Ian Baraclough
When someone suggested to me I’d omitted Baraclough, I kicked myself. For a short while at the beginning of the 1990s, I thought he was the finest full back I’d ever get to see in a Lincoln shirt. He hadn’t always been a defender, he’s started life as a striker and that showed in his ability to strike the ball. He had a wicked set piece and could glide up and down the line with ease.
Barraclough could operate in defence or midfield and cut an imposing figure wherever he played, standing at over six feet tall. He joined us from Grimsby after a short loan spell, brought to the club as a winger by Steve Thompson. He went on to make over 90 appearances in Imps colours. Baraclough could switch between defence and attack with ease and always looked likely to grab a goal, especially from 12 yards. Keith Alexander said of him “I’d always have an Ian Baraclough in my side”. sadly, by June 1994 it wasn’t his side anymore as he was moved on, as was the talented left back. It came as some shock when he was allowed to leave for Mansfield Town, but the run of games at Sincil Bank helped set him up for a stellar career at Notts County and Queens Park Rangers.
He later signed for Scunthorpe United in 2004 on a free transfer, enjoying fantastic success with the Iron, winning promotion from Football League Two. He was part of the team who were then promoted from Football League One as champions to the Football League Championship in 2007 and then once more via the playoffs in 2009 as part of the backroom staff at Glanford Park where he had great success as coach/assistant to Nigel Adkins.
He has also managed Motherwell, Sligo Rangers and currently looks after Northern Ireland U21s.
Sandwith didn’t really replace Ellison. He came into the side when first Michael Blackwood then Nathan Peat had played at left back. He had to wait until October for his first start. I always thought he was a better player than he was given credit for.
Like Phil Neale, Dennis Leigh also played some games at right back and a few in midfield.
Didn’t Jeff Hughes play at left back under Keith?
Sandwith was decent, the best we’ve ever had?
No chance.
Barraclough probably would have got my vote, just.
If I recall correctly Denis Leigh (yes a great left back), lost his place to Phil Neale in 1975/6 season when he broke his leg in a game. Sadly I can’t remember which game, hopefully someone else can.
Dennis Leigh last played during the 1975/76 season in the away match at Brentford on 13th March. However, he didn’t break a leg or suffer any other injury but missed the rest of the season due to developing appendicitis and having to have an operation.