Josh Gowling
I’m not sure how history will remember Josh Gowling. Would it be the awesome displays he turned in on loan in 2010/11, when we looked like actually staying up? It could be his refusal to celebrate when returning later that season with parent club Gillingham as they thrashed us 4-0. I was delighted when he signed for us over the summer, and felt he was the man to lead us back to the Football League at first attempt.
Or will we remember him as the man who testified in court that he thought Gary Charles was a paid member of staff? The player who later played for Grimsby and was sent off against us? The player who took two different sides to three play-off appearances in the National League, whilst we wallowed in the mire? I’m not sure, but I do know that whilst in an Imps shirt, he was a decent player.
Danny Hone
This can’t be right, surely? I’m defence deep into the team from ten years ago and thus far, all the players I’ve come across would walk into the relegated side of 2010/11. Danny Hone was a cracking defender for us, and despite being farmed out on loan at the tail end of the 2010/11 season, he was back in the heart of our defence the following season. Chris Sutton didn’t fancy him, Steve Tilson apparently did, then David Holdsworth didn’t and he was loaned to Barrow. A free transfer followed, which took him to North Ferriby, with whom he won the FA Trophy. Now manages the Active Arena in Lincoln and (to make you feel old) is still only 31.
Alan Power
Ok, I give up; where are the shit players? Seriously?
Alan Power is, in my eyes, an Imps legend with six seasons of solid service behind him as we struggled in the National League. He had been a trainee at Forest, but prior to joining us, had been a star for Rushden. I might be wrong, but I’m sure he was their Player of the Season when we signed him, which fuelled my belief we were mixing Football League quality with the best the BSP had to offer. Power looked good in the pre-season game, started well and then survived manager after manager before being a key part of our return to the Football League. He’s now with St Mirren in the SPFL.