Since their formation AFC Mansfield have been none too shy when it comes to smashing their way through record books, writes Lee Clarke.

The book of records had a new name entered into it last week as central midfielder Phil Buxton racked up a ton of appearances in the red of the Bulls.

Mansfield born-and-bred, Buxton reached the unprecedented century after playing in last week's 1-1 draw with Winterton Rangers.

Since moving from Arnold Town ahead of the club's first season in existence the industrious play-maker has gone on to be one of the club's top performers - even if he didn't have a clue the big hundred was on the horizon.

Buxton said: 'I didn't really imagine when I signed that I would get to play over a hundred times for the club. The main thing for me was to be happy and play as many games as possible.

'The chairman came in a few weeks ago and said I had reached 98 and it sort of made me focused then to stay in the team and reach the landmark.'

Speaking to Buxton you would barely even recognise him as being a semi-professional footballer. He has a calm aura and level-headed attitude to most things in life but does have a burning passion for one thing - playing football!

He added: 'It's just the buzz it gives you to be honest. Scoring goals, making tackles everything really it just gets me going and I wouldn't swap it for anything'

The 26-year-old's career really hit off after a move to Arnold some five years ago now and the move to Forest Town in the first instance was something of a surprise.

Of the move he said: 'I was playing in a successful Arnold side and was playing regular football for them but then at the end of the season the managers left to join Basford Town. I wasn't overly keen on the new man at the helm so had made my mind up to look for something different.

'I got the call from Micky Taylor who asked me to come down to the club and have a look around and that was it. As soon as I saw the set up, the facilities and the people that were going to be involved it was a no brainer really - I had to give it a go and be a part of it.'

Now on 101 games for the club there is one game that sticks in Buxton's mind as being his favourite out of them all.

'It would have to be the FA Vase game at Sileby Town. It was just an amazing day, the pitch was like a carpet and the conditions made it a perfect day for football.

'We went down to ten men in the second half but managed to hold on for a 2-2 at the end of normal time, and then from nowhere really we scored three goals in extra time to win 5-2.'

AFC have won countless trophies in their short time as a football club and this season find themselves at a higher level. Buxton believe that the club could well achieve more honours this season.

He said: The higher level is not really a major issue as myself and a lot of the other lads have all played at this level if not even higher before.

'The main thing is the fitness and the hard work that has to be put in, but that should go without saying anyway. When you move to a higher level it is a natural progression that you must work even harder to achieve new goals.'

Earlier in the 2014/15 campaign there was a change in the dug-out at the Forest Town Arena and that is something that Phil has taken to like a duck to water.

Speaking on the new management he said: 'The new managers have been great for me in every sense. I am playing back in my more natural central midfield role and we are trying to play a neat passing game which suits my style.

'Not only that but the training is more professional and we now work on more specific training drills and match situations and I think I speak for all the lads when I say we are really enjoying working with them.'

You could somewhat forgive Phil if after reaching this remarkable milestone he may rest on his laurels slightly - but he won't!

Buxton is remarkably ambitious and it comes as no surprise at all that he is already planning his next career goal.

'Another ton would be great and it is something I would love to do. It is not an easy target to accomplish but I can't speak highly enough of this football club and it would be an honour to be here long enough to play another 100 games.

'I am at a good age and provided the legs hold out then you never know just how many games I could get to.'

Whether Buxton gets to another 100 or not his name now sits proudly under the heading - 'Most Appearances for AFC Mansfield'.