Legend Perrin makes it 200 not out for Forest Green (From Stroud News and Journal)

Legend Perrin makes it 200 not out for Forest Green

GOALKEEPING legend Steve Perrin was celebrating on Saturday having chalked up 200 league appearances.

The Forest Green Rovers stopper was presented with a silver salver before the club's Conference clash against York City at The Lawn, and received a rousing ovation from Rovers supporters.

Perrin, 34, has been a talismanic figure between the sticks ever since he joined the club in March 1999 from Melksham, claiming a debut clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Kingstonian before going on to become one of the club's key players over the next five seasons.

Perrin made the goalkeeper's jersey his own at the start of the 2001-02 season following an injury to player-manager Nigel Spink, with Perrin keeping hold of the number one slot on performance.

The Lawn legend has played a total of 238 matches for Rovers in league and cup competitions, keeping 44 clean sheets in the process.

Perrin has now played under Frank Gregan, Nigel Spink and David Norton, Colin Addison, TIm Harris and current boss Alan Lewer.

Perrin also represents Wiltshire as a wicketkeeper in the Minor Counties Cricket League and is a popular figure on the South West cricket circuit.

He was given a special testimonial match last year against Bristol City and is the longest serving player in the Forest Green squad.

Last season he was voted the top keeper in the Conference.

Loaned out to Bath City earlier in the season, he returned to The Lawn in December and has since gone on to play a major role in Rovers' fight against relegation from the Conference.