The majority of players that hit 30 are in the latter part of their career and are often regarded as way past their prime - Injuries happen more frequently, and recovery time becomes longer.

Experience can be a key asset to a Championship side, whether it’s scrapping for a play-off place or inspiring others to avoid the drop.

There have been many examples of players in the Sky Bet Championship over the years that have continued their exceptional standard despite being at the end of their career, such as Dean Windass.

Also the elder player of a side can also be a role model for those who are just beginning their footballing career's.

Many of the younger players shadow the more experienced members of the side to help them develop into a valued addition to the squad.

However, age is just a number in the Sky Bet Championship as there is an abundance of players who are showing no signs of slowing down.

Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams identifies the best over 30’s Sky Bet Championship XI based on this season.....

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE BEST OVER 30's XI!

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GK – Dimi Konstantopoulos – 37

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It was a very close call between the Greek shot-stopper and Hull City’s Allan McGregor.

However, I think the keepers clean sheet record speaks for itself this season and has shown his outstanding qualities at the club.

Dimi has kept 22 clean sheets this season and has conceded the fewest in the league all year.

Many of the Boro supporters have regarded the goalkeeper as arguably one of the best goalkeepers who has played at the Teeside club.

With Boro closing in on promotion to the Premier League, the Greek goalkeeper will be hoping that Karanka sticks with his ageing goalkeeper.

 

RB – Liam Rosenior – 31

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Rosenior has been a versatile and influential figure since arriving at Brighton from promotion rivals Hull on a free transfer in the summer.

Albion's league record with Rosenior in the side from the first whistle is played 24, won 14, drawn ten and lost none that indicates how important of a player he has been at the club.

Rosenior has made over 400 appearances for seven different clubs, mainly in the Premier League and will be hoping he can return to the top-flight with Brighton this season.

 

CB – Glenn Loovens – 32

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The Dutch defender has been vital to Wednesday’s push for promotion this season.

They say a captain needs to lead and inspire and that is exactly what Glenn Loovens has done in recent weeks.

He is a no nonsense defender who has formed a formidable partnership with Tom Lees in central defence.

The centre-back is strong in the air and commanding on the floor, helping Wednesday keep 5 clean sheets in their last 9 games.

Although he is not blessed with pace, Loovens is an astute reader of the game. Loovens was man of the match in Wednesday’s previous game against Derby County - contributing in a number of key areas in the face of a Derby attack that has scored 14 goals in its last four matches.

He is certainly one of the best defenders in the league and is showing that he has year’s left of his career.

 

CB- Michael Dawson – 32

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The Tiger’s captain has had a fantastic career and is arguably one of the best defenders in the division.

The 32 year old has also been named in the PFA Championship team of the year for his consistency at the heart of the back for Hull.

Dawson is a no nonsense, hard nosed defender who is extremely composed at the back.

The centre back is a player who should not be playing in the Championship and needs to see out his playing days in the Premier League.

 

LB – Clint Hill – 37

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Despite Hill only making 11 appearances for Rangers this season, he is regarded as a club legend after representing the West London side 162 times in a six-year stint at the club.

In his first season at Loftus Road, QPR won the Championship and gained promotion to the Premier League.

They went on to ensure survival on the final day of the season, with Hill winning the supporters player of the year award for his performances.

Hill’s career does hang in the balance after Hasselbaink looks to his youth players for next season, but the 37 year old could be offered a player-coach role for the 2016/17 campaign.

 

RW – Shaun Maloney – 33

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The Scottish international is a tricky winger who has been Steve Bruce’s impact player from the bench this season.

The 33 year old has made 20 appearances – scoring just once and setting up two goals.

Steve Bruce has backed the playmaker to make a major contribution in the final few games of the season.

With Hull guaranteed a play off place, Maloney could a big player for them and his experience will be a key asset to the squad.

CM – Joey Barton – 33

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The midfielder has been one of Burnley’s best players this season and shows no sign of slowing down.

When Joey Barton made the switch to Burnley last summer, most people were undecided on whether he would be a hit in Lancashire.

The 33-year old’s ability was often surpassed whilst at QPR, and you can’t fault his passion for the game. His best aspects to his game is his tackling, passing and interceptions.

Friday’s win against Preston typified his season at Turf Moor, and he has shown that he a real leader in the Burnley dressing room.

Barton’s performances have been rewarded by being named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

 

CM – Peter Whittingham – 31

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Whittingham has been with the Bluebirds for almost nine years and definitely deserves his legendary status in the Welsh capital.

The former Aston Villa man has been on the back seat this season compared to recent years, but has always delivered important goals for the club, as we witnessed his last minute penalty in their 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers at the weekend that keeps them in the hunt for the play offs.

The midfielder has achieved so much during his time at Cardiff City – leading them to the FA Cup and League Cup final and also gaining promotion to the Premier League.

 

LW – Ross Wallace – 30

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Wallace’s arrival to Wednesday in the summer and has proved to be a bargain.

The Scotsman joined the Owls for a free transfer on a 12-month contract and has contributed greatly for Carvahal.

He has appeared 45 times this season – scoring 5 goals and created 9 goals for his club.

The winger has been a tricky proposition for the majority of the Championship’s full backs this year and has an impeccable left foot.

Wallace will be looking to fire Wednesday to the Premier League that could earn him a new contract at the club.

 

ST – Daryl Murphy - 33

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At the age of 33 he is still one of the most lethal finishers in the Championship, and has earned international call-ups with the Republic of Ireland for his consistency.

Last season he was phenomenal in attack for Ipswich, scoring 27 goals making him the division’s top scorer and he was nominated for Championship Player of the Year.

He suffered from a bit of a drought at the start of the season, but has 10 goals in 35 games this year.

Despite scoring nowhere near the amount of goals from the previous campaign, Murphy can still sustain a double figure in his goal tally.

 

ST – Mirco Antenucci – 31

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Antenucci has been in excellent form over the past few months with the Yorkshire side.

He has netted four goals in three games last month and his performances were rewarded when he was nominated for the Championship player of the month award.

The forward is a valuable player for the Whites, but his contract is due to run out at the end of the year.

He is Leeds’ second top scorer and his performances are definitely worth a new deal.

At the age of 31, Antenucci still has a large amount to offer and Leeds would be making a big mistake to let him leave for free in the summer.

Championship fans.. Do you agree that these are the best 30 and over XI? If not, who would you pick? How good have these players been for their sides? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!