Gareth McAuley
Born in Larne, McAuley came through the Irish League system with Linfield, Crusaders and Coleraine, combining defensive solidity with a growing physical presence. By the summer of 2004, he felt ready to test himself in full-time English football and, following a trial, signed for us.
McAuley did not immediately establish himself at Sincil Bank, initially featuring from the bench and even being used as an emergency target man. Injuries and squad changes soon opened the door, and once installed in defence, he quickly became a key figure. His versatility saw him operate at centre back, full back and in a more attacking role during the 2004-05 play-off run, where he scored five goals, including both legs of the semi-final win over Macclesfield.
The following season, he cemented his place at the heart of the defence, earned a spot in the League Two Team of the Year, and attracted interest from higher up the pyramid. In 2006, he declined a new Lincoln contract and moved on to Leicester City.
McAuley would go on to enjoy a long career with Leicester, Ipswich Town and West Bromwich Albion, becoming a Premier League regular and an established Northern Ireland international before retiring in 2019.