the way it will work is there will be a separate thread about each position, starting with the nominations. it will be up to the concensus of the thread as to the final nominees. the appearances made will be discussed in these threads and it is down to the debate as to whether a player can be included if he hasn't played too many games. i don't want to put a figure on the appearances, much rather let everyone have their say on individual players

From a rovers point of view, loved Kemble as a fullback. He was an advocate of the golden rule when facing a kick. Never let it bounce! Him and Fairburn were probably the best two fullbacks in the league at that stage.

I saw Kembles 1st game for us,was a A-team game on a sat afternoon at Fev.Fev had the ball and booted it downfield,now we was waiting for the ball to bounce and roll about until the fullback picked it up like we was used to.Kemble had other ideas,he was positioned further up the line and dived about 6ft in front of him so the ball didn't bounce,caught it about 6" of the floor,rolled over,sprang to his feet and launched a counter attack.We was all stood there jaws dropped and that was the Fev fans.He did it a few times,caught every bomb and joined the line in attack.....Kemble the finest I have ever seen as FB in a FC shirt

Think you need 3 teams pre-50's ,keep ball at all costs till4tackle rule then 4-tackle rule onward
Don't remember Keegan letting ball bounce and after he tackled you be no quick play the ball,mast stayed down and another player played. The last poster you never show Kemble while at Hunslet then

If we are talking wingers, I'd suggest Bruce Ryan (Australian who played for Hull in the late 1940's) should be the first winger selected. I've followed Hull since 1975, but my Dad watched them every season from 1940 until his death earlier this year.

Without hesitation, my Dad always said that Bruce Ryan was by far the best player he ever saw play for Hull and he saw most of the players discussed on this thread, including Whiteley, Norton, Sullivan, Keegan, The Drakes, Sterling, all our NZ stars etc.

My dad watched from 1913 to 1968 and the 2 best wingers he saw play for Hull were Billy Stone and Bruce Ryan. My favourite will always be Ryan who was an excitement machine having speed,power and guile. Was devastated when he left for Leeds? In wingers I have seen in my League watching he ranks in the top six with Brian Bevan the standout supremo in this position.

It's very hard to put a list together when a lot of the players have never been seen by anyone alive.

I have no idea how good Joe Oliver was, but the fact that he is our top points scorer (and perhaps always will be), and will forever be immortalised by Old Faithful means he probably has to be included somewhere.

What about the first Australian to score a try against Gt Britain who stayed in England to play for Hull and became their first player to score 100 tries? Also won a Challenge Cup final with them. Played in the centre so maybe would find it difficult to be included .

His name was Jim Devereux and he had a long career with Hull starting in the late 1900's and finishing in the mid-20's.

I think we should be able to trust other people's opinions, as obviously the fan base on this forum covers many eras.

For instance, take the Full Back position. Some younger fans on here may say that Prekkie was the best Full Back that we have had, based upon who they have seen play over the past 10-15 years. I was lucky to see all of Gary Kemble's career and can honestly say that while Prekkie was a great player for us, Kemble was awesome and another level as a player. However, I never saw Arther Keegan, therefore if someone (or someone they knew) came on here who saw both Keeagn and Kemble and said Keegan was better, then I would trust that view.

I made the comment earlier about Bruce Ryan. I have had three different people who saw him play, tell me that he was the greatest player that they had seen play for Hull and as they watched Hull for 60+ years, then piecing a team together becomes easier.

I saw both keegan and kemble play ,both very different so hard to say who was best.Keegan without doubt was the best tackler i have ever seen ,kemble was great coming of his own line and his craft and speed were his strengths but who is better.... a draw

Nice article about jim devereaux on wiki.

I have a good friend who sits with me in the East Stand who has been supporting FC for over 75 years.He is a sprightly 82 and still is as passionate about fc today as he was when he started,he tells me.
He has seen so many great players that have worn the black and white shirt but when ever wingers crops up in conversation the one name that always comes out first is Bruce Ryan.So I reckon I will go with him for one of the wingers.
Incidentally, the guy keeps records on a season to season basis on FC that go back donkeys years.So if any one is struggling for any info that maybe you cant find on google,let me know he might be able to help.
Happy New Year to one and all.