Keith Stevens is second only to another one club man, Barry Kitchener, in Millwall appearances, 546 (11) to Kitch's 595 (7). Rhino's record is perhaps more remarkable as his total was amassed in the era of the Soccer Mercenary.

Keith Steven's received his nickname from fellow youth team players Andy Massey, Andy Wallace and   David 'Wildman' Martin, but their recollection is now a bit hazy as to whether it was because of his nose or tackling style. But stick it did, to such an extent that his mum was often called Mrs Rhino.

As a Schoolboy at Pelham High School, Rhino was spotted playing by Bob Pearson and invited to train once a week with Millwall. Before signing associated schoolboy forms (in 1978), Rhino was nearly poached by West Ham, whose Scout  Charlie Faulkener left forms with his dad for Keith to sign. Keith preferred Millwall, due to the family atmosphere and signed up disappointing his West Ham supporting Father.

Keith was taken on as an apprentice in 1980 and was given his debut as a 16 year old at the tail end of the 1980/81 season away at the Manor Ground v Oxford. It was to be a real test of his metal as he made an error in the first few seconds which led to the only goal of the game by Tim Smithers.

Rhino's had to bide his time playing in the Midweek League alongside Barry Kitchener. His next chance in the first team did not come until February 1982 when he made his home debut in the Sunday 5-1 thrashing of Exeter. Three days later Rhino was again playing against the Exeter first team (punishment for their poor showing on Sunday), this time for the reserves, in the midweek league and again was on the victorious side, this time 1-0. With Millwall stuck in mid-table Manager Peter Anderson used the opportunity to blood a few youngsters, with Sansome, Robinson and Stevens given some games.

The next season Rhino established himself in the first team playing in all of the first 32 first team games. However the season was not going well with Millwall struggling at the foot of the table.  After a row about injured players being ruled out of games early, rather than having late fitness test, Chairman Alan Thorne first suspended and then sacked manager Peter Anderson. 

Barry Kitchener was given the caretaker manager's role and after a month of poor results (2 draws and 2 defeats in the league and a cup exit to non-league Slough) George Graham was brought in as manager. 

After a period of assessment of the squad, Graham announced that Major Surgery was required.  Rhino was banished back to the reserves for the rest of the season with the exception of the Football League Trophy games.  Graham's major surgery consisted of Seven signings (Wells, Lovell, Nutton, Cusack, Otulakowski, White and Stewart on Loan) and departures of Kitchener, Horrix, Carr, West and Aylott.

 Graham's surgery paid off and Millwall at one point 12 points adrift of relegation rivals Reading overhauled them thanks in part to an incredible comeback at Elm Park. Down to 10 men and 3-0 down in a relegation sixpointer, Millwall looked dead and buried. However goals from skipper Dean White and Kevin Bremer and then a White Penalty got Millwall back on level terms. Millwall hung onto a point despite being reduced to 9 men after Neal joined Ian Stewart in the early bath for swearing at a linesman. Millwall completed the great escape by winning their last three games, v Newport (H) 3-0, Brentford (H) 1-0 and relegated Chesterfield (A) 1-0.

Keith Stevens  was recalled for the Final of The Football League Trophy, as all of Graham's new signings were cup tied, which was played on the ground of opponents Lincoln City . The game played in lashing rain on a mud bath of a pitch, saw Millwall trailing 1-0 at half time. Two Dean Neal goals (47 & 71 mins) and one from McLeary (59 mins) gave Millwall the lead but it was Man of the Match Paul Sansome who had kept Millwall in it, with several fine saves topped off with a 77th minute penalty save from Burke.  Lincoln pulled a goal back with four minutes to go, but Millwall held out to win 3-2 and pick up a bit of silverware.

The next season as Graham strived to forge a promotion wining team, Stevens was banished to the reserves for the first half of the season, earning a recall for the home game v Brentford in January with the squad down to the bare bones and Graham opting for a five man defence. The game, which Millwall lost 2-1, was notable for three things. It was the game were Teddy Sheringham made his debut, the game were Nicky Chatterton dislocating his Shoulder and went on to miss most of the rest of the season. These two events were overshadowed by the third when former Millwall Captain and Player of the Year Paul Roberts was knocked silly and left with a black eye by a Millwall fan, Terry Brooker, after Roberts made a rather cheeky gesture at the crowd in celebration of teammates Francis Joseph winner. Roberts was summonsed by the Police for using insulting behaviour and later charged by the FA of bringing the game into dispute.

Rhino was dropped again after this match but was soon recalled as Lovell was moved into midfield after Graham dropped Massey and sought to loan him out to Port Vale. Rhino was to play out the rest of the season in the first team as Millwall finished in 9th place.

To be Continued....