19. Alex Simmons
30 appearances, 2 goals
Alex Simmons was another academy product who made the step up to Lincoln City’s senior side with pace and energy in forward areas during our National League stay.
One of the few father and son combos to appear and score for City, Simmons (like his Dad) was quick and eager to run in behind. Following his emergence from the academy, he was used primarily as an impact player, offering a different dimension in attack.
He only started six league matches, often coming on as an impact sub. He made his debut in 2014 at Braintree, and scored his first goal in 2015 away at Forest Green. He also appeared twice in the 2016/17 season, as we beat North Ferriby 6-1, and drew 0-0 with Maidstone.
18. Ellis Chapman
31 appearances, 0 goals
Ellis Chapman made his Lincoln City debut as a teenager and immediately caught the eye with his composure and passing range. A central midfielder with excellent technical ability, he was earmarked early as one of the club’s brightest prospects.
Though his first-team appearances were limited, he featured during a key period in the club’s modern rise, and was once thought of as a future £1m player by some.
That didn’t materialise. He got a run in the team after Michael Appleton arrived, but was sold to Cheltenham Town in October2020, where he continued to develop in the Football League, while we retained a future interest. While he didn’t break through as expected, he was a solid squad player in our title-winning season.