Gary Brabin
UEFA Cup (2002/03, 2003/04)
Oh, how I disliked Brabin. I remember his European adventure because I made a joke about it in a Deranged Ferret!
Brabin represented The New Saints (then Total Network Solutions) in consecutive UEFA Cup campaigns in the early 2000s. He played in qualifiers against teams such as Polonia Warsaw and Manavgatspor, bringing a combative edge to TNS’s midfield. While the Welsh side failed to progress far, Brabin’s leadership and aggression made him a standout presence.
His time at Lincoln City came in 1999 when he joined on loan from Blackpool. Though his stay was brief, four matches, Brabin’s no-nonsense style made an impression on supporters, and not always a good one. His later stint as manager of Tranmere, against us, as well as a red card at the Bank while playing for Hull, made him a bit of a public enemy.
Gary Bannister
UEFA Cup (1984/85)
Gary Bannister starred for Queens Park Rangers during their 1984/85 UEFA Cup campaign, scoring six goals in just four games, including a hat-trick against Partizan Belgrade. His prolific output briefly made him one of the tournament’s leading scorers, as QPR reached the second round before a narrow exit.
Bannister later played for Lincoln City in the twilight of his career, joining in 1994. He netted eight times in 34 outings before moving on, but was one of the veterans we had pass through who I thought was half decent. Though his best years were behind him, he brought class and experience to the squad. His goal haul in Europe remains one of the most impressive ever by a former Imps player.
Gary Megson
UEFA Cup (1993/94)
Gary Megson featured in the UEFA Cup for Norwich City in 1993/94, playing a part in the club’s most famous European run, which included a stunning victory over Bayern Munich. He was involved in the earlier rounds and helped anchor the midfield during a historic period in the Canaries’ history.
Megson joined Lincoln City on a permanent deal at the start of the 1995/96 season. He didn’t last long – four matches in total, before him and Sam Ellis agreed it was time to call it a day. He played twice more for Shrewsbury before signing off completely, and became more well-known for his managerial career.