Overjoyed to get his first chance to impress, 2002 saw the Football League introduced to James Bittner as the young keeper made an appearance on the bench for Bournemouth FC.
Fast forward 13 years, after a long career waiting for his chance behind various number ones, Bittner finally made his first Football League appearance 4,991 days later.
It hasn’t all been doom and gloom for the stopper, as conference sides Exeter, Salisbury, Forest Green Rovers and Hereford all gave much craves first team football to the 34 year old during his career.
This weekend however saw a sudden groin injury to Plymouth’s usual No.1 Luke McCormick, meaning Bittner was handed his first ever Football League start for Saturday’s 2-1 win over York City.
After the game however it all seemed all too bitter sweet;
“I’m a bit upset to concede the last-minute goal,”
“It would have been nice to have a clean sheet, but three points is three points.”
Never mind, baby steps first.