James set to surpass appearance record

The 38-year-old glove-man, who has also played in the top-flight for Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham and Manchester City, is set to make his 536th Premier League appearance when Portsmouth host Manchester City at Fratton Park, overtaking present record holder Gary Speed.

And James says he will take an immense amount of pride from reaching the prestigous milestone.

"The record means a hell of a lot to me," he told The Sun. "Every time Gary Speed has pulled on a shirt in recent seasons the lads have given me a bit of stick, saying: 'You'll have to go for another game... and another one'. It's the same when Ryan Giggs plays.

"I have been there from the first Premiership game and the first live Sky game, which I think was Liverpool against Forest in 1992. I am playing in the best domestic league in the world, so if you can play in it for 15 or 16 years, that must say something."

The experienced stopper has, arguably, endured more criticism than most for his mistakes during his career - earning the moniker 'Calamity James' - but he has re-established himself since moving to the south coast to join Harry Redknapp's Pompey in August 2006, returning to the England squad as Fabio Capello's No.1

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.