The Blues midfielder netted one of the two goals that beat Redditch recently and, though he may not appear on the scoresheet that often, he’s clocking up the appearances for Leiston now, as he reaches his century for the club – his experience and presence on and off the pitch immense.

Then again, Ryan Jarvis is a player who has played at some of the highest levels in the game.

Representing England youth from under-16s to under-19s, playing in two European Youth Championships, reaching the final against France at under-19s, Jarvis, now 39, made his Championship debut for Norwich City away at Walsall as a 16-year-old.

Two years later he made his Premier League debut for the Canaries and, in January 2005, netted in a 1-2 defeat to Liverpool at Carrow Road. You can check out the YouTube clip!

For Ryan, there have been many highlights, but he continues to look for more.

“Yes, I have great footballing memories over the last 20 years or so,” he said.

“Aside from obviously making my England youth appearances and debuts in the Championship and Premier League, one of my biggest highlights was winning back-to-back promotions with King’s Lynn, from Step 3 Southern Central Premier to the National League.

“It’s something I’d love to replicate at Leiston.”

Born in Fakenham, Jarvis’ football career has taken him all over the UK, including Kilmarnock in Scotland.

From Norwich to Walsall, Leyton Orient to Notts County, he has spent the last decade or so in the non-league game, continuing to play as high a level as he can. Something he wants to continue to do at Leiston.

“I’m absolutely loving football at Leiston,” he said. “As much as I enjoy supporting the younger players in the group, I still have the desire and buzz to play whenever called upon.

“The club has such a close-knit feel about it, so many good people, staff and great fans contributing off the field to support the exciting work that goes on the field from the youngsters through the pathway all the way to the first team.

“We have a fantastic set of coaches and people that have developed our youth set up which is producing talented players that are consistently getting in and around the first team.”

And Jarvis remains committed and determined for the Blues to get the best out of the players in the current squad, as he wants nothing more than success.

“We have a great set of lads in this group, a real good mix of experienced players that lead and encourage the younger boys to flourish,” Jarvis said.

“I’m now 39 but the hunger is still there, whether I’m in the XI or on the coaching staff for the day, the excitement of game day is something that’s hard to replicate and one I can’t imagine not being a part of.”

And while Jarvis says hanging his boots up is not for him right now, he knows the time is edging closer. Yet he still has goals.

“We have a good management team at Leiston, which is great to be a part of, learning from many people who I value, but for now I take this season week by week enjoying the football, the battle and see how I feel come April,” he added.

“I’d love to be able to play at 40 years old if the manager feels I’m contributing to the team. That’s my goal.”

Photo: BEN CUNNINGHAM