Looking back: The day stalwart Sam Adams played his 500th game for Hastings United

Sam Adams is centre of attention before his 500th game

Here is how we reported Adams' decision to stay at the Pilot Field and the reaction it brought - and now to mark the occasion, we take you back to a day in 2018 when Adams played his 500th game for the club, and said afterwards he was eyeing up getting to 600.

The report below is by former Hastings Observer sports editor Simon Newstead...

Sam Adams said the outpouring of congratulations has been '˜overwhelming' after reaching 500 appearances for Hastings United Football Club.

The popular midfielder reached the rarely-achieved milestone last weekend when he captained the side to a 3-1 victory at home to Whitstable Town.

Speaking afterwards, Adams said: “It didn’t really hit me until all the messages today how big an achievement it is, especially for one club - and my hometown club as well. The amount of messages on social media and stuff, it’s overwhelming really.”

Adams came out on to the pitch with his three children, and presentations were made to him by club president Dave Ormerod, manager Chris Agutter and photographer Scott White just before kick-off.

“It was nice to walk out with the kids,” he continued. “They always ask me if they can come out and it was good to do that.

“It was just like any other game really. I said to the boys the main thing was to get on with the job, get it done and celebrate it afterwards. I’m glad we got the three points in the end.”

Adams remembers making his debut for Hastings as a substitute away to Corinthian-Casuals at the start of the 2005/06 season, although he didn’t recall finishing that campaign as the club’s leading scorer.

The 31-year-old had a spell away from the club during its amazing run to the FA Cup third round proper in 2012/13, but was very much a part of the promotion to the Ryman League Premier Division in 2006/07.

Adams describes that success as his best moment with Hastings, even though he didn’t feature in the play-off final victory over Tooting & Mitcham United, but believes the current squad is the strongest he’s been part of.

“It’s the best team I’ve played in,” said Adams, who returned to Hastings in the early part of last season after a year with league rivals Hythe Town. “The way we play is so enjoyable to play in.

“Aggy (Hastings manager Chris Agutter) is the best coach I’ve worked under by a mile; he’s so intelligent and he still asks for everyone’s input as well.”

Adams is skippering a Hastings side which currently lies second in the Bostik League South East Division having won 10 of its first 12 league matches.

“I think we’ve got to keep taking it game by game and who knows,” he added. “It’s there for us. I think there’s two or three teams who can win it and we’re definitely one of them.”

Having got to 500 appearances, the versatile Adams - who says the best of his 130 goals for Hastings was a top corner strike from the right-hand side against Greenwich Borough - is keen to keep adding to his tally for as long as possible.

“I’ll keep playing as long as they want me and as long as I’m having a good impact on the team,” added Adams, who Agutter described as the best player to have played for Hastings in his lifetime. “I would like to try and get to 600.”