Birthplace: Preston

Clarke Carlisle signed a new two-year deal with the Clarets at the end of the 2009/10 season.

The powerful central defender had ended the campaign on the sidelines with an ankle injury after being a regular starter throughout the opening two thirds of Burnley's top-flight bid.

But he remains a key part of Burnley's plans as he closes in on 100 league starts for the club after signing from Watford in August, 2007 for a modest £200,000 fee.

Preston-born Carlisle had previous spells with Leeds United and Queens Park Rangers after starting his career with Blackpool.

The former England under-21 international has promotions on his CV with both Leeds and Watford and made it a hat-trick when he played a pivotal role in Burnley's 2008/09 Championship success.

An outstanding ambassador for the Clarets and a supporter of several charitable causes, another highlight of Carlisle's Premier League season at Turf Moor was his successful appearance on Channel Four quiz Countdown.

Also a popular media pundit and contributor, the cerebral centre-back has much to look forward to on and off the field as his career progresses further.