Who stands tall in your defence?

With the online public poll to pick the EVO-STIK League's legends from the last five decades closing at 7pm on Friday 22 December, the latest 'pen pix' guides to the 200 players who made the final shortlist from an original cast of more than 2,000 are being published as the countdown continues to help fans, players and officials cast their votes.

The NPL50 legends chosen will earn a place in the first book charting the Northern Premier League's proud history that is currently being written and is due out at the end of the season. After our guide to the contenders kicked off with the keepers this week, the competition's defenders are next up in the spotlight ...

Adam Yates
Known to have played for: Belper Town, Chesterfield, Matlock Town, Shirebrook Town
Now a Gladiators legend and club captain, the 28-year-old passed the 400 appearances mark in September since arriving back in 2009. Now a highly popular figure among fans after growing in stature along the way. Originally signed after impressing then manager Mark Atkins in Shirebrook Town’s narrow defeat by Matlock in a Derbyshire Senior Cup semi-final. Previously a youth team player at Chesterfield, he has also served Belper Town.

Alex Melbourne
Known to have played for: AFC Wulfrunians, Chasetown, Hednesford Town, Rushall Olympic, Stafford Rangers, Wolves
A product of the Wolves academy, Melbourne joined the Pitmen for a third time in June 2017 after a second spell at local rivals Stafford Rangers. An adaptable player who can play anywhere across defence or midfield and something of a set-piece specialist, Melbourne joined Wolves as a teenager and made progress through the club's academy, signing up as a first year professional in the summer of 2008. Sent out on loan to Blue Square North high-flyers Tamworth, he was released by Wolves in the summer of 2009 before joining then West Midlands Regional League side AFC Wulfrunians. Linked up with Rushall Olympic on the eve of the 2010-2011 season on the first of three occasions, and very quickly established himself as a fixture in the side before the Pitmen snapped him up for the first time in January 2001.

Andrew Leeson
Known to have played for: Burnley, Bedlington Terriers, Blyth Spartans, Whitby Town
South African-born, the 34-year-old enjoys legendary status in the North East Non-League scene having spent six seasons at Blyth Spartans from 2003 to 2009 before moving on to Whitby Town. Now in his ninth season with the Seasiders at the Turnbull Ground. Kicked off his career in Burnley’s youth system before being released on a free transfer.

Asa Charlton
Known to have played for: Corby Town, Halesowen Town, AFC Telford, Hinckley United, Leamington, Mansfield Town, Redditch United, Rushall Olympic, Worcester City
A trainee at Kidderminster Harriers, Asa joined Willenhall Town after being released before studying in the United States. On his return, he played for the Briitish Universities side before returning to Non-League's ranks with short spells at Rushall Olympic and Stourport Swifts. Went on to become one of the best-known defenders in the Non-League game. Asa has defied the odds over the last few seasons and is now in his second season with the Yeltz. Has used his experience to adapt his game to central defence and known to have helped his defensive partners improve wherever he’s played.

Barrie Stimpson
Known to have played for: Chesterfield, Gateshead, Hartlepool United, Morecambe, Barrow, Lancaster City
Barrie was an apprentice with Hartlepool United, making his debut in March 1981 in a 1–0 win at home to Stockport County before leaving to join Chesterfield in the 1983–84 season. He returned to Hartlepool in December 1984 after playing 28 times. On leaving Hartlepool he played for Gateshead, Morecambe and Colne Dynamoes before joining Barrow in August 1990. A move to Lancaster City where he was captain followed before he re-joined Barrow in 1995. Went on to enjoy a spell at Morecambe before returning to Lancaster City in December 1995. Subsequently moved into management as number two to Tony Hesketh at Lancaster and Kendal Town before taking the reigns at Lancaster. Now 53, he spends his weekends following his beloved Middlesbrough up and down the country.

