Andrew Warshaw speaks to Enfield Town FC’s new record appearance holder

Sam Youngs was given a ‘guard of honour' last month before the Enfield Town game against Eastbourne Borough, after reaching the club’s appearances milestone (credit Tom Scott) — Sam Youngs was given a ‘guard of honour’ last month before the Enfield Town game against Eastbourne Borough, after reaching the club’s appearances milestone (credit Tom Scott)

Just over a year ago, Sam Youngs reached a landmark of 300 games for Enfield Town and was featured in these columns.

Now, the player who embodies the spirit and success of the borough’s top team has achieved even greater iconic status – as the club’s record appearance maker.

Sam broke the record when he played his 352nd game for the Towners at Horsham at the end of October, leading to a well-deserved guard of honour just before kick-off when they met Eastbourne at home a week later.

“Of course I’m very proud of the record but I definitely thought I’d still be playing at this age,” said Sam, 34, currently in his eighth year at the club.

“I joined at a time when I was very busy in my professional life and it suited me. It was a bit of a convenience thing to be honest. I didn’t really know very much about the club but I’ve never really looked back. I was made to feel very comfortable very quickly.”

Sam admits he has had several opportunities to move on during his time as a Towner, but has always decided to stay. “I’ve never hidden the fact that my professional career is most important to me outside of football. Over the years I’ve had offers from higher clubs on better money, but the grass isn’t necessarily greener.”

Brought to the club by then-Towners boss Andy Leese, Sam admits he didn’t know too much about current manager Gavin Macpherson and his management staff when they succeeded Leese in 2023.

“I’ve always been confident of my own ability and it didn’t massively influence my decision whether to stay or not,” said Sam. “When I met Gavin, he spoke very well and he’s building something here.”

Reflecting on the past twelve months, Sam told the Dispatch: “I admit it was a bit of a challenge at times last season. It was tough physically in a higher league, results were not going our way and there was something of an upheaval in terms of the playing staff. But you want to play at the highest level you can so you just get through it.

“On and off the field, we are starting to feel like a step two [National League South] club, even if recent results may not reflect that.”

Asked to identify his most memorable moment at the club, it’s pretty much a no-brainer: getting promoted to National League South during that euphoric afternoon at Chatham, in the final of the Isthmian Premier Division playoffs.

“It’s something we pretty much strove for every season and, the manner in which we did it, with the group of people we had at the time, it’s probably the most enjoyable season I’ve had. The European trips in the same season were a lot of fun for everyone too. That whole season will stay with me forever.”

Recently on the sidelines because of two separate injuries, before making a welcome return, Sam is a former Town skipper and very much one of senior leaders in the dressing room. For that reason he is keen to play his part in trying to push the team up the league, whether from attacking midfield or as a striker. He also recently became a proud father but, if you think that made him consider hanging up his boots, think again.

“I haven’t had too many injuries in my career, so I really missed it when I was out. To be honest the baby hasn’t made that much of a difference as far as my football is concerned. Because I work for myself, I can sort of make my own schedule. I genuinely feel as fit as ever.

“In my 20s I probably went out quite a lot, well more than quite a lot if truth be told! But the last few years I’ve really looked after myself, which has coincided with my best stats since my early years. That’s no coincidence. I feel sharp and want to carry on for as long as possible.”

I couldn’t let Sam go without asking him about comparisons with Everton and England midfielder Jack Grealish, which has done the round for years thanks to his similar look. “Yeah it’s normally something like ‘you’re just a shit Jack Grealish’ from the away fans,” he joked. “But listen, I’ll take that any day. Who wouldn’t?!”

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