Illustrious is hardly the word that can be used to describe Tony Ford’s 24-year career, in which he has played for Grimsby, Stoke, West Brom, Scunthorpe, Mansfield and Rochdale. Having said this, he guaranteed his moment in the limelight when he broke Tommy Hutchinsons British outfield appearance record.

The 16th of January 1999 saw Ford play his 864th game whilst at Mansfield, just four months short of his 40th birthday. Now playing for Rochdale, where he is assistant player manager, he has further extended his own record. Ford, who never played in the top flight, has appeared on every English league ground apart from Tottenham, Blackpool, and Wycombe in his long career. He was given deserved recognition for his efforts back in 1989 when he was selected for an England B tour of Scandinavia. Although he only gained two caps, it did give him the opportunity to mix with top players such as David Platt and Paul Gascoigne.