On Tuesday night against Edgware Town, Ahmet Rifat broke the Wingate & Finchley appearance record in making his 460th appearance for the Blues. The former England youth player overtook Marc Weatherstone's total of 459, a record that had stood for twelve months after he had taken the crown from fellow 2010/11 Treble-winner Daniel Nielsen on 451.
Speaking to the Ham & High he said "I'm happy that I've got to this stage with one club. It's not easy to find somewhere you feel comfortable, wanted and everyone respects you - even to the point where I've made lots of lifelong friends here at Wingate."
At the age of 33, Rifat potentially has many years ahead of him, although the Wingate FC record of 720 held by Marc Morris may be a stretch too far; the striker scored an astonishing 650 goals from 1975 to 1998.
From everyone at the club, Ahmet we would like to thank you for your unquestionable loyalty and incredible service!