Worgan in a different league
There can’t be many players in English football who have gone four years without missing a league game.
Maidstone keeper Lee Worgan might even be up there on his own after completing another ever-present campaign.
He’s chalked up 180 consecutive league appearances since joining from Tonbridge in 2013 and has played 214 matches for the club in all competitions, missing only the odd cup tie.
It’s a phenomenal record and one the 33-year-old puts down to his old-school mentality.
Worgan said: “It’s an achievement I wanted to reach.
“I do pride myself on my fitness and my ability to keep myself fit. My missus is a big part of that. She makes sure I do everything right.
“I’ve got a bit of an old-school mentality. I do carry little knocks and things but you take a couple of painkillers and you get out there and give it everything you’ve got, whether you’re 60% or 100%.
“I’ve managed to get through these four seasons and I’ve loved every minute of it and this one has been one of the most enjoyable seasons of my life.
“It’s easier being a goalkeeper because your body’s not getting put through the same physicality as the rest of the boys who are running round but, for me, it’s a mindset.
“It’s not got a lot to do with your physical status, it’s your mindset and I love being out there, I love playing football.
“It’s what I wanted to do as a kid and as you get older you tend to cherish the moments a little bit more.
“I don’t want to miss a minute so as long as body keeps going, I’ll be playing as long as I can.”
There’s been a couple of niggles this season but Worgan credits physios Paul Smith, Charlie Luscombe and Chris Andrews, along with masseuse Jo Pigott, for keeping him fit.
He said: “In all fairness, I’ve got to give massive credit to the medical team we’ve got here in Smudger, Charlie and Chris and Jo, the masseuse, we really do get treated like a Championship club in terms of how they help us recover. I don’t think those sort of people get enough plaudits.
“You just see us out there on the pitch and playing and it looks like we’re getting through it on our own but we’re not. We’ve got a brilliant team here.
“I had a bit of trouble in the last few weeks with my back and I took a knock at Forest Green and my wrist has had a few problems, but I’ve got that mentality where I want to play every game.
“It’s been a brilliant season and I’m really proud to have been a part of it as captain.”