By Matt Cecil

Yet when Matt Bloomfield steps onto the pitch against Notts County on Saturday afternoon, he'll be making his 150^th appearance for Wycombe Wanderers and reinforcing the belief owned by many fans that the free transfer signing of 'Blooms' in 2003 was one of the best transfer deals made by the club in recent history.

It was Tony Adams who brought the midfielder to Adams Park in December 2003 in an attempt to revive the desperately struggling Wanderers, who sat 23^rd in Division Two (now League One) with a dismal record of just 16 points from 22 games. Bloomfield's arrival might have passed without too much comment, with loanees Steven Taylor and Luke Moore attracting much of the attention, and Nathan Tyson joined the club just a week later.

Nevertheless, Blues' fans were somewhat optimistic about their new signing, who had progressed through the highly-rated academy at Ipswich Town, as well as representing England at Under-17 and Under-19 levels, and was touted as a great prospect for the Suffolk club before an injury hampered his progress.

Bloomfield's introduction to the club was more of a baptism of fire than anything else. Having signed two days before Christmas, he travelled with the squad to the Withdean Stadium and watched from the stands as his new team-mates succumbed to a 4-0 defeat amidst some torrential weather and questionable refereeing which resulted in Roger Johnson and Mark Rogers seeing red cards.

Then, just two days later, Bloomfield was thrust into the starting line-up for the match against Rushden and Diamonds at Adams Park, and despite an impressive individual performance, was unable to prevent a 2-0 loss.

Injuries then began to take their toll and 'Blooms' made just thirteen appearances in his debut season. He continued to shine in the light and dark blue quarters, and bagged his first professional goal in the 2-2 draw with QPR in March 2004.

The Blues were condemned to relegation that year but it was evident that, no matter how much Tony Adams needed to reshuffle his squad to prepare for life in League Two, the young Bloomfield was going to feature strongly in his plans.

Unfortunately, injury cruelly prevented Bloomfield from featuring in the first two months of the 2004-05 season, and his first appearance came in a 2-0 loss at Boston United in October. Adams left his post at the club just five games later and it was no great surprise that new manager John Gorman realised Bloomfield's contribution to the team and ensured the midfielder was a regular fixture in the side.

In fact, apart from a couple of injuries in December and January, 'Blooms' was a virtual ever-present in the starting eleven, and scored with a terrific left-footed strike in the 2-1 win at Rushden in February 2005.

He also netted in the last home of the season against Leyton Orient and made a total of 30 appearances in his first full season as a Wanderer. Although the Blues missed out on the play-offs, Bloomfield's tenacity and never-say-die attitude made him a favourite amongst the fans and there were fears that it wouldn't be too long before a bigger club made a move to sign him.

The 2005-06 season saw the creation of fantasy free-flowing football under the guidance of John Gorman, which really allowed Bloomfield to shine in the heart of the midfield. As well as expressing his attacking abilities which saw him score five goals for the Blues, he was able to use his boundless energy levels to help out defensively in his role as the engine-room of the team.

He found the net against Rochdale, Grimsby, Boston, Shrewsbury, as well as scoring a fantastic effort against Leyton Orient in the match which was televised live on Sky Sports.

Another change in the managerial hot seat occurred in the summer of 2006 with the departure of John Gorman, but yet again Bloomfield was deemed to be a valuable member of the squad and kept his place in the first team despite the arrivals of several new faces into Paul Lambert's squad.

His last-gasp free-kick at Boston United earned three crucial points in November and Bloomfield was instrumental in the fantastic Carling Cup run which saw him outshine several Premiership and international stars in the games at Fulham, Charlton and Chelsea. Three more goals followed against Macclesfield, Peterborough and Darlington and despite another summer of change at Adams Park, there was never any doubt that Bloomfield would remain a Wanderer.

But it is not just his performances on the pitch that have impressed managers, team-mates and fans alike. Matt is a true professional with a committed attitude, and although he has been named as a substitute for the last three games, the Blues' management knows that 'Blooms' will continue to work hard and not kick up a fuss.

Bloomfield is now the club's longest serving player and Blues fans will be hoping that there are many more milestone appearances to come from the midfielder.

Congratulations on reaching 150 appearances for the club, Matt.