Ben Bailey
Known to have played for: AFC Telford, Hednesford Town
Before returning to the Pitmen in July 2017 after a season with the Bucks, the popular centre-half spent ten years at Keys Park, playing a total of 335 times for the club after breaking into the first team squad during the 2007-08 campaign. A key member of the Hednesford side which won promotion to the National League North in 2015, the 26-year-old started out in the club’s successful youth sides. A regular winner of club and league accolades throughout his career.

Ben Seddon
Known to have played for: Formby, Runcorn, Wigan, South Liverpool, Southport, Stafford Rangers, Macclesfield Town, Wigan Athletic
As a teenager, Seddon represented Bootle Schoolboys before making his one and only appearance in the Football League for Tranmere Rovers. Now 65, the central defender finally hung up his playing boots in 1983 at South Liverpool. After leaving Tranmere and joining Southport, he went on to play for a host of clubs and made one winning and one losing appearance for Stafford Rangers in FA Trophy finals at Wembley in 1976 and 1979 respectively. A tower of strength in the back line, he also collected a Cheshire Senior Cup winners medal. At 28 years of age and after a six-year stay at Rangers, Runcorn were more than happy to pay a £2,000 transfer fee for his services. "He's worth every penny of it and may well turn out to be the club's best buy of the season,” said the club at the time. “Ben is a man of steel, has an excellent reputation coupled with a phenomenal goal scoring record as a defender.”

Billy Ayre
Known to have played for: Bishop Auckland, Crook Town, Darlington, Scarborough
Billy, who passed away aged 49 in 2002, was a commanding centre half who joined Scarborough from Northern League Bishop Auckland in summer of 1975, having previously played for Darlington and Crook Town. Was a huge favourite with Boro supporters, playing 116 matches, scoring 20 goals and mostly headers from set pieces. Helped Boro to FA Trophy glory in both 1976 and 1977 before moving on to Hartlepool for a £1,500 fee in summer 1977. Later played for Mansfield and Halifax and managed Halifax, Blackpool and Scarborough in the Football League as well having coaching roles at Lincoln, Cardiff and Bury. In total, during a 16 year professional career, Gateshead-born Billy made over three hundred Football League appearances.

Chris Slater
Known to have played for: Chasetown, Port Vale, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Central defender Chris joined Chasetown in 2003-04 from Wolverhampton Wanderers and was a part of Chasetown’s FA Cup successes in 2005-06 and 2007-08 which prompted Port Vale to sign him. He made 13 appearances for the Valiants before re-signing back to Chasetown and becoming the first Scholars star to be nominated in the Evo-Stik Division 1 South Team of the Year. The club’s former skipper made his 500th appearance during 2014-15 season and became the club’s all-time record appearance holder before leaving in 2016. Now at Walsall Wood after teaming up with former Scholars team-mate Gary Birch in May 2017 following his appointment to manage the Oak Park outfit.

Craig Dawson
Known to have played for: Bolton Wanderers, Radcliffe Borough, Rochdale, West Bromwich Albion
Currently with Premier League West Brom as one of the NPL’s star graduates of recent years, Craig joined Radcliffe in his youth after being brought to training by then chairman Bernard Manning. Instantly a favourite with the fans, he dominated the defence during his time in the league to earn a move to Rochdale in 2009. After being named League 2 Player of the Season he was snapped up by West Bromwich in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since following loan spells back at The Dale and with Bolton Wanderers. Has also collected 15 England U21 caps and scored six times for his country as well being a member of the 2008 Great Britain Olympic team.

Craig Smithurst
Known to have played for: Belper Town, Burton Albion
After joining Belper from Burton Albion in 1988 as a 17-year-old Craig went on to make a record-breaking 678 appearances for his hometown club, cementing a reputation as a loyal servant, respected by players and supporters alike before retiring in 2003.
Rarely did a team sheet not include Craig's name, because his various managers knew the value of his performances and in setting an example to others on the field. Players and managers came and went but Craig Smithurst survived all the changes and his name became synonymous with the Nailers during a 15-year association. His honest endeavour on the field saw him credited with many of the club’s successes including reaching the semi-finals of the FA Vase.

