FOOTBALL: Portslade's Neil makes his 500th appearance

The experienced player nicknamed "Biskitt" finally made it to the landmark in the club's home game on Saturday, but really it was an away match for Wooller, who travelled all the way from Cyprus, where he now lives, for the match.

The 42-year-old, now a defender, made his debut at the club at 18 as a young, pacey, centre-forward, but emigrated to Cyprus two years ago with 494 appearances under his belt.

However, Wooller, who used to live in Shoreham, was so determined to clock up 500 games he has been returning annually to play, travelling over 12,000 miles in total.

Wooller said: "It's a big achievement, not everyone can say they've played 500 games for a club and spending 24 years here is something I'm proud of."

The celebrations were cut short last year as Wooller, then on 499 games, had travelled over from Cyprus only to have his efforts thwarted by the weather with the match postponed owing to heavy rain.

Among the honours he has won during his time at the club, include the Division 3 and 4 Cups, the Brighton League Intermediate Cup and the College Cup.

Wooller added: "I still remember my debut, I scored and we won 2-1.

"My most memorable achievement was probably winning the College Cup, but also playing for the Brighton League Representative side and playing three games for Sussex."

Wooller was presented with a trophy, a training top with NW500 on the front, and a club shirt signed by players and officials, after coming on as substitute in Saturday's 7-0 defeat against Falmer Falcons in Brighton League Division 3.

Among those present to mark his accomplishment were the club's president, John Aylward, and vice-president, Terry Colburn, who made more than 1,200 appearances between them for the club.

Portslade chairman Cliff Emberlin said: "You don't see people making this many appearances for any one team these days.

"When there used to be 40-or-so games a season, it was more common. But now we only play 22 games, so it doesn't happen so much which makes it a terrific achievement for Neil and the club.

"If ever there has been a more reliable player than Neil, then I haven't yet met him.

"Now he can get back to his sun, sea and sand in the knowledge he can hang up his boots '“ but we will keep him registered for next year, just in case."

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