RICHARD Marshall is ready to step into the 200-club today but he has his eye on yet more milestones in his Park Avenue career.

Marshall is expected to make his 200th appearance for Bradford when they play at Chorley in the National League North this afternoon.

It has taken him just over five years to reach his double century after making his debut in August 2011 having signed from FC Halifax Town.

The modest Marshall played down his achievement, saying: “I’ve been lucky really because I’ve never had any long-term injuries.

“Some of our players have had really bad injuries and missed full seasons but, by chance, I’ve steered clear which is something because some of the tackles that come in are pretty heavy.

“But I’ve been fortunate on that front and kept myself fit and, most importantly, managed to keep my form.”

Marshall needs just 17 more games for Avenue to knock Tom Greaves out of the top five record appearance holders for Bradford since the club reformed.

Marshall’s two goals, both penalties, in the last game – a 3-0 league win over Lowestoft Town – moved him level with Greaves on goals scored.

The former team-mates are on 63 goals each and Marshall is sure that when he gets his next it won’t be long before he hears from Greaves.

“I’m sure I’ll get a text or a Facebook message from him when he finds out I’ve passed him,” said Marshall.

“We’ve kept in touch since we were both at Avenue but we don’t see each other very often, either one or both of us is usually playing somewhere. Again it’s pleasing to know that it’s another record that I’ve reached.

“Greavesy is a top player and a great lad and he’s gone on and done well at FC United and he’s still in the goals for them.

"I guess the penalties have added to my score because I’ve taken a few but I love to take them and I’m always confident.”

Marshall could be third in the list of most appearances by the end of this season and he hopes to add to his goal tally as well.

He trails Andy Hayward, the reformed club’s leading scorer, by 25 and he has the desire to reach the top.

Marshall said: “That record must have stood for a few years and as a current player near to it you have to look at it. I’ve got a good goals to games ratio and I don’t think that’s bad because I’ve played mainly in midfield.

“Last season I played a lot as the holding midfielder but I’m in my more natural position now, just behind the striker. I’ll try to get a few more goals before Christmas and then kick on after that.

“See how many I get this season and then come back next season - I hope to be back next campaign. Nobody’s told me any different anyway.”