7: Paul Smith

I always find it amusing when someone mentions Paul Smith, and I have to say which one. This one, signed from Nottingham Forest, was a player I didn’t rate whilst he was here, but perhaps one I have been a bit harsh on. Maybe it is because he wasn’t the other Paul Smith, one of my early idols.

The 7 has been a bit of a curse – for instance, Lee Frecklington had it for two seasons, then gave it up for Stefan Oakes. Ciaron Toner wore 7, briefly, of course, as did Kingsley Black. A couple of players have had it for two seasons, notably Jack Muldoon, Tom Pett and Tayo Edun, but Smith had it for two and was given it for a third, the 2003/04 season, although he retired before he could kick a ball. His last game for the Imps was the play-off final in 2003, a fitting end, but absolutely one that was far too premature.