Cobblers defender set to make milestone appearance
Northampton Town left back David Buchanan will reach a landmark on Tuesday night as he starts his 100th consecutive game for the club when Port Vale come to Sixfields (7.45pm, tickets available on arrival.)
Buchanan has started every game since arriving at Sixfields in May 2015, the only minutes of football he has missed have been when he was substituted injured at half time in a League 2 match against Leyton Orient in September 2015, and when he was also substituted at half time in this season's 'dead-rubber' Checkatrade Trophy match against West Ham United.
For Buchanan himself, this milestone appearance is something he will remember.
"It will be a very proud moment for me," he said.
"I haven't spoken much about the landmark but a lot of people have mentioned it to me. I get paid to be a professional footballer but to play 100 consecutive games for any club is a great achievement and to do this for this club is extra special.
"Whenever I step out on to the pitch I give my all for the club, I look after myself and have managed to stay injury free and hopefully there are many more games to come.
"I just want to play every game. Careers are short as footballers and I want to make the most of it. There will come a time when the run comes to an end, either through injury or selection, but I hope that's a long way off and I just want to do the best I can as long as I can for this club.
"I would love to get my first goal for the club, and if it did come in my 100th appearance that would be the icing on the cake!"
Manager Justin Edinburgh was full of praise for Buchanan.
"It is a phenomenal achievement in the modern day game," he said.
"It is a testament to David as a person, the way he conducts himself, the way he trains and the way he looks after himself. He is a shining example for the younger players and I am delighted to see him achieve such a fantastic milestone."