Not many players in the modern area of semi-professional football could boast 400 appearances for one club, but as Beith fans will tell you, there’s only one ‘King Kenny’.

Striker McLean marked the incredible milestone against Auchinleck Talbot on Saturday, January 29, scoring an impressive 234 goals in that time.

He said: “It’s flew in, didn’t realise it was 400 appearances, I thought it would have been a lot more in 15 years!”

But as McLean told the Herald: “I’m always looking to get goals, but I’m never selfish about it. I’m more of a team player with quite a few assists.”

As McLean reached the milestone against Auchinleck, it was a match against the same opposition he listed as his favourite in his time at Beith.

He said: “The highlight was the first trophy we won with Beith, the West of Scotland cup, we beat Talbot in the final, I think that was our first major trophy we’d won in a good few years.

“It was good for the club, it kicked everything off.”

Making the day even sweeter, he also notched his favourite goal for the club that day, in the closing minutes of the match.

The striker has a lot of memories to look back on, including his side’s first ever Scottish cup victory, in 2016.

Though McLean said it was a strange occasion: “It passed me by to be honest, it was a rubbish game, I missed a penalty in the shootout, it was really strange.

“It kind of passed me by, I didn’t really enjoy it as much as I should have but it’s important getting a victory in any way.

"I remember the night after it, it was amazing, everybody being down after it.”

He said the club is a great place to be and moving away, despite numerous offers higher up the footballing ladder, or at other junior clubs is something he “never really entertained”.

He explained: “It’s a well-run club and has been for a long time and I think that’s what keeps players staying and wanting to play there, we’ve got a good few players coming up to their testimonial years.”

At 37, retirement would be on many players minds, and McLean has departed the club for short periods on occasion, but always finds himself returning for more and that’s exactly what he is looking for now.

He said: “I’m going to play as long as I can. I’m doing well this year, feeling fine, I look after myself, I don’t see why I can’t play next year and beyond.

“I don’t do as much running about as I used to do on the park, I try to stay more central and get in the box.

“I might not be brilliant every week, and I know my legs have gone, but I’ll always give 100 per cent for them (the fans).”

McLean likes to mentor players more now, with Beith having younger players push through, particularly young strike partner Josh Fowler.

He said: “I always try to say to some of the younger boys, teach them wee things, I always try and pass on a bit.”

Although he continued: “I couldn’t coach, well I don’t think so.

"I tried a bit with my kids and if I can’t deal with kids I’m not going to deal with teenagers and adults.

“But you never know.”

Congratulations on a stellar career so far, Kenny.