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 Endplaceholder image
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 GMT

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

Defender Colin Murdock made more than 200 league and cup appearances while at Deepdale, collecting a Division Two title medal in 2000 and featuring in the side that reached the Division One play-off final in 2001 - losing 3–0 to Bolton Wanderers

17. Colin Murdock

Defender Colin Murdock made more than 200 league and cup appearances while at Deepdale, collecting a Division Two title medal in 2000 and featuring in the side that reached the Division One play-off final in 2001 - losing 3–0 to Bolton Wanderers Photo: Kevin McGuinness

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In the summer of 2004 defender Youl Mawene made the move to Preston North End. An ever-present in his debut season, he formed a strong partnership with Chris Lucketti. His good form that year was rewarded with the Player of the Season award. In the 2005–06 season, he formed another strong partnership with Claude Davis as Preston reached the play-offs for the second season in a row. In the 2008–09 season, Mawene had another partnership with Sean St Ledger and occasionally Liam Chilvers, helping Preston to, again, reach the play-offs. In total he made 178 appearances for North End, scoring eight goal

18. Youl Mawene

In the summer of 2004 defender Youl Mawene made the move to Preston North End. An ever-present in his debut season, he formed a strong partnership with Chris Lucketti. His good form that year was rewarded with the Player of the Season award. In the 2005–06 season, he formed another strong partnership with Claude Davis as Preston reached the play-offs for the second season in a row. In the 2008–09 season, Mawene had another partnership with Sean St Ledger and occasionally Liam Chilvers, helping Preston to, again, reach the play-offs. In total he made 178 appearances for North End, scoring eight goal Photo: Ady Kerry

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Central defender Alex Jones made 101 appearances for Preston North End, scoring three goals during that time

19. Alex Jones

Central defender Alex Jones made 101 appearances for Preston North End, scoring three goals during that time Photo: Archive

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Liam Chilvers spent four years with Preston North End and was a strong presence during his time. He made 97 appearances and scored two goals

20. Liam Chilvers

Liam Chilvers spent four years with Preston North End and was a strong presence during his time. He made 97 appearances and scored two goals Photo: Archive

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