He may have just passed 500 games for Chalfont St Peter AFC – but if managed Danny Edwards had his way, Alan Hedley would be plying his trade at a much higher level.
The Saints veteran reached the landmark in Saturday's 2-0 win over Ashford Town (Middx) after almost exactly 12 years in the Chalfont engine room, or more latterly, at the heart of the back four.
During that time he has helped Chalfont win the Spartan League title, stabilise in the Southern League and reach the FA Vase semi-finals, as well as winning numerous club awards.
But as far as Edwards is concerned, Hedley is every bit as talented as other former Saints who have gone to play professional football – like Terrell Lewis, Jerome Okimo and Bradley Bubb.
“Alan was among the first batch of players I took to Chalfont from my academy in Northolt,” said Edwards. “Terrell, Jerome and Bradley all went on to play for pro clubs, and Alan could easily have as well.
“In fact, he went for a trial at Chesterfield at the same time Terrell did and they liked him, but he just didn't seem interested. I think the simple fact is Alan just likes playing for enjoyment with his mates – which has been to our advantage.
“He used to win manager's player of the year so much the others used to take the mickey and call him my long lost son. I ended up deliberately trying not to give it to him, but if I didn't, he would usually end up winning the players' player award anyway.
“Alan's been a fixture in the middle of the park for us for well over a decade now and he's still only 29, with many years left in him. He'll be the first to admit he's not one for shouting and throwing his arms around, but I still gave him the captaincy back this season.
“We've moved him back to playing as a centre back this term and he's thriving there – which is ironic as that's where I told him he'd be best when he came through my academy 12 years ago, but he hated playing there!”
Partnering George Fenton at the back, Hedley helped Chalfont keep a clean sheet on his big day, while recent signings from Enfield, Ben Ward-Cochrane and George Beattie, did the job at the other end with a goal apiece.
The win, in which another new arrival in the shape of former Hayes & Yeading man Frankie Jones made his Saints bow, extended the Saints' unbeaten league run to eight games – a run not bettered since their Spartan League tittle winning year of 2011.
“We're on a very good run,” added Edwards. “But it comes as no surprise as this is one of the best group of players I've had – not just in terms of talent but also their character too.”
