It’s 600-up for Stourbridge’s Marathon Man Leon Broadhurst!

Pic: Will Kilpatrick

LEON BROADHURST certainly isn’t resting on his laurels after making his 600th appearance for Stourbridge last weekend.

The 2-0 win against Colwyn Bay in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier brought up yet another milestone for Broadhurst, who became Glassboys boss Gary Hackett’s first signing way back in the summer of 2003.

But for a brief six-week escape to Leamington in 2009, he’s been at Amblecote ever since and has been a big part of the club’s rise from the Midland Alliance to the verge of promotion to Step 2.

The Bromsgrove-born man estimates he spends more time with boss Hackett than wife Emma and young daughters Pia and Lena. It’s a good job he loves the club so much then!

“To reach 600 games for a side at any level is a great achievement,” he told The NLP. “I’ve enjoyed every single year at Stourbridge and hopefully there’s a few more to come.

“The club has become a massive part of my life. My wife, my girls and even my mum and dad come and watch every game – it’s second nature to them now. I reckon I see Gary more than the family at times!

Leon Broadhurst in action back in 2011 against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup

“I left once to go to Leamington, I only lasted six weeks! It was definitely a financial decision and it was a big learning curve for me – I was delighted to come back.

Focus

“Stourbridge were in the old Midland Alliance when I first joined and the club has progressed dramatically. No disrespect but going from trips to Dudley on a Tuesday night to some of the big FA Cup games we’ve had in recent seasons – it’s been a big leap.”

After Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Nantwich in the FA Trophy, Stourbridge can now give the league their complete focus and Broadhurst reckons his side – who were sixth heading into the weekend – are strong enough to secure a play-off spot.

The midfielder, still only 31, is feeling as fit as ever and is proving it by doing the London Marathon in April alongside wife Emma.

It could end up being a busy few days with the long-distance race coming just hours after the Glassboys’ final game of the season against Salford. And if they make the top five, he could be dashing back to the Midlands for a big play-off game!

“I’m playing some of my best football in five or so years,” he added. “I feel like I’ve still got a few seasons left in me for sure.

Broadhurst takes on Stevenage in the FA Cup in 2013

“I’m still only 31, I look after myself and if I can stay injury-free I think I can play until I’m 35 and onwards.

“The marathon was a big decision but we’re raising money for Children With Cancer which is a great cause. I’ve been doing my training alongside the football, running probably 15 miles a week.

“Obviously if we get into the play-offs, I won’t be doing the marathon as quickly as I would hope! That would be the ideal scenario – we’d love to finish this season with promotion.”