Will the 08/09 Football Season herald fresh icons to replace Beckham as the sports style savvy leader of the pack?

Football and fashion are traditionally held to be the his and hers of the premier league player and his WAG, with the Cricket and Juicy Couture bags dangling off the undernourished but meticulously bronzed wrists of the partners in question. Where Colleen may work herself into a frenzy of delight over a Chloe tiered skirt, the Wayne's, Steven's et al have always seemed less than enthused by the concept of establishing a unique footballer aesthetic, over and above the familiar lads' 'suited and booted on the town' look.

This is not to say that their non-British counterparts are innocent style gurus. Indeed, you could be forgiven for thinking, if you have a penchant for soaking up the wisdom of tabloid newspapers, that Cristiano Ronaldo was staging a one man effort to revitalise the sun kissed style of David Dickenson, albeit with a touch more Brylcream than even the legend himself would indulge in.

In fact, one imagines that the most hardy of teddy boys' are convulsing with jealousy from beyond the grave at Cristiano's slick mop; though this might need to be weighed against the chances of them actually being able to see it through the glare of the light reflecting off his head. The fashion police must be patrolling the perimeters of chez Ronaldo just itching to challenge his grease/tan crimes against fashion decency.

Yet Ronaldo, as Manchester United's main asset; top goal scorer and one of the highest premier league earners, has his public and private life almost consistently under scrutiny. Although his somewhat 'individual' style may not be one that men clamour to replicate, this combination of exposure and personal wealth means that more iconic players will undoubtedly see their stylistic doppelgangers on the high streets of towns and cities throughout the country.

The sarong and all leather his and hers delights may not have seen a testosterone fuelled frantic dash to snap up all available supplies of lederhosen or the start of guys re-fashioning bed sheets into stylish beach wear - but the sales of Intimately perfume, not to mention the prevalence of Beckham-esque copy cat hairstyles, suggests that the ubiquitous sportsman still has a significant influence over men's lifestyle choices in the UK.

As the 2008/09 season begins with Beckham still 'starrring' with LA Galaxy, his absence provides room for a host of fresh premier league players to pick up the fashion baton. As no one specific player holds quite the same universal status of Beckham; apart from perhaps the aforementioned friend of the sun Ronaldo, it seems a relay team of potentials may be able to emerge as successors to the crown over the coming months and years.

The Contenders:

Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry, were he still playing for Arsenal, would seem a natural trendsetter for British men. Charisma and effortless charm, not to mention a 2007 collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger to produce a capsule range, profits of which went to his foundation. The designs, which included amongst others, the not unattractive Thierry Henry trench, proved that the omnipresent tracksuit can have a more chic counterpart.

Sol Campbell

As one time partner of influential interior designer Kelly Hoppen, Portsmouth's Sol Campbell has undoubtedly been the subtle cousin to Beckham's fashion king. As cover star of and upcoming fashion/football fusion magazine, and notwithstanding the scathing attacks on a pair of remarkably broad fisherman's pantaloons Campbell recently sported, he has been known to attire himself in a number of hugely flattering belted jacket and beanie combinations.

Like Henry's Hilfiger creation, the trench is one footballer staple that will flank the seasons and inevitably remain timeless. Just take a look at Burberry Prorsum. Season after season, Christopher Bailey re-invents the labels principal garment and enables footballers to be stylish whilst not necessarily opting for the more conceptual, couture Comme des Garcons or John Galliano-esque designs.

Ashley Cole

Chelsea's Ashley Cole is perhaps another who may be able to surface as a style leader amongst players. Despite a previous penchant for a number of husband and wife outfits coordinated to saturation point, Cole, like Campbell, has mastered the art of simple chic, with V-neck T-shirt (as featured on the CFM summer style guide this year) and a well fitted dark jean.

Hardly avant garde, but miles ahead of his team mate John Terry's shocking beaded cardigan avec bare chest combo or suit jacket teamed with blue jeans, which sends shivers of embarrassed recognition down the spine of anyone who went to a tacky mainstream club during the 1990's.

Frank Lampard

Even if it takes some time for another premier league player, be it Cole, Campbell or even Frank Lampard, who despite the odd misguided shiny shirt, wears basics well, to inspire as many high street imitation buys, a few Spring 2009 key looks will no doubt please the football crowd.

Once the colour of choice for Paris Hilton and other girls, pink is now a bonafide colour du jour for footballers and golfers alike, with Jil Sander, YSL and Louis Vuitton all featuring the colour on their menswear catwalks, the upcoming season should see the high street replicas available for those who don't necessarily enjoy a weekly six figure salary. Similarly, Veronique Branqhiuno and Dolce and Gabbana's casual, longer shorts echo those worn on the pitch, and will allow the sport friendly man to reference his team both on and off the terraces.

Written by Jenny Haward