Danny Farthing
Known to have played for: Goole AFC, Harrogate Town, Pickering Town, Scarborough Athletic, Whitby Town
Danny joined Harrogate Town from Pickering Town in June 2002 and then re-joined Pickering at the start of the 2003-04 season. He switched to Goole AFC in October 2003 and then back to Harrogate Town in March 2004 before signing for Whitby Town in 2004 and quickly establishing himself in the heart of the Whitby defence. A favourite with the fans wherever he’s played.

Dave Leaver
Known to have played for: Bamber Bridge, Chorley
The former Bamber Bridge captain is regarded as a Briggers legend, plain and simple. Another Brig star and former Kendal Town, AFC Fylde and Lancaster City defender Glenn Steel described Leaver as “the best defender he’s ever played with” when he left Irongate in 2014.

Dave Young
Known to have played for: Ashton United, Curzon Ashton, Mossley, Glossop North End
Signed for Mossley from Curzon Ashton in February 2012 after previously skippering Glossop North End and becoming a club legend since making his debut as a 17-year-old. In the process, he skippered the Hillmen during two appearances at Wembley including the FA Vase Final in 2009. Also squeezed in a spell at Ashton United during a long and illustrious career in Non-League.

David Briggs
Known to have played for: Ossett Town, Farsley Celtic, Guiseley
Skipper and defender who graduated the Ossett Town’s youth and development sides before ending his long stay at Ingfield in 2009 to move on to Guiseley and then Farsley Celtic after winning promotion to then Unibond League’s top flight. His switch to Nethermoor was not popular with the Ingfielders who reported their then league rivals to the Football Association for making an illegal approach for their star defender.

David Chadwick
Known to have played for: Chorley, Leigh RMI, FC United of Manchester, New Mills, Prescot Cables, Skelmersdale United
Played for the Red Rebels for seven years making more than 200 appearances, wearing the captain’s armband in nearly every match and leading the side during their rise from the North West Counties second tier to EVO-STIK Premier Division. Won both the EVO-STIK League North and Premier Division titles before retiring as New Mills skipper and joining Salford City as assistant to Phil Power. Now aged 40, Dave also played at Prescot Cables, helping them gain them NPL Premier status too before becoming the manager of Chorley’s newly formed development squad in 2016 after playing for the club’s reserves in the 1990s.

David Goodchild
Known to have played for: Whitby Town
Earned his place as Whitby Town legend during arguably the greatest moment in the club’s history, winning the FA Vase at Wembley twenty years ago having already secured the Northern League title under the guidance of manager Harry Dunn.

David Merris
Known to have played for: Guiseley, Ossett Town, Scarborough, Harrogate Town, York
Dave was a member of the youth system of hometown club Rotherham United before joining Guiseley in 1998. He moved to Harrogate Town in September 1999 and won the NPL First Division title in season 2001-02. In total, he made 148 appearances and scored 11 goals for Harrogate during this period. After joined Ossett Town in 2014 a player coach, the 37-year-old was appointed player-assistant manager before moving on to Scarborough Athletic in 2016.

Gareth Williams
Known to have played for: Ashtington, Benfield, Blyth Spartans, Whitley Bay, South Shields
Known as "Mr Consistent" for Blyth Spartans in the 2000's with over 350 appearances for the club in both the NPL and Conference. The right-back returned to the EVO-STIK League a decade later this season as a member of the quadruple-winning South Shields side.

Gary Dullaghan
Known to have played for: Morecambe, Lancaster City, South Liverpool, Oswestry Town, Rhyl, Witton Albion, Ashton United, Chorley
A a tall and powerful central defender, Gary was a key member of the Morecambe side which won promotion to the Conference, making 177 appearances for the Shrimps and scored 18 goals before leaving in 1996 for Lancaster City, Witton Albion, Ashton United and Chorley. Was also a member of the final Ostwestry side to play in the NPL before they folded and reformed as TNS. Sadly, passed away in 2006 from brain cancer aged just 41.

