Scott Willis
When it comes to cult heroes, I couldn’t start anywhere other than Scott Willis. I remember the first time I saw him play, in a friendly against Huddersfield, when he looked to be quite a catch. He was a combative midfielder with real quality and capable of the most outrageous moments of brilliance. His long-range goals were legendary for a while, but his character was tainted with a mad streak which kept seeing him press the self-destruct button.
His strike away at Carlisle could have won any goal of the season award, but his neck high tackle at home to Cambridge could have resulted in an arrest. His great goal against Exeter had critics applauding, but allegedly spitting at a Stockport defender did him no favours. That 30 a day habit can’t have helped his cause either.
He scored three times for City in 33 appearances but spent most of his time on the bench and I suspect his temperament was one of the reasons he was allowed to join first Northwich and latterly Hereford on loan. He made just four appearances for Lincoln in 2003/04 before heading to Hereford. His final game for Hereford saw him score in a 2-0 win and get sent off for two bookable offences, proving he was still as wildly unpredictable as ever.
I really liked Scott Willis, if he’d settled he might just have become my favourite ever Lincoln player. He was also Cilla Black’s nephew and had so many reasons for me to think of his as a future world-beater.
Paul Dobson was a hero of mine too and, like you, I was unaware of his ‘history’ when he signed for us. I thought he was a cracking player and he was not utilised as well as he should have been and should have had a great career with us. He was one of those striker signings who really excited me upon arrival… and there hasn’t been many of them over the years.
good article. i think you must be 15 years behind me – i’m 46
Bressington, Hobson, James. Mcginley for me.
Tony James is the only player i’ve ever seen and thought immediadley and every time he should be playing way above this league.
Just to clarify these are not my full heroes, they’re the sort of cult player I loved but who never reached the heights I felt they should.
Malcolm Dunkley (88-89 I think?) – 2 goal debut including a long-range screamer, and then never heard of again
Didn’t he score in his next game too? I’m sure he did.