No10: Lee Dixon

The Arsenal legend finally hung up his boots in 2002 at the grand old age of 38. Right-back Dixon was a rock solid part of the stingy Gunners defence in his 14 years at Highbury and retired at the same time as the great Tony Adams.

No9: Gary Speed

The Welsh midfielder should be held up to any budding youngster as an example of how to look after yourself as a footballer. In his 20 years in the top-flight, Speed was never found wanting. Despite being 38, Bolton fans were sad to see him join Sheffield United midway through last season.

No8: Mark Hughes

The Manchester City boss naturally demands the best after a career that spanned 22 years and three countries. Even when the striker took charge of Wales in 1999, he continued playing in the Premier League for a further three seasons. Aged 38, he finished with Blackburn before returning as manager.

No7: Denis Irwin

The Republic of Ireland full-back carved out a reputation as one of the Premiership’s most consistent performers during his 12 trophy-filled years with Manchester United. Yet, Irwin was back at Old Trafford in 2003 with Wolves – aged 38 - after helping his final club to promotion to the top flight.

No6: Stuart Pearce

Despite a career packed with highs and lows, Psycho gave his all until his very last kick as a pro. Pearce’s final Premiership match came with West Ham when he turned 39 at the end of the 2000-01 season, although he continued playing with Manchester City for a further two seasons.

No5: Nigel Winterburn

On the opposite flank from Dixon, Winterburn was another key cog in the Arsenal defence 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.

No4: Ray Wilkins

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.

No3: Bryan Robson

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.

No2: Gordon Strachan

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.

No1: Teddy Sheringham

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.