l Lined up in a 4-2-2 formation

1 GK – Kingsley Banks: The Heybridge Swifts keeper was the most consistently high performer I've ever played with. One of the best at the old Ryman League level he was meticulous in his preparation, incredibly dedicated and an unbelievable shot stopper.

2 RB – John O’Sullivan: When Craig Edwards came in as manager at Grays Athletic Sully and I were the only players retained from the squad that had faced Reading in the FA Cup first round earlier that season. Versatile, strong and hard - the kind of player you wanted on your side in a game or fight.

3 LB – Andy Sussex: Normally a centre-half but I played in front of Suss on the left side for Grays. An ex-pro by that time, having played for Orient, Crewe and Southend he had a wand of a left foot and was so good I never really had to defend.

4 CB - Tony English: A proper old school centre-half who played over 350 games for Colchester, captaining their Conference and FA Trophy double-winning side. Together at Heybridge Swifts, he taught me so much about the defensive side of the game, knowledge I’m passing on to players I’m now coaching .

5 CB – Darren Purse: I was with him at Leyton Orient for four years up until he was 17. He was a monster of a teenager and the only professional success story from that squad. He had a great career, playing in the Premier League for Birmingham and West Brom and winning a couple of England u-21 caps.

6 CM – Josh Simpson: As a 17-year-old Josh broke into the Cambridge City team when we finished second in the Conference South and reached the FA Cup second round (in 2004/05) ultimately taking my place in the side. Even at that age you knew would go professional.

7 RM – Sammy Cooper: We first played together for Essex FA under-18 side and were re-united at Grays and again at Ford. A pacy, direct winger and great for team spirit. It was from his cross that I scored my most memorable goal with a volley at Port Vale in the FA Cup in 2003.

8 CM – Craig Edwards (Jr): In on merit. An all-round midfielder who could go past players, score goals, defend, head, pass…everything. We had a great partnership at Ford Utd and Chelmsford City and I played some of my best football alongside Craig.

9 ST - Robbie Simpson: Another youngster from the Cambridge City team who was studying at Loughborough University at the time. A prolific goal scorer back then and a technically superb front man who’s gone on to play for the likes of Coventry City, Huddersfield Town and Oldham Athletic.

10 ST – Neil Harris: A Millwall legend and now first-team manager, Neil has been a good friend of mine since we were strike partners for both Great Wakering & Maldon Town’s Junior Alliance teams as 17/18 year-olds. I must admit I remember more about our times together off the pitch than on it but his playing career speaks for itself!

11 LM – Glenn Poole: I played with the evergreen Pooley at Ford Utd after he left Yeovil Town. His strike rate from midfield in his early career was phenomenal. The only player on here who I’ve played with and coached, Pooley’s hunger for the game and ability to moan has never declined over the years!