Best 11 of all time PNE

Best 11 of all time PNE

P

PerthPNE

Joined
Jan 29, 2012
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I’m sure this would have been posted in the past but everyday I see a “all time PL best 11” post on social media according to chat GPT. So I asked what would be the team for PNE. Here is the answer.



Preston North End has a rich history, dating back to being the first Football League champions in 1888-89. Here’s my All-Time Best XI for Preston North End, considering players from different eras:





Formation: 4-4-2
(A mix of legendary early players and more modern club icons)

Goalkeeper:

Alan Kelly Sr. (1961–1973) – Club legend with over 500 appearances, known for his shot-stopping and consistency.


Right-Back:

Graham Alexander (1999–2007, 2011–2012) – A modern PNE legend, renowned for his leadership and penalty-taking ability.


Centre-Backs:
Bill Shankly (1933–1949) – Before becoming one of football’s greatest managers, Shankly was a rock-solid defender for Preston.


David Moyes (1983–1990) – A strong, commanding centre-half before his managerial career took off.





Left-Back:
George Ross (1960–1973) – A key part of the 1964 FA Cup Final team and a stalwart defender.


Right Midfield:

Tom Finney (1946–1960) – The greatest player in Preston’s history. A world-class winger and forward, Sir Tom was two-footed, quick, and immensely skilled.





Central Midfielders:

Archie Gemmill (1967–1970) – An energetic and technically gifted midfielder who later starred for Derby and Nottingham Forest.


Paul McKenna (1997–2009) – A modern-era PNE hero, known for his work rate and passing ability.





Left Midfield:

Alex Dawson (1961–1967) – A powerful winger/forward who scored over 100 goals for the club.

Forwards:

Tommy Thompson (1946–1958) – A prolific goalscorer, netting over 100 times for the club.


Alex Bruce (1970–1983) – A fan favourite and key goalscorer during his era.



Honourable Mentions:


• Johnstone – A solid 50s keeper.


• Brian Mooney – A talented attacking midfielder.


• Joe Garner – A modern-day hero for his goals and passion.


• Charlie Wayman – A top-class post-war striker.


• Sean Gregan – A tough defensive midfielder.





This squad blends the best from different eras, from Preston’s early dominance to their modern battles. Would you make any changes?
 
wld said:
Just shows how unreliable AI answers are. I suspect Alex Dawson would have preferred playing up front instead of left midfield, maybe our previous manager was involved somewhere?
Click to expand...

Always remember him being my Dads fav player and I thought he was a strong bustling centre forward. Was surprised to read he was a left midfielder as well 🤔
 
Aitch said:
Always remember him being my Dads fav player and I thought he was a strong bustling centre forward. Was surprised to read he was a left midfielder as well 🤔
Click to expand...

Along with Tim Finney, my favourite player as well.

He did play on the right wing in the 1958 Cup Final, only 3 months after the Munich air disaster which decimated the United squad, so I think that was largely a case of 'needs must'.

The fact that he had scored 45 goals in 80 games for United suggests he was mainly played as a centre forward and that's certainly where he played for North End.
 
wld said:
Just shows how unreliable AI answers are. I suspect Alex Dawson would have preferred playing up front instead of left midfield, maybe our previous manager was involved somewhere?
Click to expand...
He did play on the wing for Man U as a kid but your right Centre forward was the big mans role.
 
Schemer said:
Along with Tim Finney, my favourite player as well.

He did play on the right wing in the 1958 Cup Final, only 3 months after the Munich air disaster which decimated the United squad, so I think that was largely a case of 'needs must'.

The fact that he had scored 45 goals in 80 games for United suggests he was mainly played as a centre forward and that's certainly where he played for North End.
Click to expand...
*TOM!
 
Aitch said:
Always remember him being my Dads fav player and I thought he was a strong bustling centre forward. Was surprised to read he was a left midfielder as well 🤔
Click to expand...
He was a winger in the Busby Babes . But never anything but a bustling , shoulder charge the goalkeeper into the back of the , centre forward . Great with his head and a shot that according to legend once broke the net in a reserves fixture .
 
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