WHILE Saints were celebrating their 125th birthday, Kelvin Davis was marking another milestone – his 200th appearance for the club.

The goalkeeper and captain brought up his double century in Saturday’s 4-1 mauling of Peterborough.

The achievement was somewhat overshadowed by the club’s 125th anniversary, but it is a wonderful landmark for a fine Saints servant that should not go unnoticed.

After the final whistle at St Mary’s on Saturday, Davis donned a shirt with the number ‘200’ printed on it.

A lot has happened since he joined the club back in 2006 for a fee of £1m from Sunderland.

Last day Championship survival, administration, relegation to League One, a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win at Wembley, and six different full-time managers.

But, through it all, Davis has remained one of the few constants at Saints.

His path to 200 appearances has not always been smooth, though. Davis has lost the keeper’s jersey more than once – to Bartosz Bialkowski in 2007 and Richard Wright in 2008.

But he has always fought back to reclaim the number one spot, and has arguably returned stronger every time, ultimately becoming one of the most influential players at the club.

Certainly off the field, there is no more important voice among the players.

Davis, who at some stage this season will reach his 600th career appearance, strikes the delicate balance of not only being extremely well-liked by his teammates, but also hugely respected.

He is the sort of player that makes a manager’s job much easier, as he looks after the dressing room so well.

That is what prompted Alan Pardew to describe him as the best captain he had come across as a manager while he was in charge at the club.

For full story and more Saints news, don't miss today's Daily Echo.