Gary Hatto
Known to have played for: Frickley, Emley, Ossett Town
After starting out as an apprentice under former Leeds United legend Billy Bremner at Elland Road, Gary spent almost 20 years in non-league football and was a member of the Frickley side that finished runners-up in the old Conference in 1985-86 behind Enfield. He also reached the third round proper of the FA Cup with the Westfield Lane outfit before becoming a playing assistant manager in 2003. Before returning in a management role, Hatto also helped local rivals Emley to the runners-up spot in the Northern Premier League’s top flight 2001 behind Stalybridge Celtic in the race for a place in the Conference. Apart from a brief spell with Ossett Town in 1987-88, the rest of Hatto's Non-League career was spent at Frickley who rewarded him with a testimonial in July 2004.

George Horan
Known to have played for: Chester, Connah's Quay Nomads
Captain of the reformed Chester FC side who were promoted twice in succession from the NPL after joining from Droylsden in 2010. Still the club’s record apperance holder, Horan’s unflinching commitment to the cause was never in question during his four seasons at the Deva, so much so that the treble title-winning captain was named as the Blues’ best skipper from the past 25 years in a Chester Chronicle poll. Now 37, the defender surpassed himself to help his current club Connah’s Quay Nomads in the summer when he flew back from a family holiday in Cyprus to play in Europe for the Welsh outfit!

Graham Tobin
Known to have played for: Altrincham, Macclesfield Town, Nantwich Town
Graham was a tall, strong, skilful and very highly rated central defender who gave over a decade of service to Macclesfield. He was recruited from Altrincham where he won a championship medal. Such was his standing in the eyes of the supporters, he was voted Player of the Year for the 1983-84 and 1990-91 seasons. He was also club captain, a member of the triple-winning squad in 1986-87 when the Silkmen won the NPL Championship, League Cup and President’s Cup, gained winners' medals in the Cheshire Senior Cup in 1983 and 1991, and was a regular member of the NPL XI squad and FA XI. Graham was selected for the England semi-pro team but unfortunately suffered an injury which kept him out of the team. On leaving Macclesfield moved to Nantwich Town early in the 1991-92 season after which he retired from playing football. While at Macclesfield, Graham was a teacher at a special needs school as well as coaching youngsters.

Grant Black
Known to have played for: Barnsley FC, Buxton FC, Bradford Park Avenue, Harrogate Town, Matlock Town, North Ferriby United, Stalybridge Celtic FC
The right-back left Matlock Town to move into management in February 2016 at Ossett Albion after a successful playing career in the Conference North and NPL with the likes of Harrogate Town, Buxton and Stalybridge Celtic. Led the club away from relegation to safety and then to the play-off final in under 16 months.

Harry Dunn
Known to have played: Scarborough
Now 64, Harry was a stylish defender who represented his home town club Scarborough for almost two decades after making his debut in 1965 against Grantham in the Midland League. Was a near ever-present over the next 18 years, making a club record 901 appearances, including four in FA Trophy finals at Wembley and 463 NPL matches. Left Scarborough in 1983 for a spell with Frickley Athletic but returned to Boro as player-manager in November 1984. Remained in charge until being replaced by Neil Warnock in May 1986. A perfect gentleman, he was only booked three times in his long and illustrious career.

Jack Duggan
Known to have played for: Stourbridge, Rushall Olympic, Northwich Victoria, Fleetwood Town, Lancaster, Chester
A powerful, strong central defender who signed for Stourbridge from Rushall Olympic for a fee in July 2016. Brought up in Blackpool, he currently resides in the Midlands where he is a commanding presence in the air and a threat at the other end on set-pieces. Kicked off his career with Fleetwood Town, rising through the ranks during loan spells with Lancaster City and Chester before being released by the Cod Army in the spring of 2012. He joined Kendal Town in July 2012 before following boss Lee Ashcroft to Northwich Victoria in December 2012. Signed for Rushall in the summer of 2013 where he soon impressed at the heart of defence.

