old guard

noun3

1. •
   A conservative, reactionary faction that is more unwilling to accept new ideas than their peers are.
2. •
   An established group of prestige and influence.

   • The Blues, without new big-money signings Fernando Torres and David Luiz, relied on their old guard to dig them out of an early hole. — 2011
3. •
   (historical) The imperial guard created in 1804 by Napoleon.