Skipper Rudge will be the first to buy his boss a pint
That applies even more so if his side have just lost and the Tivvy chief is trying to 'collect his thoughts'.
Rudge knows Rogers as well as anybody having played under his manager for eight years and counting. Rudge led Tiverton out for their 1-0 win at Banbury last Tuesday — Rogers' official 1,000th game — and he will be the first to start the celebrations at Ladysmead on Saturday against Brackley.
In his time with the club the big defender has experienced many highs and lows. But a memory that stands out for him came a few years ago following a dispiriting defeat on the road, when Rogers had gathered his players after the game for a customary dressing down.
"We had just been beaten and we were all sat around the changing rooms while the gaffer was having a go," explained Rudge. "All of a sudden his mobile phone started ringing. But it was a cold night and he probably had six or seven layers on, so he couldn't find which pocket he had put his phone in.
"The longer it went on the more he was going absolutely up the wall, ballistic.
"Finally, after about 10 minutes, he managed to find his phone and straight away he volleyed it across the changing room. He was still trying to shout at us but after that commotion everyone was laughing their heads off."
Despite that, Rudge insists even when Rogers is at his most vocal — including in the changing rooms after a defeat — his words are worth listening to. He added: "He's not just a shouter and a bawler. Often what he says after a game or at half-time are the things you work on next time around. If you've been at a club for 20 years you're bound to upset a few people along the way with some things you say, but that goes for anyone.
"Luckily for me I've had some good times and got some good memories and long may it continue."
Rudge will be the first to admit that things have not always been rosy at Ladysmead during his spell with the club and his relationship with Rogers has been, on occasions, strained. But his admiration for his boss is undoubted and he insists he will be the first one to buy him a drink on Saturday.
"It's a fantastic achievement and you'll not see it again for a long time, if ever," said Rudge. "To be at one club for 20 years, you have to have great respect for him. I've had some brilliant times here, he's supported me and been brilliant to me. Obviously there have been some bad memories as well as the good ones, but he's the best manager I've worked for, and he's been fantastic to me, as he has been to a lot of players, to be honest."
loyal servant: Nathan Rudge (right) is in his eighth season of playing under Martyn Rogers at Tiverton Town matt austin
