Gareth Ainsworth
No introduction needed here. Ainsworth arrived at City after earlier spells with Northwich, Preston and Cambridge, and his impact was immediate. He scored 37 goals in 83 league games for us, became a two-time Player of the Year, and earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
His form brought a £500,000 move to Port Vale, where he added 10 goals in 55 matches before stepping up again with Wimbledon in the Premier League, this time for £2 million. Injuries limited him there, yet he still produced moments of real quality. Those years with us, Vale and Wimbledon shaped the fearless, front-foot footballer who later moved naturally into management.
Chris Herd! There’s a player I had forgotten about, he looked like he had a big future ahead of him when he had his loan spell with us (Vale), obviously injuries took their toll and it never really happened for him. Ainsworth and Dodds, both legends at Vale Park. Saturday should be an easy three points for you, we are dire right now – haven’t scored a single goal in our last 6 league games, heads drops as soon as we concede.