James Lukic
Known to have played for: Gainsborough Trinity, Matlock Town
Dubbed "Mr Matlock", the 35-year-old made over 650 appearances for the Gladiators since arriving in 1998 as a youngster to hold second spot in the club’s appearance records behind Mick Fenoughty. A skipper and leader, he has won the hearts of Gladiators fans with his resilience and playing style.

Jerome Wright
Known to have played for: FC United of Manchester, Chester, Ramsbottom United
Singed by the Rebels in 2006 after suffering rejection at the age of 16 by Oldham Athletic, the left-sided defender is a club legend after making a total of 400 appearances and scoring 82 goals during the club’s rise to the National League. Moved on to Altrincham before returning to the EVO-STIK League in August with Ramsbottom United. Also spent a season at Chester in 2011-12 before returning to the Rebels.

John Carroll
Known to have played for: South Liverpool
The giant centre-half joined South from Heswall in the West Cheshire League in 1982, starting in the reserves and graduating to the first team. In total, he made 193 appearances along with eight goals for South from November 1982 to his departure in July 1986 for Weymouth. After that, he enjoyed a fine Non-League career including in management at Runcorn where he guided the club to consecutive FA Trophy finals at Wembley. A well-loved figure at all his clubs, he was mourned by many when he passed away in 1986.

John Davidson
Known to have played for: Altrincham, Bangor City
A member of the British Universities side, 'JD' played for 16 seasons at Moss Lane after arriving from Burnley, broken only by a short interlude at Bangor City during the 1975-76 season. He was at the club during its glory years and played in just about all the glory matches, including those against Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool, Everton and Spurs in the FA Cup. One of the most decorated players in Altrincham's history, along the way he won just about every major honour available to a player, from England caps, to FA Trophy medals, to Alliance Premier League championships and cup 'doubles'. Also collected 24 England semi-pro international caps between 1979 and 1986.

John King
Known to have played for: Altrincham, Kirkby Town, Wigan Athletic, Northwich Victoria
John King is someone who needs no introduction to 'Alty' fans and is a man whose name will be forever linked with the history of the clubs as a player, captain, manager, a director and one time saviour of the club. His deeds are legendary: scoring the third goal at Wembley to seal Altrincham's first FA Trophy win and clashing with 'Ossie' Ardiles of Spurs in the FA Cup. Considered an old school "Hardman" of football but a player that was able to lead from the front. Signed from Northwich after spells at Kirkby Town and Wigan Athletic he was a junior with both Everton and Shrewsbury and a scaffolder by trade.

John Turner
Known to have played for: Skelmersdale United, Macclesfield Town
An outstanding amateur with international honours, John joined Macclesfield from Matlock in the middle of the 1971-72 season. He was previously with Skelmersdale where he was captain of their Amateur Cup winning team in 1971. A very stylish player who was a key-man in the back four gaining a Cheshire Senior Cup winners' medal in 1973. John was a member of the Middlesex Wanderers tour of Japan in the summer of 1973. A gentleman of a player who worked as a solicitor in Manchester.

Ken Jones
Known to have played for: Northwich Vics, Caernarfon Town
A central defender who was a bricklayer before becoming John King’s assistant when he moved to Tranmere, he was a member of the club’s 1983-84 FA Trophy winning side and clocked up a remarkable 961 appearances for the Vics in total. Ran a pub after hanging up his playing boots before going back into the building trade.
Kevin Parr Known to have played for: Curzon Ashton, Glossop North End and Stalybridge Celtic
Parry joined Celtic in 1998 before playing a major role in their promotion to the Conference after doing the treble of the Northern Premier League, President’s Cup and Cheshire Senior Cup in 2001. He went on to make 354 appearances for the Celts, scoring 52 goals and was given a testimonial at the end of the 2003-04 season before leaving in 2007 for Curzon Ashton. Signed from Glossop, Kevin was Celtic through and through.

Kyle May
Known to have played for: Gretna, Workington
After joining from Gretna in 2014, Kyle spent 12 years playing for the Reds, amassing over 500 appearances for the club by 2016. The former Carlisle trainee joined Workington on the back of winning the Scottish Third Division with Gretna. A strong centre-back with the ability to turn games instantly, as he showed in the NPL’s 2016 play-off semi final. May reached the landmark of 400 appearances for Reds in August 2013 and has been at the club through promotions, relegations and near-misses.

