If all goes to plan Tim Grice will be making his 500th appearance for the Club on Saturday - an unbroken 13 years of exemplary service from the man who is affectionately known as Mr Leek Town.

At some point during the match we will be marking the occasion either at the start of the game or at the end. Many fans questioned why he didnt feature last Saturday and the simple fact is twofold - he had a slight knock and we agreed that if we didn't need to use him we wouldn't, thus allowing him to make the 500th appearance at home in front of a appreciative crowd and with his friends and family present.

Sadly this is likely to be Tims last appearance for the Blues, he informed the Club of his intentions to move on several weeks ago and we have continued to work with him with a view to reaching this milestone before he leaves. There is nothing sinister to read into this, Tim simply wants to play more and at Step 4 so he can extend his career further.

It is a testament to him that he has continued to give his all every time he has pulled on the Leek Town shirt. We will be holding a testimonial for Tim at the end of the season and more details will be released closer to that time. So when the times comes today please show your appreciation for Tim and this remarkable achievement.

Tim has asked us put a message out on his behalf -
"After reaching a considerable milestone & fulfilling some personal goals, I now feel the time is right to move on from Leek Town & seek a new challenge in the remaining years I have left in the game.

I would like to thank the fans - you have always been brilliant & accepting of me, without your support & continued loyalty the Club would simply not exist. Thank you to the volunteers & backroom staff, who there are too many to mention by name, you are there selflessly on match days to give your support to the Club & continue to work tirelessly for its benefit.

Thank you to the all the Managers, Coaches & Physios I've worked with over the years, without you I wouldn't be at the Club. The advice and support you've given me on and off the pitch has helped me mature as a player and a person.

A special mention to the Board of Directors, and in particular our Chairman Jon Eeles, whom along with Secretary Tom who have become and will remain close friends. I've learnt so much & shared some unforgettable memories with you, the work you do can be sometimes under appreciated but the progression and success the Club has had over the recent years is largely down to your influence & stewardship.

A big thank you to Ken Ashford who has been there since the start when I signed in 2011, a Leek Town man through & through and someone I will greatly miss.

I have achieved everything I set out to do at Leek over my 13 years and I am proud of my record of 500 appearances and 250 goals, along with the crowning glory of promotion last season, a promotion the Club has deserved for so many years.

Finally a thank you to all of the team mates I've had the privilege to play alongside, I've had some fantastic memories and I'm honoured to have shared the same dressing room with you all.

Leek Town will always be my Club and somewhere I call my second home."

Josh Brehaut, Leek Town Manager commented
"500 appearances for one Club at this level is an achievement that words cant really describe, to add that 250 goals is actually mind blowing! Unfortunately, I haven't seen the majority of these but I am incredibly honoured to be the Manager that witnessed Gricey score the opening goal on the day we won the league, then score his 250th goal earlier this season & now make his 500th appearance for the Club.

Tim leaves with our very best wishes & will be a great addition the Club he chooses to sign for. The word legend is a term that is often overused in football but I think its safe to say that Tim Grice will forever be remembered as a Leek Town Legend."

Jon Eeles, Chairman added
"Tim Grice is a very special player & individual who has been a constant during my tenure at the Club, I am a fan first & a Chairman second, so I seldom miss a match & have seen nearly all of his goals & performances. His commitment and loyalty to our Club is unparalleled and that should be celebrated and lauded.

The Board thanks Tim for his service and wish him and his family the very best for the future. I am sure he will continue to be a success in his remaining time as a player and I know he will choose the right Club & Manager in his next chapter.

This is not the end as there is testimonial to arrange when the season has finished & I know Tim will be back to watch us whenever he can or to volunteer when he has finally finished playing, that is a mark of the man.

Thank you for everything Mr Leek Town."

Please join us this Saturday in celebrating this remarkable achievement - gates open at 130pm.