Dennis Leigh
Left back Leigh began his football career as an apprentice with Doncaster Rovers, making his debut in 1967. He moved to Rotherham United whilst still just 19, and established himself gradually in the first team at left back and penalty-taker. He averaged 40 games a season over his first four full seasons, but lost his place early in 1972–73 and was transfer-listed. That prompted Graham Taylor to add him to City’s ranks.
In February 1973, Leigh became one of Graham Taylor’s first signings for Lincoln City, choosing us ahead of Peterborough United. He culd operate on either side of the defence, but ended up playing left back in an increasingly successful team. He was part of the side that narrowly missed out on promotion in 1974/75, the following season he was a regular in the Fourth Division Championship winning side. When you achieve something like that, you really should earn a few paragraph on a ‘greatest left back blog’ forty years later.
He left the club in 1979 having made 201 appearances, five more as a sub and scoring three goals. He might not have been the attacking wing back we’ve come to know in today’s game, but he was as solid and dependable as anyone at the time. He wasn’t adverse to picking up a red card or two either, he was sent off three times in a year in 1974/75. He eventually lost his left back spot to Phil Neale in the 1976 season, eventually winning it back in 1976/77 by scoring twice in three games.
He later signed for Boston United and ended up working at the Lincolnshire Echo, when it was a proper paper with news in it.
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Sandwith didn’t really replace Ellison. He came into the side when first Michael Blackwood then Nathan Peat had played at left back. He had to wait until October for his first start. I always thought he was a better player than he was given credit for.
Like Phil Neale, Dennis Leigh also played some games at right back and a few in midfield.
Didn’t Jeff Hughes play at left back under Keith?
Sandwith was decent, the best we’ve ever had?
No chance.
Barraclough probably would have got my vote, just.
If I recall correctly Denis Leigh (yes a great left back), lost his place to Phil Neale in 1975/6 season when he broke his leg in a game. Sadly I can’t remember which game, hopefully someone else can.
Dennis Leigh last played during the 1975/76 season in the away match at Brentford on 13th March. However, he didn’t break a leg or suffer any other injury but missed the rest of the season due to developing appendicitis and having to have an operation.