Throughout the week the Imps have been revealing former players and managers who have been voted onto the LNER Train of Fame by supporters.
The next man to step on board needs no introduction having been a recent fans' favourite at LNER Stadium.
Matt Rhead signed for the Imps in the summer of 2015 from Mansfield Town under then-manager Chris Moyses. A traditional centre forward, he was physically strong using this attribute to unsettle the opposition at all levels.
Rhead was a great header of the ball during his time at LNER Stadium but also possessed a ‘deftness of touch’ which he utilised when playing in/dropping into a ‘withdrawn role’. He was also a competent penalty taker for the Imps.
Matt rapidly became a crowd favourite at Lincoln having made an early impression with two goals at home to Macclesfield and then netting twice at Braintree. Rheady finished his first season at Lincoln with 20 goals from 43 appearances in the National League.
He continued to play an integral part in the Imps' great 2016-17 campaign under Danny Cowley, winning the National League title; reaching the semi-final of the FA Trophy and in becoming the first non-league side for over 100 years to reach the Quarter Final of the FA Cup. In all competitions Rhead was to make 51 and 5 substitute appearances that season scoring 14 goals.
In City's return to Sky Bet League Two, he played 43 times scoring eight goals.
The forward was part of the Imps victorious side against Shrewsbury in the 2017-18 Checkatrade Trophy Final at Wembley, the first time Lincoln had ever played at Wembley. He was also part of the Imps' Sky Bet League Two winning squad in the 2018-19 season making 34 appearances.
Rhead became renowned for his tactic of standing in front of the opposition goalkeeper as the keeper tried to ‘line up’ his wall when the Imps had a free kick in shooting distance of goal. Although opponents often complained about his use of physical strength he was never sent off playing for the Imps.
His infectious personality and hard work along with his football skills made him a ‘fans favourite’ and led to the refrain of ‘Rheady, Rheady, Rheady’ echoing around the ground as befit his legendary status.
Matt left Lincoln at the start of the 2019-20 season having played 196 games and scoring 49 goals in all competitions for the Imps. In the process he gained a National League championship winners medal; a Checkatrade Trophy winners medal and a Sky Bet League Two championship winners medal.
Rhead left the club for Billericay and now currently plays for Boreham Wood.
