10. Ryan Giggs - 39
The most decorated player in English football just goes on and on. Still an influential player at 39, Giggs was rewarded with yet another one-year contract extension back in February, just before he made his 900th appearance for Manchester United.
Of course, the trademark pace of his younger career has dulled, but having been moved into a more central role, Giggs continues to have a brilliant reading of the game and an effective passing range. He continues to learn too – gaining his first experience of tournament football as captain of Great
Britain at the Olympics.
Whether the forthcoming season will be his last at Old Trafford probably hinges on the number of trophies he lifts in the months to come.
9. Stuart Pearce - 39
8. Nigel Winterburn - 39
On the opposite flank from Dixon, Winterburn was another key cog in the Arsenal defense throughout the 1990s. The left-back helped the Gunners to countless trophies during that period but extended his career by another three years at West Ham, eventually quitting at 39.
Ray Wilkins - 39
The former England midfielder thought his days at the top were numbered when he left QPR in 1994. But he was back at Loftus Road within months as their player-manager and continued on the pitch for almost another two years – finally ending his top-flight days aged 39.
6. Mark Schwarzer - 40
He may be nearing 41 but, being a goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer is showing no signs of slowing down. An ever-present for Fulham at home and in Europe last season, he continues to feature for Australia and even has his sights set on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Like Friedel, Schwarzer seems to have been around in the Premier League forever – and the stats back this up, with 640 appearances in England over 16 years. But he continues to perform in the top flight, making crucial saves, and is committed to the Craven Cottage club for another year at least.
5. Mike Pollitt - 40
Veteran of over 500 club appearances for 15 different teams, Pollitt continues to serve as understudy to Ali Al-Habsi at Wigan despite not having made a first team appearance since February last year.
Pollitt was Wigan’s first signing after promotion to the Premier League in 2005 and, who knows, could yet have a role to play in keeping them there for another season.
4. Bryan Robson - 40
Captain Marvel bowed out of the game with a final appearance as Middlesbrough player-manager just 10 days shy of his 40th birthday. Robson enjoyed a magical career at Manchester United and despite a string of injuries, was an inspiration until the end.
3. Gordon Strachan - 40
The ginger wizard became the first Premiership player to play into his 40s during his spell as player-manager of Coventry. Even at that grand old age, Strachan was still a key performer for the Sky Blues – and few believed his record would ever be broken.
2. Teddy Sheringham - 41
Top of the pile is one striker who seemed to defy the passing of time. Sheringham pulled on a West Ham shirt for the final time on December 30 2006 – 95 days short of his 41st birthday. Windass – or anyone else for that matter – will do well to beat his landmark.
1. Brad Friedel - 42
Despite being in his fifth decade – and already holding the honour of the oldest Premier League player – Friedel was an ever-present for Spurs last season and looks set to be again this.
With vast experience of everything the Premier League can throw at you from a career in England spanning over 550 games, Friedel is still sharp between the posts and a vital component of a side with top four aspirations.
Qualification for the Champions League, or perhaps cup success, would be a fitting finale for the American in the final year of his current contract
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