Lee Southwood
Known to have played for: Trafford
Legendary central defender and the EVO-STIK League North club’s all-time appearance record holder with 311 outings. Went on to assist Trafford’s newly appointed player manager Ged Kielty to one of the most successful campaign in the club’s history in 2007 when they won the Vodkat League Championship title by 11 points with a club record of 95 points to be promoted to the then Unibond League for a second time since winning the title back in 1997.

Matt Lawlor
Known to have played for: Bamber Bridge, AFC Fylde, Blackpool, Leigh Genesis, Farsley Celtic, Norcross & Warbreck
First-team captain, Matt is an experienced defender who started his career at Blackpool. Had short loan spells at Leigh Genesis and Farsley Celtic whilst on Blackpool’s books. Became one of Fylde's longest-serving players upon joining the Coasters in the summer of 2008 following his release from Bloomfield Road. Matt made 110 appearances for AFC Fylde, scoring two goals and was a regular face in defence over three seasons, in doing so becoming a firm favourite with the Kellamergh Park faithful. Matt moved on to Bamber Bridge in November 2011 following a short spell with West Lancashire League outfit Norcross & Warbreck.

Micheal Bowler
Known to have played for: New Mills, Glossop North End
Despite learning his trade as a midfielder, Mike was converted into a defender in later seasons and was a consistent performer in Division One North during 2012-13 when New Mills were beaten promotion play-off finalists. Moved to Glossop North End to become a member of their FA Vase finalists before staying with the club upon promotion into the EVO-STIK League. Has made well over 200 appearances in total for the two clubs.

Neil Marshall
Known to have played for: Lancaster City
The club great made 486 appearances for the Dolly Blues over a 10 year career and was one of a handful of stars who stayed loyal to the club despite the financial difficulties which led to them dropping out of the EVO-STIK League’s top flight. After being awarded the captains' armband for his consistent performances and unwavering dedication, the City skipper led the Dolly Blues to the President's Cup final in 2011. During his time at the Dolly Blues, Neil played in 435 out of a possible 506 competitive games, an inspiring 86 percent of all matches. A local lad and huge favourite with the fans at the Giant Axe, the defender was widely mourned throughout football when he lost a brave battle with cancer at the age of 31 in November 2016.

Paul Clowes
Known to have played for: Ashton United, Leek Town, Congleton Town
One of Leek’s favourite sons, Paul quickly formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Chris McMullen and was an important member of the 1990 championship-winning and FA Trophy finalists squad. He made over 350 appearances for the Blues before eventually leaving in 1994 to join Congleton Town. He later moved on to Ashton United, whom he served with the same distinction as he showed at Harrison Park in 263 games for the Robins. Along the way, he scored 28 goals before returning ‘home’ to the Blues in August 2001.

Paul Sykes
Known to have played for: Bradford Park Avenue, Dover Athletic, Emley, Gainsborough Trinity, Glasshoughton Miners Welfare, Harrogate Town, FC Halifax, Margate, Ossett Town, Stalybridge Celtic, Worksop Town, Worksop Parramore
After kicking off his career at Sheffield Wednesday, the clubs Paul turned out for up front, in midfield, in defence and even in goal, read like an A-Z of Non-League football. Down south they included Dover Athletic, Welling United and Margate with Bradford Park Avenue, the original Emley, Ossett Town, Gainsborough Trinity, Harrogate Town, Worksop Town, Stalybridge Celtic, FC Halifax Town, Worksop Parramore, Glasshoughton Miners Welfare and AFC Emley also on the list and in no particular order!

Peter Smith
Known to have played for: Marine AFC
The defender played in a record-breaking 957 games for the Mariners, scoring 174 goals in the Cheshire League and during the club’s early seasons in the Northern Premier League. Played in the Crosby-based club’s first FA Trophy semi-final appearance in 1983-84 and was also a member of Marine’s FA Cup run side of 1975.

