BRIDGWATER United goalkeeper Jake Viney has earned legend status at the club after notching up his 200th appearance for the Robins.

Jake made his debut for the club when he was 18 back in 2012 in a cup match against Bideford in which Bridgwater won on penalties.

Now 28, Jake made his 200th appearance against Millbrook on the weekend in a 1-0 home defeat.

Despite the result not being a fitting tribute to the new club legend, Jake said he is immensely proud of the achievement.

"It is amazing, I really am proud of the 200 appearances."

Bridgwater Mercury: (Photo: Debbie Gould)(Photo: Debbie Gould)

"I have always enjoyed playing for Bridgwater, and to hit this milestone is a really big achievement for me," Jake said.

After a short spell away from Bridgwater where he played for Wellington, Viney returned to Fairfax Park in 2015 and has been the first choice goalkeeper since.

When current manager Dave Pearse joined the club he made it clear to Jake that he was the number one.

"When Pearse joined he pulled me aside and told me as long as I am fit I will play and that really gave me a lot of confidence and appreciation," Jake said.

"I guess it encouraged me to carry on, as well as that though the fans have been incredible since I have been here.

In his time at the club Jake has twice been voted by the fans as the Supporters Player of the Year.

"They must think I a decent goalkeeper and to have their support means a lot to me," Jake said.

 

Now 200 is an impressive number of course, but Jake missed a season due to a torn ligament injury to his knee, and then you take into account COVID cancellations and you realise he could quite easily have 300 appearances.

"If it wasn't for my injury and COVID I think I would have a lot more games for the club, but I am only 28 so there is plenty left in me."

Jake's goal is to reach 500 plus appearances for the club and has said he wants to help Bridgwater get back to the Southern League.

"I feel like I have got a lot of years left in me and I don't see why I can't get 500 games, that is my goal anyway, I'd love to be the club's all time leader in appearances."

"But my ultimate goal is to play in the Southern League again and I want to do that with Bridgwater."