at home to Godmanchester Rovers.

He is also one goal away from bringing up a magical century of Clacton goals.

“There are so many good memories from down the years, with one of the highlights being our FA Vase run under my brother (former manager David) in 2008/09,” said Coyle, who made his debut in August 2007.

“I scored the winner in a 4-3 victory against Holbeach, after extra-time, and that was an amazing feeling (part of a record-equalling run in the competition for Clacton, reaching the fourth-round proper for the first time since 1974/75).

“It was definitely one of my favourite games.

“The following year we won the First Division Knockout Cup and were runners-up in the league (2009/10).

“That was easily my favourite era and it was a great time to be around the club.

“We didn’t have a lot of money - several players were playing for nothing - but the spirit and togetherness was outstanding.

“Aaron Condon and Matty Waters were match-winners, Sean Hillier scored so many goals and was a big part of the club and Paul Hillier is one of the best midfielders in Clacton history.

"It shows what you can achieve when you’re all in it together and we were lucky that that generation of local players all came through at the same time.”

Coyle, who started a new job as a scaffolder on Monday, would like to keep playing as long as possible, ideally until he is 35.

But for now he is enjoying the moment and proud of his appearance and goal records - milestones he hopes to celebrate against Godmanchester on Saturday.

“I’m glad it’s happening in a home game,” he said.

“We don’t get the biggest of crowds anymore - I wish more people came along to watch us - but those that do come are loyal and really support the team.

“We wouldn’t have a club without them.

“Some of them have been there the whole time I’ve been playing and, as a footballer, they’ve watched me grow up.

“Ideally, I’d like to keep playing until my mid-30s.

“Whether I’m capable of that remains to be seen but that’s certainly what I’m aiming for.”