Club captain Jimmy McFarlane became the first ever Thurrock (Purfleet) Player to make 600 appearances this afternoon.

Jimmy originally signed for us prior to the 1991-92 season and made his debut at home to Southall, scoring in a two nil win.

After being a regular in the heart of the defence for over a season he broke his leg and missed the best part of two years. Jimmy's record at this point was played 68 scored 5.

Jimmy made his comeback on the 3rd of October 1994 against Leyton Orient in the Essex Senior Cup and featured for most of the season. After just 5 games of the 1996-97 season, then manager Gary Calder, released Jimmy and he went off to play for Concord Rangers in the Essex Senior League.

Less than a year later new manager Colin McBride made Jimmy McFarlane one of his first signings, bringing him back to Ship lane and resuming his old role of Captain.

Jimmy has become everything we expect of a Purfleet/Thurrock player and has been a stalwart of the Club over the past 14 years. It is amazing to think that even after a broken leg, a sacking, a dislocated shoulder (plus probably a thousand other niggles and strains) and reaching the time of life where most footballers are well retired, Jimmy just goes from strength to strength.

Well done Jimmy, here's to the next 600!