GRAYS Athletic striker Joao Carlos says he would like nothing more than to win some silverware with the club after making his 250th appearance on Saturday.

The attacker has become a firm fans favourite since moving to the club from Thurrock back in 2011, having played an average of more than 50 games a season since his arrival.

Carlos has started 232 of the 250 games, scoring 71 goals including 25 strikes in 2013/14, the season after Grays won promotion to the Ryman Premier League.

The 26-year-old has rejected a number of offers from clubs at a higher level but insists he has not come close to leaving.

He is now just three appearances behind Stuart Thurgood in the all-time appearance list, and says he wants to taste more success with Grays, after reaching the landmark in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with rivals East Thurrock United.

“My main aim right now is promotion,” said Carlos, who was on the losing side in the Ryman League Cup final last year. “I would love to go up and win something with this club. We won the Ryman One North and that was a really good feeling. I want to push on with this club and grow with the team.

“I am pleased to still be here and reach this landmark. I haven’t come close to leaving as I have grown up with the fans and management.

“I only knew (Kenny) Beaney when I joined so I was a bit worried but it was the best decision I could have made.

“There have been offers from a higher level, and I have been offered more money but that hasn’t made me think about leaving. They have been excellent to me and I want to give that back.

“The style of play suits me and we try to do things the right way here. I have developed as a footballer and that is important. I was a tricky player before and sometimes tried to do too much but I am a lot more physical now and my game has gone on.”

Carlos hasn’t scored since September, but has been a steady presence alongside Dumebi Dumaka and Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson, who have scored 32 goals between them this season.

Speculation has recently surrounded the future of Dumaka, with a number of professional clubs keen on the striker, but Carlos says he has enjoyed playing with a variety of forwards over the years, as it improves his game.

“I have played with some very good strikers but every player is different,” he said. “It is important to adapt your game along with that of the others you are playing with. But this is a really strong striking unit and I am enjoying it. But now I want to push on and achieve more with Grays.”