10 Retired Players We Would Love to See Back in the Premier League

Following Paul Scholes' decision to come out of retirement to help Sir Alex Ferguson out at Manchester United, I thought it would be fun to compile a list of other players we would love to see back who have since retired.

It is best to think of this slideshow of these players in their prime rather than what they could bring to the table at their current age. So enjoy the piece and let me know which players you would love to see back. 

Peter Schmeichel (goalkeeper)

Peter Schmeichel has to go down as one of the greatest goalkeepers seen in the Premier League era. These days the best keepers model themselves after the great Dane.

The shot stopper is now 48, so a comeback is not on the cards, but at his best, he was superb!

Making over 300 appearances for Manchester United and proving to be reliable in domestic and European football. Schmeichel also had brief spells with Manchester City and Aston Villa in English football.

He was known for pulling off world-class saves and being difficult to beat in one-on-one situations, due to the way he made himself big and restricted the target. A tally of 12 goals in club football isn't bad for a goalkeeper.

He has represented Denmark an impressive 129 times. 

Nigel Winterburn (left Back)

Few people can forget the rock solid Arsenal back four of the 90s that featured Nigel Winterburn, Lee Dixon, Tony Adams and Martin Keown.

It now seems remarkable to think of a player staying at one club for 13 years, but Winterburn was a loyal servant and consistent performer. Making over 500 career appearances at Arsenal is a truly superb record.

These were the days that Premier League teams were made up of a lot of good, hard working British players sprinkled in with the odd bit of foreign talent. The only real disappointment of Winterburn's career was the lack of international games he played. Despite all of his talent, Winterburn played only twice for England. 

Gary Neville (right Back)

Gary Neville is still only 36 and may feel tempted to make a return to Manchester United. Neville was an incredible breed of footballer for the modern era, starting over 500 games and spending his entire career at one club.

However, there is the argument that if you are at Manchester United then why go elsewhere? Neville was also well-used on the international stage, winning 85 caps.

A comeback looks unlikely though as the ex pro is now making a name for himself in the media as a pundit. 

Sami Hyypia (centre Back)

Finnish defender Sami Hyypia proved to be a rock in the heart of the Liverpool defence for many years. He also proved to be a significant goal threat throughout his career. The defender scored over 40 goals during his career, and 22 of this came during his time at Liverpool.

He had over 300 Premier League appearances in an English career lasting 10 years, making Sami Hyypia one of the very best. He also went on to win 105 caps for his country. At 38, a comeback looks unlikely.

Colin Hendry (centre Back)

This Scottish defender will be best remembered for his time with Blackburn in the Premier League during a seven-year spell making over 200 top flight appearances. As the above picture shows, he wasn't one to be messed with and was a good old-fashioned no-nonsense defender.

He was also no stranger to the score-sheet, hitting the back of the net over 50 times. Hendry also won 51 caps for Scotland.

The ex defender has been outspoken about the current management of Steve Kean at Blackburn.

Darren Huckerby (left Winger/striker)

Darren Huckerby had all the elements fans like to see in attacking footballers: pace, skill and strength. At one stage, his partnership with Dion Dublin was among the best feared in the Premier League.

Years later, Hucks proved he still had it when he returned for a solidity season with Norwich City. He was a constant threat and was the most fouled player in the league, that season.

However, despite those obvious qualities, he never was given the chance to solve England's left-sided problem, but the clubs that he played for know how talented he was.

Ray Parlour (right Winger)

Ray Parlour may have not been the most exciting winger the Premier League has ever seen. However, he made a reputation of being a fan favourite for his high work rate.

Parlour proved himself to be a regular in the Arsenal first-team, and that made him a highly regarded player in the Premier League. Parlour made a limited number of appearances for England during his career. 

Tim Sherwood (central Midfielder)

Tim Sherwood was a quality central midfielder who made a name for himself playing in the Premier League. During his time in the Premier League, he made over 300 appearances.

However, despite his ability, he received limited recognition at the international level. Sherwood only managed to win three caps.

Alan Shearer (striker)

There is a lack of quality British strikers in the Premier League at the moment. So it stands to reason that a return of Alan Shearer would be welcomed. A career in management did not exactly work out for him, and he is currently working in the media.

Shearer is the Premier League's all-time top scorer with 260 goals. Shearer represented England 63 times, scoring 30 goals. Shearer played Premier League football for Blackburn and Newcastle.

Andrew Cole (striker)

Andrew Cole was another quality English centre forward. During his time in the Premier League, he scored 187 goals. His most successful spells came at Newcastle, Manchester United and Blackburn.

Andrew Cole played for England 15 times, scoring one goal. However, like most players on this list, a return doesn't look to be on the cards, at 40.

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