LONG-SERVING FC Clacton midfielder Kyelan Marvell admitted being proud and delighted after clocking up his 300th Seasiders appearance.

The popular former Colchester United youngster was clapped onto the pitch and received a bottle of champagne from co-owner Stephen Andrews and manager Tom Austin before Saturday's 3-2 defeat against Godmanchester Rovers.

Marvell said he could not have wished for a better club to spend so much time with.

And at the age of just 28, he hopes to make many more appearances before having to hang up his boots.

"I'm very proud and knew I was close to 300 games but didn't realise until I got to the ground on Saturday," he told the Gazette.

"The boys clapped me out and it was nice to be presented with some champagne before the game.

"It's a big achievement and hopefully there are many more games to come.

"As long as I keep playing consistently well and stay fit, I can keep my place in the team.

"Not too many players will manage that throughout their whole career - either at one club or several.

"But I'm enjoying my football as much as ever.

"Last year I had a couple of problems with my knee and I was in and out of the team.

"But this season I feel a lot better and fitter.

"I'm enjoying my football and also being vice-skipper, stepping in when Wayne Chapman's unavailable, as I did on Saturday.

"I love the club and couldn't wish for a better place to have spent so much of my career."

Marvell is good friends with Austin but says the pair have a very professional relationship when it comes to their football at Clacton.

"Tommy's a good friend of mine," he said.

"He was best man at my wedding and he's doing a brilliant job here.

"We're a top-six team now, which we weren't before.

"When it comes to football, though, our relationship changes and he's very much the manager and I'm his player.

"What he says goes and that's the way it has to be."