WEYMOUTH defender Calvin Brooks expressed his “absolute pleasure” at having chalked up 250 appearances for the Terras.
Brooks, who completed his landmark when starting Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Hampton and Richmond, has become an integral cog in manager Mark Molesley’s preferred style of play.
Operating at right wing-back, Brooks has licence to raid forward, producing a number of stunning displays upon Weymouth’s return to the Vanarama National League South.
Speaking to Echosport, Brooks, who has two assists in 19 games this season, felt his milestone had been achieved largely by avoiding injuries.
He said: “I’ve seen someone comment on it the other day saying ‘it doesn’t seem like he’s been here that long.’
“It’s the same with me – it doesn’t feel like I’ve been there long enough to play that many games. Obviously I’ve been lucky with injuries and I’ve always been in the team.
“It’s probably helped me rack the games up quite quickly, but it’s been an absolute pleasure to represent the club that many times and hopefully many more as well.”
Brooks revealed clubmate Ashley Wells had also backed him to match his tally of 300 games for the Terras.
He said: “I was having a chat with Wellsy about it and he said you’ve got every chance. It would be lovely to do something like that and even overtake him.
“I’m just concentrating on trying to play well every game, stay in the team and obviously those appearances will come as the season goes on.
“Since Mark’s come into the club, especially as manager, he’s implemented the style he wants to play – that’s attacking, possession football.
“The modern-day full-back has to be able to get forward, defend well and just contribute all-round, which I feel like myself, Ollie (Harfield), Wellsy, Jordan (Ngalo) whoever plays there, has done a good job at.
“It’s been a bit more difficult this season going forward – the biggest difference is that standard of the wingers.
“From having a chat with other players who’ve played at this level quite regularly, they always said the wingers are tricky and are a lot better than the league below.
“It gives me a lot more to think about defensively which then doesn’t allow me to get forward as much. The manager still wants me to get forward but it’s difficult, I’m enjoying the challenge.”
Sitting second after Saturday’s win, Brooks admitted the belief within Weymouth’s squad to perform in the sixth tier had always been present.
He said: “It’s been something I’ve wanted for a while and I’ve played at that level before when I was a little bit younger. I was confident in my ability to step up to that level.
“Just the same as I was confident in the rest of the squad’s ability. Most of the lads in the team have played at this level or above.”
