Hibees star Lewis proclaims it’s going to be a dream to get to 600 games
One game short of another huge landmark, Lewis Stevenson admits he has finally allowed himself to dream.
The 36-year-old Hibs star is already record league appearance holder, but hopes to bring 600 up with a run-out at Easter Road today.
And he believes that would be a source of both pride and relief.
“When people started saying I was getting close to 600, I didn’t ever think I’d get there,” said the veteran leftback, who along with Paul Hanlon will leave the Edinburgh club in the summer.
“I know i am not there yet, but with three games to go I’m hoping I’ll make that mark.
“I never talk about milestones, but I think that one would be some achievement.
“I was actually the same when I got to 500. Jack Ross was our manager then, and I wasn’t actually playing that often.
“I went through a period of not playing and I when I got to 500, I thought that was going to be it.
“To get another 100 appearances after that has been a huge surprise to me.
“Thankfully my body has held up alright and physically I still feel very capable.”
Stevenson is in such good shape he intends to continue putting his experience and talent to good use.
“I still feel pretty good, like I can play for a bit longer yet,” he said of what looks set to be a switch down to the Championship.
“Most of the folk I’ve spoken to have said to keep playing as long as you possibly can.
“You can end up regretting it once you retire if you go too soon.
“Until I am dragged off the pitch by someone telling me it’s time to go and hang up the boots, then I will keep trying to play on.”
And that’s the case even if the opposition came clad in all-too familiar green-and-white jerseys.
“It would definitely be strange to face Hibs but I could totally do it,” he said.
“In fact, it is something that would maybe be fun to do.
“Having said that, I don’t think you’d need to worry about me scoring and celebrating or any of that!
“And if I don’t come back as an opposition player, then I will definitely be back as a supporter in years to come. That or to take up a role somewhere in the academy. We will see what happens.”
In the meantime, he hopes to see Hibs flourish under the patronage of Bournemouth’s billionaire owner Bill Foley.
“I know I have won two cups, which is nice to have that bit of history,” said the man who was part of the Hibs team that ended the club’s 114-year wait to lift the Scottish Cup in 2016 and starred in the 2007 League Cup triumph.
“I feel like I’ve been saying this for a few years, but everything is there for the club to go and have good success.
“The money the owners are spending on and off the field, something’s got to give and we’re going to have a good season at some point, it just needs to click at the same time.
“Maybe a freshen up – I don’t want to say we’ve been the problem, but I do think something has got to change, and hopefully it will change in terms of the club.
“Paul and I can hold our heads high. We have given everything, every day we have been here.
“It is funny we are leaving at the same time as we are two different people with two different styles of play.
“But since I’ve been around the first team Paul has always been here which has been nice.
“Even being two years younger than me he is only about 30 appearances behind which shows how consistent he’s been over the years.
“We will look fondly as the club goes on – who knows maybe they will win the league next season and we will be the biggest supporters!”