CHEERS TO A TRUE GREAT!

WHEN Sam Higgins first stepped into Non-League football as a fresh-faced 18-year-old, little did he know he would forge a career to bring joy to so many.

- Jon Couch

After nine years at the Millwall academy and a brief stint at Southend United, Higgins' life was at a crossroads. Unsure if he had a future in the full-time game, Higgins dipped his toes in Non-League waters and the rest, as they say, is history.

Fast forward 16 years and Higgins has established himself as one the part-time game's most decorated figures, scoring a whopping 403 career goals and picking up an unrivalled haul of collective and individual accolades along the way.

Undoubtedly his highlight was an iconic first spell at East Thurrock United, which yielded 275 goals and no fewer than four Golden Boots, at Steps 2, 3 and 4. He also won the Isthmian Premier and North division titles and steered the Rocks to a maiden Essex Senior Cup success.

Then, at Hornchurch, he lifted the FA Trophy at Wembley and Isthmian Premier title as well as a Player of the Year and Golden Boot double.

Add further success at Chelmsford City (two spells), Bromley and Canvey Island and you begin to get some idea as to the overall impact that the popular striker had, mainly in his native Essex and surrounding areas.

But, this week, picking after United, finally up a heel injury while playing for Hashtag Higgins called time on his glittering career, met by a social media fanfare from past clubs, managers, teammates and fans.