THE TOP 50 FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYERS AS VOTED BY THE FANS

As the season's run-in approaches, it can only mean one thing: with help from our readers, it's time for FFT's annual list of the finest stars outside the top flight

- Huw Davies, Andrew Murray, Chris Evans, Gabriel Sutton, Mark White, Marcus Alves, Ed McCambridge, Richard Edwards

50 HANNIBAL MEJBRI 

BIRMINGHAM CITY

POSITION MIDFIELDER AGE 20

In another challenging season for Birmingham, the Manchester United loanee’s intense pressing has won him many a fan, either side of 10 minutes at the World Cup with Tunisia. If he channels his aggression better, he’ll go far.

HIGHLIGHT Pulling off a clever and perfectly-executed free-kick against West Brom to catch out David Button at his near post.

49 ANDY COOK

BRADFORD CITY

POSITION FORWARD AGE 32

Strong enough to be a focal point, skilled and mobile enough to thrive individually, ‘Cookie’ did threaten in patches last season but is now more consistent, with 18 league goals before March.

HIGHLIGHT Showing strength, spirit, technique and composure to score against Gillingham after nicking the ball on the touchline.

48 PAUL SMYTH 

LEYTON ORIENT

POSITION FORWARD AGE 25

The pacy left-winger has made 2022-23 his sizzle reel, bagging a wide array of majestic goals.

HE SAID “It’s quite strange, not scoring a worldie” – in August, referencing his wonder strike against Barrow last March. He’s since netted a 20-yard peach, a bicycle kick and a solo dribble he converted after being floored.

47 WILL COLLAR 

STOCKPORT COUNTY

POSITION MIDFIELDER AGE 26

Dave Challinor’s mad Hatters mix up their game impeccably and Collar is a big part of their push for back-to-back promotions. He’s a fine passer with boundless energy in his box-to-box role.