As Byron Mason led the Sholing team out as captain at AFC Stoneham in the Southampton Senior Cup on Tuesday evening, he did so with even more pride than usual as it was his 700th appearance for the club.
It’s a remarkable record that began almost two decades ago and we asked the midfield battler what the secret was behind such longevity.
“I like to think that I keep myself in good shape all year round - and I stretch a hell of a lot,” he said with a broad smile. “I love the game so much that it drives me on to get another season out year after year and I hope that can continue for a while to come yet.
“I can’t actually remember my first game; it was that long ago! I know I was about 19 and I got the call up after a first-team player got injured.
“I done pretty well and kept my shirt. I think I was the missing link as we had very good ball players in the side at the time, but not a lot of legs, which I brought to the team, and from then my Gaffer Diapes put his trust in me and made me captain at a young age… he must have known I was here for the long haul!”
There have been some very special moments along the way for Mason, who, as you would expect, commands total respect both on and off the pitch at the Pitching In Southern League Premier South club.
“Winning the FA Vase at Wembley is my best moment by far,” he continued. “Just knowing we were going to play there was enough, but to win it was just incredible and a great day for everyone involved.
“Getting promoted to the Southern League Premier South at the end of last season is my second-best moment. It came after so many years of ups and downs because of ground grading, but we finally got to play in the League that I believe we belong in as a club.”
So, what are Mason’s short and longer-term hopes and ambitions?
“Firstly, I aim to stay as fit as I can and keep playing while I’ve still got the chance,” he added. “I feel like I still have a lot to give to help the team in this new journey; you’re a long time retired so I will play as long as I possibly can.
“I had a few little injuries at the beginning of this season, one after the other, so it’s been a bit stop-start for me personally so far, but I feel like I’m past that now and hopefully be available for most games.
“The season itself has been up and down for the team with the results we’ve had so far. This level is new to a lot of the players and they’ve had to adapt pretty quickly.
“On top of that we seem to have been hit with a high number of injuries and suspensions, which has made things even more difficult, but we’ve started to put a few results together and have got a few players back to give us a more settled squad, so I think we can push on now, although we have to make sure that we don’t get too ahead of ourselves.”
Players with the passion, commitment and determination of Byron Mason are what makes the game tick and we salute him on his outstanding achievement. It’s becoming increasingly rare for players to give such loyal service to one club these days but Sholing have themselves a real gem.
Mason will be part of the Sholing squad that travels to Swindon Supermarine on Saturday to face hosts who are buoyed by their first League win of the season on Tuesday evening.
IMAGE: Jaz Photography
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