Neil Redfearn’s proposed move to Doncaster Rovers had become anything but straightforward by 20 August 1986, and Lincoln City chairman John Reames had finally had enough.
The 21-year-old midfielder had been expected to sign for Rovers for £17,500, but City were still waiting for confirmation that the deal had been completed. Reames responded by ordering Redfearn back to Sincil Bank to resume training with the Imps.
“It is a disgraceful situation,” raged Reames. They have been messing about for weeks and we can’t tolerate it any longer.”
The dispute centred on a tribunal valuation of £17,500. Doncaster had initially declined to pay it, despite having shown interest in Redfearn much earlier, and had then returned towards the end of the summer. Reames was unimpressed by the timing.
“Doncaster first contacted me about Neil last Christmas but never made an offer for him and opted for a tribunal.”
“Then they don’t like the price and wait until the last week of the close season before coming back to us in order to save on the close season wages.”
“It seems they are waiting until the very last moment and it is very unsatisfactory.”
City also intended to make sure Redfearn’s wages were covered from the point at which the tribunal had set the fee. If Doncaster completed the signing but refused to meet that demand, Reames was prepared to take the matter to the Football League.
“We’ve been in daily contact with Rovers and they know my feelings on the subject.”
For the time being, Redfearn was set to remain involved with George Kerr’s squad and was expected to play in City’s final pre-season friendly at Sleaford. That situation would not last, with the move to Doncaster eventually going through for the agreed fee.
His departure ended a productive spell at Sincil Bank. Redfearn had joined City from Bolton Wanderers in 1984 and went on to make 100 league appearances, scoring 13 goals. At Doncaster he added another 14 goals in 46 league games before Crystal Palace paid £100,000 for him in 1987, a healthy profit of £82,500, around a quarter of a million with inflation.
A long career followed, taking in Watford, Oldham Athletic, Barnsley, Charlton Athletic, Bradford City, Wigan Athletic and several other clubs. He would eventually play more than 1,000 competitive first-team matches, with his seven-year spell at Barnsley becoming the defining period of his playing career.
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