THE three players who have so far made the most appearances for British clubs in domestic League and Cup competitions and at international level, are surprisingly all goalkeepers: Peter Shilton, 1,390; Ray Clemence 1,118 and Pat Jennings 1,089.
Wing-forward Tony Ford, with a total of 1,082, tops the list of outfield players who have made 1,000 or more appearances. He is followed by World Cup winning midfielder Alan Ball with 1,053; another goalkeeper David Seaman on 1,046; ‘Mr Utility’ Frank Lampard 1,044; ex-Manchester United star Ryan Giggs 1,036; Scotsman Graham Alexander 1,025; Irishman Noel Bailie 1,024; yet another goalkeeper, David James 1,023; former wide-man Ian Callaghan 1,002 and forward Tommy Hutchison 1,000.
Just under the 1,000 line come goalscorer Thierry Henry with 994, ‘keeper Neville Southall 993, forward Teddy Sheringham and midfielder Neil Redfearn, both on 981, and Asa Hartford with 973.
And, eight more, listed in A-Z order, namely Denis Irwin, Robbie James, Scot Sandy Jardine, Stuart McCall, Mick Mills, Bobby Moore, Phil Neal and Steve Perryman, have made 950+ appearances.
Gareth Barry, who is now the record holder for most Premiership appearances (634 and counting) has so far played in 859 senior club and international matches during his career.
