Number 10 in our countdown brings us to a striker remembered not only for his goals but for his impact on one of the most dramatic survivals in Lincoln City’s history.
Roy Chapman forged a reputation as a committed, courageous centre forward whose aerial ability, poise in the box and instinct for crucial goals returned 0.44 per game for the Imps across two spells, making him one of the most efficient finishers ever to play at Sincil Bank.
Roy Chapman (0.44)
Roy Chapman arrived at Sincil Bank in 1957, signed by Bill Anderson as cover for the injured George Hannah, yet he quickly became far more influential than anyone expected. His first season ended with one of the defining moments of the era. With City needing a result on the final day to avoid relegation, more than 18,000 supporters packed the Bank as tension swirled around the ground. Chapman rose to the occasion. He headed an equaliser in the 69th minute and struck again ten minutes later to complete a comeback that saved the club from the drop.
His scoring continued with consistency despite playing in sides often battling the odds in Division Two. Chapman struck 15 goals in 1958-59 and added seven more the following year as Lincoln worked to compete with clubs boasting greater financial power and deeper squads. He then delivered 16 goals in 1960-61 before the decline that followed Anderson’s final years took hold. After scoring 45 goals in 105 league appearances across his first spell, Chapman was sold to Mansfield Town, where he continued his prolific form.
He returned to Lincoln in 1964 as player-coach during a turbulent period that saw the club sink to the bottom tier. Chapman made history early in that second spell by becoming the first official substitute in Lincoln City’s league history, replacing Bunny Larkin in August 1965. Given responsibility for team selection following Con Moulson’s departure, he led the side through a challenging 18-month stretch before Ron Gray took charge. Even during the struggle he continued to score. He produced five goals in 1964-65, added 9 the following year and finished his Lincoln career with 21 goals in 1966-67 as the club ultimately finished bottom of Division Four.
Chapman later moved into management with Stafford Rangers, winning the FA Trophy twice and the Northern Premier League title in 1971-72. He also led Stockport County for a brief spell and famously brought George Best to Edgeley Park in November 1975. His footballing legacy extended further as his son, Lee Chapman, went on to play for Arsenal, Stoke City, Leeds United and several other clubs.
Roy Chapman died in 1983 at the age of 48. His Lincoln City record stands at 175 appearances and 75 goals, a ratio of 0.44 that places him firmly among the most prolific and impactful strikers to ever wear red and white.
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