8. Kevin Ellison – 13 apps, 0 goals
Kevin Ellison might raise eyebrows on a list of ‘best’ loanees—after all, he didn’t score a single goal in his 13 appearances for us during his 2001 loan spell. But goals weren’t the reason Ellison made such an impression. He brought aggression, directness, and an edge to a side that needed a bit of bite to get over the line.
He was unpredictable and solid, and fans instantly warmed to him. He had that look—shaved head, intense stare, always up for a scrap, even with opposition supporters, as a Huddersfield fan found out. It felt like he belonged in a Lincoln shirt. His stint was short, but it gave us a taste of a player who would go on to have a remarkable career, racking up over 550 league appearances and playing well into his forties.
There’s a reason Ellison is fondly remembered by me; he gave everything, and that energy resonated with supporters. In an era of hard men and long balls, he slotted in perfectly.
7. Spencer Weir-Daley – 11 apps, 5 goals
Spencer Weir-Daley had one of those flashes-in-the-pan spells that fans still talk about. Brought in from Nottingham Forest during the 2006–07 season, he made just 11 appearances for us—but found the net five times in that brief spell. He only started five games, but scored a brace at Walsall in front of TV cameras that had fans purring.
He was quick, sharp, and always seemed to be in the right place. Two of the goals came in heavy defeats, but he still looked every bit the player destined for a higher level. There was a natural swagger to the way he played—confident without being cocky, and with a real eye for goal.
Many fans were desperate to see him stay beyond his loan, but it wasn’t to be. He moved around the lower leagues after leaving Forest, but that spell at City showed what he could do when given the platform. In terms of short-term impact, Weir-Daley’s loan was among the most effective of the decade.
6. Michael O’Connor – 77 apps, 5 goals
When Michael O’Connor first arrived on loan from Crewe Alexandra in 2008, it was clear we’d picked up a serious talent. Composed, clever, and with a bite in the tackle, he quickly became the heartbeat of our midfield after Lee Frecklington had been allowed to leave. He made his debut as we were thumped by Grimsby, and went on to appear ten times, scoring once.
There was never a chance we’d sign him and he ended up at Scunthorpe.He went on to have a fine career with Rotherham, Port Vale, and Notts County, among others, but for Imps fans, that initial loan was the moment we got a real midfielder into the side again—one who could play and scrap in equal measure.
Of course, he came back in 2018/19 and won the League Two title, making his initial loan spell a delicious taster of what was to come.
5. Chris Herd – 22 apps, 4 goals
Chris Herd’s time at Lincoln came during a difficult season, but he was one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise gloomy 2008–09 campaign. On loan from Aston Villa, Herd slotted into midfield with a confidence that belied his age and inexperience. He looked likely to create something from nothing, scoring a wonder goal against Rochdale (if I recall correctly, I haven’t actually checked).
He had a great engine, strong tackling ability, and—crucially for a loanee—he looked like he cared. Herd threw himself into games, never shying from a challenge, and chipped in with four goals that showcased his attacking instincts. Whether it was driving forward from deep or arriving late into the box, he always looked a threat.
Fans warmed to him quickly, and there was genuine disappointment when his loan ended. It felt like we’d unearthed a proper player, and time proved that correct—he went on to play in the Premier League and represent Australia at international level.
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