Simon Kelly
Known to have played for: Radcliffe Borough
Radcliffe captain and record appearance holder Simon Kelly finally hung up his boots in 2013 after making more than 600 appearances for the EVO-STIK League North club. Simon played a vital role in the club's history, enjoying some of Radcliffe’s biggest moments including an FA Cup First Round appearance in 1999. A loyal servant to the club, he turned down offers to play elsewhere almost every season and in 14 years at Stainton Park set Boro’s all-time appearance record, with 588 games. The reliable defender, who was given a testimonial, finally called time on his playing career in2013 having struggled to combine it with work commitments.

Simon Woodford
Known to have played for: Ashton United, Curzon Ashton, Glossop North End, Trafford
Woodford signed for Ashton United last season having previously played for Curzon Ashton before moving on to Glossop North End for a brief stint. An experienced centre back, Woodford became a fans’ favourite at the Tameside Stadium after scoring the winning goal in the Evo-Stik Premier Division play-off final against Ilkeston in 2015 – a goal that promoted Curzon to the National League North. Equally at home at right back or centre half. Made 238 Trafford appearances before his move to Curzon Ashton in 2011.

Stanley Allen
Known to have played for: Altrincham, Kirkby Town, Skelmersdale United
A former captain of the club who joined Altrincham after one season at Skelmersdale United in 1972 after starting his career with Kirkby Town. Allan won both an FA Amateur Cup winner's medal for Skelmersdale United by beating Dagenham in 1971 and an FA Trophy winner's medal with Altrincham when they overcame Leatherhead in 1978. One of only three players to hold both medals, he went on to take up a new player-coach role for the Robin and later managed the club after making more than 600 appearances.

Steve Howson
Known to have played for: Radcliffe Borough, Ramsbottom United, Salford City
Kicked off his career as a striker when he joined Radcliffe and later scored 41 goals in a season to win the club’s golden boot before switching to the back line in a utility role. In total, he made 187 appearances for the Boro, scoring 55 goals, including 36 in his first season in 2007-08. Steve was also a member of the Salford team that won promotion to the Conference North and will always be remembered for his last minute goaline clearance against Hartlepool in the Emirates FA Cup in 2015.

Steve Nicholson
Known to have played for: Emley, Farsley Celtic, Leeds United, Wakefield, Worksop
Steve started out at Leeds United under Billy Bremner and was part of the Howard Wilkinson squad that won both the old First and Second Division championships. Kicked off his Non-League career at Farsley Celtic and went on to turn out for 10 years at Emley, including captaining them on their great run in the FA Cup in 1997, before switching to Worksop, Wakefield and Farsley again. A former Wakefield boss and more recently on the management team at Ossett Albion, Steve's Non-League playing career spans over 24 years and more than 1000 appearances. He also represented England C three times and was invited to travel the world on three occasions with the prestigious Middlesex Wanderers representative side and sporting ambassadors.

Wayne Daniel
Known to have played for: Boldmere St. Michael, Evesham United, Michaels, Kidderminster Harriers, Nuneaton Town, Worcester City, Stafford Rangers, Paget Rangers, Rushall Olympic, Stafford Rangers
Now aged 41, Birmingham-born Daniel retired in May 2006 after helping Stafford Rangers win promotion back to the EVO-STIK League’s top flight. A stalwart in the Stafford defence for many years, he also captained the club to promotion into the Conference National in 2006.

To vote in the NPL50 poll via the website, click here: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/X7NRP55.
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* Entitled '50 Glorious Seasons - A History of the Northern Premier League 1968-2018', the new history book is being penned by official historian and statistician Dominic McKenzie and will be out within weeks of the 2017-18 anniversary campaign ending.

The players includedin its pages are set to be unveiled next April at the 2018 Player of the Year Awards in Barnsley and then honoured in June at the NPL's end of season awards night in Blackpool. To contribute to the research for the official history email: dommckenzienpl50@gmail.com.

Images courtesy of @evostikleague/Twitter

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