David D’Auria
Cup Winners’ Cup (1989/90, 1994/95)
David D’Auria appeared in the Cup Winners’ Cup with two different Welsh clubs—Swansea City in 1989/90 and Barry Town in 1994/95. Notably, he was sent off in Barry’s tie against Zalgiris Vilnius, a moment that punctuated a hard-fought but ultimately unsuccessful campaign. He was instrumental in Barry winning the Welsh Cup in 1994, scoring the opening goal in the final against Cardiff City
In 1995, Lincoln trialled the Welsh midfielder following his release by Barry Town, and he impressed in a friendly against Lincoln United. Though a move never materialised, he later starred for Scunthorpe United, scoring against the Imps in 1996. He went on to net 19 goals in 125 games for the Iron, before spells at Hull City and Chesterfield. With 43 goals in 320 league matches, he was a classy, goal-scoring midfielder who definitely slipped through City’s fingers.
This is tenuous, and in fairness, there are others who only trialled but didn’t sign (Nigel Jemson for instance) but for some reason, I wanted D’Auria on the list.
Dixie McNeil
Cup Winners’ Cup (1978/79, 1979/80, 1984/85)
Dixie McNeil enjoyed multiple European campaigns with Wrexham in the Cup Winners’ Cup. He scored in the 1978/79 first-round victory over Yugoslav side Rijeka, played against FC Magdeburg in 1979/80, and faced FC Porto and AS Roma in a dramatic run during the 1984/85 tournament. McNeil’s goals and leadership helped establish Wrexham’s reputation as tough European competitors despite limited resources.
McNeil joined City in the Fourth Division prior to his European exploits and quickly made his mark, finishing as the club’s top scorer for two consecutive seasons. His prolific form at Sincil Bank earned him a £15,000 move to Hereford United, but it was with the Imps that his reputation as a reliable goalscorer was first cemented. McNeil’s time at Lincoln showcased his natural finishing ability and remains a key chapter in the career of one of the lower leagues’ most consistent strikers.