15. Ben Dixon
50 appearances, 0 goals
£15,000 transfer fee
Ben Dixon came through during a good time for the academy – Steve Parkinson, Darren Huckerby and Matt Carbon were all a similar time. He was initially a left winger but switched deeper during his spell with the club.
While he didn’t score during his 50 appearances, he offered a level of consistency and professionalism that helped steady the squad during his time at the club, a turbulent time on the field. He played in the same team (briefly) as Gary Megson, and when the veteran midfielder took over at Blackpool, he came back to the Bank with an offer of cash, which we desperately needed.
Though not one of the headline names from the era, Dixon’s contribution represented good value and a reliable squad presence during a challenging period.
14. Freddie Draper
74 appearances, 8 goals
I do like Draper, and I have to argue the point quite a bit in the stands. Internally, he is a highly regarded academy graduate who broke into City’s first team with raw potential and strong physical attributes. He caught the eye during an FA Youth Cup game against Watford, but his progress has slowed a little of late.
Known for his aerial ability, hold-up play and movement in the box, Draper has gained first-team minutes through a combination of cup fixtures, substitute appearances and productive loan spells. His spell at Walsall was particularly fruitful, but it’s not something he has replicated for City, yet.
His goal tally remains modest, but his development has been closely watched, with many tipping him to become a key attacking option for the club. With maturity beyond his years and a solid technical base, Draper remains one of the most promising forwards in City’s recent academy output.