Graham Alexander is widely regarded as one of the best players to grace the hallowed turf at Deepdale. He played in the right back position and became an established set-piece taker, particularly in penalties. This is reflected in his goal tally of 54. In his time he racked up an amazing 400 appearances for Preston North EndGraham Alexander is widely regarded as one of the best players to grace the hallowed turf at Deepdale. He played in the right back position and became an established set-piece taker, particularly in penalties. This is reflected in his goal tally of 54. In his time he racked up an amazing 400 appearances for Preston North End
Graham Alexander is widely regarded as one of the best players to grace the hallowed turf at Deepdale. He played in the right back position and became an established set-piece taker, particularly in penalties. This is reflected in his goal tally of 54. In his time he racked up an amazing 400 appearances for Preston North End

Back line: 25 pictures showing some of the best defenders who played for Preston North End in the 80s, 90s and 00s

By Naomi Moon
Published 8th Nov 2022, 15:45 BST
This week we turn the spotlight to those formidable men who form the back line.

All the players featured here racked up a ton appearances for Preston North End during their time at the club. They all played their part in shutting down attacks and preventing goals – whether that be in the centre of defence or as right back and left back. How many do you remember? READ MORE: The best goalkeepers of Preston North End. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: PNE managers from the 90s and beyond. MORE MEMORIES: North End managers from the 70s and 80s

Originally a midfielder, Bob Atkins, who stood at 6'2", started finding himself due to injuries playing more frequently as a centre back. It was here that Bob really started to shine. Given the nickname "Skillful Bob" by the fans due to his ability to bring the ball out of defence and look for a passing option rather than "hoof" it, as many lower league defenders did, he was a mainstay and a rare sign of hope in what turned out to be Preston's worst ever stint in the football league

1. Bob Atkins

Originally a midfielder, Bob Atkins, who stood at 6'2", started finding himself due to injuries playing more frequently as a centre back. It was here that Bob really started to shine. Given the nickname "Skillful Bob" by the fans due to his ability to bring the ball out of defence and look for a passing option rather than "hoof" it, as many lower league defenders did, he was a mainstay and a rare sign of hope in what turned out to be Preston's worst ever stint in the football league Photo: Archive

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Australian centre back Bailey Wright made his debut senior appearance for Preston North End during the 2010-11 season. During his 179 appearances for the club he was an important player

2. Bailey Wright

Australian centre back Bailey Wright made his debut senior appearance for Preston North End during the 2010-11 season. During his 179 appearances for the club he was an important player Photo: Barrington Coombs

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Chris Lucketti moved to Preston North End in a £750,000 deal from Huddersfield at the start of the 2001–02 season. He played over 200 times for the Deepdale club

3. Chris Lucketti

Chris Lucketti moved to Preston North End in a £750,000 deal from Huddersfield at the start of the 2001–02 season. He played over 200 times for the Deepdale club Photo: Archive

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Geoff Twentyman was the son of former Liverpool player Geoff Twentyman. He played for Preston North End from 1983 to 1986, making 98 appearances and scoring four goals

4. Geoff Twentyman

Geoff Twentyman was the son of former Liverpool player Geoff Twentyman. He played for Preston North End from 1983 to 1986, making 98 appearances and scoring four goals Photo: Archive

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