Captain reflects on appearances mark

Romford captain Paul Clayton has spoken of his pride in breaking the club’s appearances record.

Clayton started the 2011/12 campaign with 247 to his name, second only to Danny Benstock (253).

And, a virtual ever-present since, the 27-year-old has taken his tally to 270 and said: “The closer I was getting, I wanted to break it.

“I know I’ve definitely passed it now and I’m proud to have done it.

“It shows a bit of loyalty to the club and there’s not a lot of that in football these days!”

A former pupil at Brittons School in Rainham, Clayton now lives in Brentwood and netted Romford’s winner in their 1-0 success at Great Wakering last weekend.

And he wants to keep increasing the totals as Boro push for a play-off place this term.

He added: “Hopefully I’ll be able to make it hard so no-one can break it!

“Winning the (Essex Senior) league is one of the highlights. The first year in the Ryman was all about staying in the league and each year since has been about pushing for play-offs.”

Boro head to Sudbury today (Saturday), but will travel without Ricki Mackin, after his decision to take a break from playing.

Clayton added: “It’s disappointing. He’s a good mate of mine but he’s got other commitments at the moment.

“He’s having a break, but if things change maybe he’ll come back.

“We need to string together a few wins to move up the table. The play-offs are still the goal and definitely a possibility.”