Sean Dillon reveals ambition to keep playing into his 40s after reaching major Montrose milestone

Sean Dillon has revealed he wants to keep playing in to his 40s after marking a major milestone with Montrose.

The Gable Endies League Two title hero was recently presented with a trophy at Links Park after marking 200 appearances for the Angus club.

Dillon becomes the fifth player in the current squad to have marked, at least, a double century. He joins Terry Masson, Paul Watson, Andrew Steeves and Graham Webster.

The Irishman joined Stewart Petrie’s side in the summer of 2017 on a player-coach basis after 10 years at Dundee United.

There, he helped the side win the Scottish Cup in 2010 and the Irn Bru Cup in his last season at Tannadice.

He maintained the winning feeling in his first year at Montrose playing a key part in their 2017/18 title-winning campaign, where he was also crowned League Two player of the year.

Dillon wants to keep playing

Dillon turns 40 next summer but says he has no plans to hang up his boots any time soon, despite being the oldest player in League One.

“I’ve always had this thing in my head that 40 is the minimum age that I play to,” he told Montrose TV. “When I signed initially, I hadn’t even looked past the season.

“I’m delighted and it’s a great honour.

“It’s a fantastic club to be at and to have another couple of hundred appearances in the mileage tank.

“I feel good. Like anything, you have bad days.

“I wouldn’t say I question it, but games like Airdrie [4-0 defeat] you come away from it with a big disappointment.

“The plan is to make sure I’m looking after myself. You’re always adapting because things change – trying to find the right formula for being ready on a Saturday.

“That has changed over the years.

“It was 1999 when I first signed as a professional – that was a good few years ago.

“I’ve always had good people around me at the club and at home.

“I feel lucky to be still playing but I still have aspirations to continue to go for as long as the gaffer will let me.”

More Montrose seasons to come?

Dillon still plays a big role in the team and started 13 games for Montrose this season.

He only missed out in the 3-1 win over Kelty due to a knock picked up the previous week against Peterhead.

The Mo stalwart’s current deal is up in the summer.

Gable Endies Chief Executive Peter Stuart paid tribute to Dillon and hinted that he could be around for a few more season to come.

“Sean has proved to be a huge asset for us since his arrival and we are delighted to see him reach this incredible milestone,” he said.

“To achieve this off the back of almost 350 games for United, speaks volumes for his professionalism, dedication, fitness and commitment.

“Having so many long serving players at the club has brought us real stability and has been the backbone of our recent success.

“Sean has been a key, influential part of this and we very much hope he continues to feature for a few seasons more.”