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

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

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

. Graham Alexander

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 Photo: Ian Robinson

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

. 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

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

. 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

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

. 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

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

. 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

Sean Gregan was a Preston North End legend who mostly played in the role of midfield, but has made the grade here because he also featured as a centre-back when needed. He made 212 appearances in a white shirt

. Sean Gregan

Sean Gregan was a Preston North End legend who mostly played in the role of midfield, but has made the grade here because he also featured as a centre-back when needed. He made 212 appearances in a white shirt Photo: John Hughes

In seven years at Preston North End defender Michael Jackson made 245 appearances for the club, even scoring 17 times

. Michael Jackson

In seven years at Preston North End defender Michael Jackson made 245 appearances for the club, even scoring 17 times Photo: John Leatherbarrow

Andy McAteer made his Preston North End debut as an 18-year-old on Boxing Day 1979 in a 3–0 home win over Shrewsbury Town. Quickly establishing himself as a tough-tackling attacking full back, McAteer didn't miss a game for the rest of the season, becoming a firm favourite with the Deepdale fans. He was a mainstay in the team making 277 appearances scoring nine goals during his first spell there

. Andy McAteer

Andy McAteer made his Preston North End debut as an 18-year-old on Boxing Day 1979 in a 3–0 home win over Shrewsbury Town. Quickly establishing himself as a tough-tackling attacking full back, McAteer didn't miss a game for the rest of the season, becoming a firm favourite with the Deepdale fans. He was a mainstay in the team making 277 appearances scoring nine goals during his first spell there Photo: Archive

On the eve of the 1997-98 season Gary Parkinson signed for Preston North End from rivals Burnley. The right back made 88 appearances and scored six goals

. Gary Parkinson

On the eve of the 1997-98 season Gary Parkinson signed for Preston North End from rivals Burnley. The right back made 88 appearances and scored six goals Photo: Kevin McGuinness

Mike Flynn played for Preston North End from 1989 until 1993. During his time the defender made 136 appearances and scored seven times

. Mike Flynn

Mike Flynn played for Preston North End from 1989 until 1993. During his time the defender made 136 appearances and scored seven times Photo: Archive

Dean Barrick was a right back who played for Preston North End from 1995 until 1998. He scored one goal in 109 appearances for the club

. Dean Barrick

Dean Barrick was a right back who played for Preston North End from 1995 until 1998. He scored one goal in 109 appearances for the club Photo: Lindsey North

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

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

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

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