Trevor Matthewson

Here’s a player who I’m putting up as much for attitude as anything. Refuse to lose? Never say die? This is your man.

Not only that, he showed remarkable attitude in dropping out of the Football League in 1987, stepping into the unknown with the Imps after being sold Colin Murphy’s dream. Murph had to get the right characters into the football club, not just good players but those with a certain fight and determination that is also evident in today’s side.

Matthewson was a good footballer, first and foremost. He operated at centre back, but could step into midfield and once even went in goal for Birmingham long after he moved on. he was tall, could win a header at both ends and if things got tough, he got tougher. Anyone on the terraces one cold night in October 1987 would be able to testify to that as he stood firm in a bruising encounter against Barnet.

Danny would value Matthewson’s attitude over and above his undoubted ability. He took a risk with the Imps and came out a winner, he was a leader in the dressing room and he set a fine example on the field as well. Imagine him with either Bozzy or Shacks at the back right now; he could have survived in League One with ease.