Jeff Hughes
Thought Jeff Hughes was quality for the season or so he spent with us
— Thomas Gavin (@tomgavinado) May 10, 2018
Here’s the first of two very surprising nominations to end this morning’s round up with, Jeff Hughes. There’s no doubting Hughes was a good player, after all he went on to play at a good level, but I am surprised because he had one decent season after his move to City, a season in which many other players also shone.
He was spotted by Keith Alexander playing for Larne and he impressed enough to earn a two-year deal in 2005. The Irish market seemed a rich vein of talent to tap into and it also almost saw us sign James McClean too. Hughes made his debut against Bristol Rovers, a team he would not only make his final Imps appearance against, but also end up playing for.
He was a tricky winger with a good turn of pace, but at times looked too lightweight in his first season. He had a tendency to drift out of games despite showing obvious potential. His second season was more successful as he moved to cement a first team spot. Under John Schofield he flourished and began to find his eye for goal. A brace in the 7-1 win over Rochdale caught the eye, and winners in successive games against Boston (2-1) and Wycombe (1-0) at Christmas of 2006.
As the team faded towards the end of the season Hughes kept his performance levels high. Three of Lincoln’s four play-off goals against Bristol Rovers came from his boot, and his final Imps performance was the second leg tie where he scored twice. Our failure to get promoted meant Hughes would inevitably move to a bigger club, and it was Crystal Palace where he moved on a free transfer. Bristol Rovers didn’t forget him though and within eighteen months he was playing for them, amassing well over 125 appearances in his spell there.
Have you forgotten Tony Woodcock Gary?
Other people nominate, not I
Tony Woodcock was more a striker than winger
Based on the few games Woodcock played for City he didn’t look as good as Alan Harding.
Saving the best for later? Only Ainsworth in with a sniff from this lot and for us ‘more mature’ supporters who go back to the ’60s he’s in the reserves.
Woodcock was a striker and played, what, 6 games max while on loan??!!
In the games he played Tony Woodcock looked ordinary compared to Alan Harding.