Steven Gerrard and the Top 10 one-club footballers
Steven Gerrard has warmed the hearts of Liverpool fans everywhere by announcing he will stay at the club . But where does that put the Reds skipper in our list of the top one-club men?
We've based it on a dual criteria of length of service, plus contribution to the club's success, so if your favourite hasn't made our list then log in and let us know why he deserves to make our top 10.
10) Nat Lofthouse, Bolton - 14 years
Despite missing six years of his career due to the World War II, Lofthouse still managed 503 games for Bolton, scoring an incredible 300 goals, including two in the 1958 FA Cup final when the Trotters beat a Manchester United side still reeling from the Munich air crash. Since retiring as a player has held just about every position at the club including manager, scout and now President.
9) Matthew Le Tissier, Southampton - 16 years
Nicknamed 'Le God' by Saints fans, and with good reason. In 16 years at the club he almost single-handedly saved them from relegation several times, often with stunning goals from midfield. Never left the south coast despite possessing mesmerising skill that could have seen him play for one of Euorpe's top sides. Rejected offers to join Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea and retired after 540 games in the red and white.
8) Trevor Brooking, West Ham - 17 years
West Ham legend Sir Trev played 636 times for the Irons in 17 years at the club. He scored 103 goals in the claret and blue, none more important than the winner in the 1980 FA Cup final win over Arsenal.
7) Tony Adams, Arsenal - 19 years
'Mr Arsenal' actually played less games for the Gunners than David O'Leary, but he is excluded as he joined Leeds before retiring. Adams never played in any other club's shirt and in 19 years at Highbury he made 668 appearances - most of them as captain. He also led the club to a hat full of trophies including four League titles and three FA Cups.
6) Billy Wright, Wolves - 20 years
Football's first ever superstar, Billy was the David Beckham of his day. He led Wolves to three League titles and the FA Cup, captained England a record 90 times and even married a popstar. In 20 years at Molineux he made 541 appearances in the old gold.
5) Lev Yashin, Dynamo Moscow - 20 years
Joined Dynamo in 1950 and was still there 20 years later, finally retiring in 1970 after winning five league titles, three Soviet Cups, the European Championships and the Olympic Gold medal. Is still the only goalkeeper to win the European Player of the Year award and still found time to win the Soviet Cup playing for Dynamo's ice hockey team.
4) John Trollope, Swindon Town - 20 years
The Robins left-back holds the record for the number of league appearances made for one club in England - turning out for Swindon in 770 games between 1960 and 1980. Even when he tried to retire in 1979, a poor start to the following season saw him don his boots once again to help the team. Was awarded an MBE for his record-breaking feat, so if it's good enough for the Queen, it's good enough for us.
3) Jack Charlton, Leeds United - 21 years
Famous, of course, for winning the World Cup with England, Jackie was also a one club man with the Yorkshire giants. He won the league title, the FA Cup and the League Cup with Leeds in a 21 year career at Elland Road that saw him make 774 appearances, 629 in the League.
2) Ryan Giggs, Manchester United - 23 years
Evergreen Giggs is the most decorated player in English football history with 11 League titles to his name and is also the only player to have played in and scored in every season of the Premier League since it was formed in 1992. Has been with United for 23 years and with 838 games for the Red Devils he is easily the club's all-time leader in appearances.
1) Paulo Maldini, AC Milan - 25 years
Not just a one-club man, but part of a Milan dynasty including his father Cesare who played there for 12 years, and his sons Christian and Daniel who both play for Milan's youth teams. Maldini played top level football for a staggering 25 seasons - every single one of them with Milan, where he won everything in the game including seven Serie A titles and a record five European Cups. Had played more than 900 matches for the Rossoneri when he finally hung up his boots in 2009.
Who would make it into your top 10? Would Paul Scholes or Jimmy Dickinson be up there? Sign in and let us know below.
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