Terry Masson has been tipped to smash the Montrose appearance record after being labelled a ‘club legend’ by boss Stewart Petrie.
Masson, who celebrated his testimonial year last season, has turned out 402 times for the Links Park side since joining them in 2011.
He is now just 25 games short of Les Barr and 30 adrift of all-time appearance holder David Larter.
And after recently signing a new deal until the summer of 2024, first team regular Masson is almost certain to over take Barr and Larter next term.
Masson’s devotion to the cause typifies the loyalty shown throughout the Mo squad with Paul Watson, Graham Webster and Andrew Steeves all eyeing up testimonials.
“Terry has got better and better as he’s got older,” said Links Park manager Stewart Petrie.
“It feels like he has been here forever. He’s one of a few who have been on this journey longer than me.
“Terry’s had his testimonial. Next it will be Paul, Graham Webster and Andrew Steeves.
“The fact that Terry has played over 400 games and is still at the top of his game says a lot.
“I spent ten years at Dunfermline. I know it means a lot to fans when you give that kind of service to one team.
“There’s absolutely no doubt Terry will soon be inducted to our Hall of Fame. He is a Montrose legend.
“The next question is; can he become our all-time appearance holder?
“He’s getting closer to Les and David. I’m sure David would love it if I could call a halt to Terry’s appearances at one game short!
“As long as Terry keeps performing the way he is then I don’t see his appearances slowing up.
“He’s been in our team on merit and is an inspiration to us all.”
Terry Masson: Montrose mates racking up games
Masson was rewarded with a new deal whilst recovering from a knee operation.
But while he seems odds-on to write his name into the Montrose record books, others may soon follow.
Webster is currently on 315 games for Montrose, while Watson (307) and Steeves (307) aren’t far behind.
Loyalty has been a feature of Petrie’s seven-year reign.
Petrie added: “It wasn’t a hard decision to offer Terry a new contract.
“It didn’t matter he was injured at the time. This club will never throw anyone out when they are injured, we look after players.
STEEVES CELEBRATES 300 GAMES WITH CONTRACT EXTENSION
Andy Steeves enjoyed a double celebration recently, reaching the impressive milestone of 300 appearances for Montrose as well as agreeing a further 2 year contract extension, keeping him at the Club until the summer of 2025. pic.twitter.com/M8tCKkFLKS
— Montrose FC (@MontroseFC) December 28, 2022
“But I know it was reassuring to Terry to get the offer while he recovered.
“I also know he’s not the only one in our squad who is racking up the games.
“Andrew Steeves is only 28 but has played a lot of minutes, as have Webby and Winker (Paul Watson).
“It’s great to have that continuity but no player gets game time unless they earn it.”
Conversation