Five legendary Irish League captains from the past 20 years

What makes a good captain?

Leadership qualities are an obvious, and being able to galvanise a team when the going gets tough.

Not to mention being a decent footballer who can consistently deliver on the top stage.

The Irish League has witnessed some incredible skippers down the years, players who wore the armband with distinction and pride.

They also led their club to countless trophy successes, with many having their names written into the pantheon of the game's great players.

We asked fans to give us their top captain of the past 20 years, and there were some stellar names included in the picks.

Here are the five most popular as chosen by supporters.

They are in no particular order, although the man in number one spot probably deserves to be sitting top...

Pretty much the number one choice from most Irish League fans - and how could you argue with Noel Bailie MBE. An incredible defender who dedicated his career to Linfield, helping them win every major domestic honour going - several times. Bailie retired in 2011 having made 1,013 appearances for the Blues. He won 37 trophies including 10 league titles, eight Irish Cups and a Setanta Cup. The club retired the number 11 jersey after he called time on his career.

A no-nonsense defender and leader of men on the pitch, Coates epitomised everything a team needs in terms of captaincy. A mainstay in Crusaders' defence for two decades, Coates helped the Shore Road men win three league titles in four seasons, the Irish Cup and a Setanta Sports Cup among other trophies.

'Leeper' spent 15 years at the Oval and amassed 597 appearances during his time on Mersey Street. His trophy haul included four league titles and as many Irish Cups, five League Cups and six County Antrim