Lincoln City Football Club

What position(s) did you use to play at Lincoln City?

Midfield

Which seasons did you play for Lincoln City?

1959 - 1972. I made 305 appearances in total, scoring 40 goals.

What is your favourite memory from playing for Lincoln City?

I enjoyed every minute of being a professional footballer at Lincoln.

I have no particular favourite memory however the two that stand out is the FA Cup third round win against West Brom in 1961 when we won 3-1 - I was marked in that game by Sir Bobby Robson. The other game that stands out is the League Cup win against Newcastle United in 1967 where George Peden's bagged the winning penalty.

What did you enjoy most whilst living in the city of Lincoln?

I liked the quiet life and lived in the then fashionable village of Nettleham. Away from football I was a very keen angler, a member of several local angling clubs and enjoyed access to the River Witham.

What is the funniest recollection you have from a Lincoln City football match and why?

One home game (cannot recall the opposition) under the floodlights I was aware of one of the opposition speaking with the referee. Play was suspended almost immediately and we spent a few minutes looking for a missing contact lens.

Have you got any 'embarrassing' anecdote from when you played for Lincoln City?

Once during a home game at Sincil Bank I was being heckled by a supporter for being poor (he was probably right) but I reacted and gave some verbal abuse back, and from memory a hand gesture or two. After the game I whilst walking to my car, a car from the direction of the guest carpark drew alongside me, the driver wound down the window and said "Young man, if you want to get ahead in this game you must learn to control your temper." It was Brian Clough.

Do you remain in contact with some of your Lincoln City team-mates or the Lincoln community?

Yes. I do remain in contact with several of my old colleagues and I am still in touch also with some of my old fishing companions. Most of my old team-mates however do not live in our local area but I am a member of the Former Players Association and have kept in touch through that.

Who was the most talented player that you played with for Lincoln City? And, who was the most talented player that you played against?

I played against many talented players but perhaps some of the best known were Kevin Keegan, Billy Bremner, Kevin Hector.

For Lincoln City I most admired Bert Linnecor, an enthusiastic and talented midfield player. Dave Smith was someone who was just beginning his career with Lincoln City and with whom I played a handful of games. A very talented individual who I know I would have enjoyed playing with had I remained there.

What are your thoughts on the growth of the city and the football club when you visit now?

The ground and training facilities have dramatically improved since my playing days which all goes well for the future. The city has changed beyond recognition and the university has had a dramatic and favourable impact. I am fortunate that I still live not too far away and always enjoy my return visits to Sincil Bank and to the city.