8. Dean West
137 appearances, 23 goals
Swap deal with Kevin Hulme
Dean West was one of the most exciting full-backs to emerge from Lincoln’s ranks, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair. Known for his goal return from right-back and relentless energy, West’s performances made him a fan favourite in the 1990s.
He was controversially involved in a swap deal with Bury that brought Kevin Hulme to Sincil Bank—a move still viewed as a criminal act by City fans. He thrived at Bury (Hulme played five times for us) and later went on to impress at Burnley, regularly appearing in the Championship. How Steve Wicks was allowed to make that transfer remains an utter mystery.
West did return briefly in 2004, but by then he was a veteran with a long track record of outstanding Football League service.
7. Gary Strodder
151 appearances, 6 goals
£125,000 transfer fee
I vaguely recall Strodder; he featured in the first game I ever saw at the Bank. He was a shining light at the time for us, and had even been mentioned as a possible England Under-21 player in March 1986. He broke through at Sincil Bank in the early 1980s and quickly made a name for himself as a calm, composed centre-half with good distribution. His debut came in March 1983 in a side featuring Gordon Hobson and Glenn Cockerill, and his final appearance around four years later in a side featuring Peter Daniel and Bobby Mitchell – that’s how tough he had it during a period of decline.
His maturity at a young age earned him a £125,000 move to West Ham United where he stepped into First Division football. Strodder later enjoyed long spells at West Bromwich Albion and Notts County, and was even sent off against us in the 1998/99 season. His Football League career eventually spanned over 500 games, but it all began at Sincil Bank, where he remains one of our most valuable early academy exports.