Features

Premier League's old guard

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 14/02/2010
Football betting

Kevin Phillips fired Birmingham City to a 2-1 derby success over Wolves last weekend.

The 36-year-old former Sunderland, Aston Villa and West Brom striker's two goals proved that players in their twilight of their careers can still make an impact in the richest league in the world.

But who are the oldest outfield players to feature in the Premier League?

Teddy Sheringham

The forward was 40 years and 272 days old when he made his final Premier League appearance for West Ham United.

The England striker played for Manchester United, Portsmouth, Tottenham (twice) and Nottingham Forest in the top-flight during a professional career spanning 25 years.

Sheringham played on with Colchester United after leaving the Hammers before eventually bringing the curtain down on his career at the ripe old age of 42.

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Gordon Strachan

Now the manager of Middlesbrough, Strachan is the second oldest player to have appeared in the Premier League.

The fiery Scotland midfielder hung up his boots after helping keep Coventry City in the top-flight during the 1995/96 season with his last appearance coming at the age of 40 years and 83 days.

He took over the managerial reins at Highfield Road where he remained for five seasons.

Bryan Robson

Robson finally called time on his playing career aged 39 years and 356 days after two years as player-manager at Middlesbrough.

The former Manchester United and England captain made almost 600 club appearances during a 22-year professional career that began at West Brom.

Ray Wilkins

Much like Robson, Wilkins also spent two years combining management with playing duties at QPR.

However, time was called on his playing career in the Premier League by the club when he was sacked following their relegation at the end of the 1995/96 season.

The former England midfielder was 39 years and 234 days old when he played in the top-flight for the final time.

He went on to make appearances for Wycombe, Hibernian, Millwall and Leyton Orient.

Trevor Francis

Francis is best remembered for becoming the first £1million player in English football.

However, he also played on until he was 39 years and 125 days of age with Sheffield Wednesday where he was roared on by chants of "we've got tricky Trevor, he will play forever!"

Dean Windass

The veteran striker only officially retired last October after playing a pivotal role in helping sportsbook relegation favourites Hull City reach the Premier League and retaining their top-flight status during a difficult first season.

He was 39 years and 151 days when he made his final league appearance for his hometown club.

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