George Kerr’s rebuilding of the Lincoln City squad took an unusually local turn on 21 August 1986, when two Lincoln United players agreed terms with the Imps.
Gary Crosby and Alan Crombie were both set to become available to City while continuing to play for United in the Central Midlands League. The arrangement meant Lincoln would have first call on the pair whenever Kerr wanted to involve them.
While Crombie is a name known by local fans, Crosby became almost a household name in the early 90s for his exploits with Nottingham Forest. He cheekily headed the ball out of Andy Dibble’s hand for a famous goal against Manchester City, but he was a raw teenager when Kerr spotted him.
The City manager believed both were capable of making the step up.
“Allen and Gary are very good players and they will be an asset to our squad.”
Crombie was already familiar with Sincil Bank, having been on non-contract terms with City during the previous season without making a first-team appearance. To become eligible again, he had to cancel his registration with Lincoln United.
Crosby was another familiar face. He had played for Lincoln United in his teens while also appearing regularly for City’s youth and reserve sides, but there had long been doubts over whether his slight frame would prevent him from making the jump into the professional game.
Kerr had no such reservations and also made a point of recognising the work done with both players by United manager Fred Green.
“Fred is a good local manager who has developed these players to the stage where they are capable of playing in the Football League and I’m very grateful to him.”
Both players had agreed terms the previous day, although Crosby’s immediate involvement would be delayed because he was leaving for a holiday in Portugal and would not be available for a couple of weeks.
His eventual City career was modest, with seven league appearances before he returned to Lincoln United, but that was nowhere near the end of his story. Crosby later moved to Grantham Town and then joined Nottingham Forest, where he went on to make 152 league appearances and became part of a successful side under Brian Clough.
As mentioned, his most famous moment came against Manchester City in 1990 when he headed the ball from goalkeeper Dibble’s hand and rolled it into an empty net. He later played for Grimsby Town, Huddersfield Town and Rushden & Diamonds before moving into coaching, most notably alongside Nigel Clough.
Elsewhere, on the same day, Kerr’s attempt to sign former Grimsby Town full-back Tony Barratt had come to nothing. Negotiations had broken down and the 22-year-old decided to remain in the north-east. Barratt subsequently played for Hartlepool United and York City, building a substantial Football League career.
There was still unfinished business surrounding Neil Redfearn as well, featured in an On This Day piece yesterday. City had yet to receive confirmation that his move to Doncaster Rovers was complete, although the expectation was that the deal would finally go through. Redfearn had missed training despite John Reames ordering him back, while Rovers manager Dave Cusack had reportedly assured City that the cheque was in the post.
On the pitch, the Imps had completed their pre-season programme with a 3-0 victory at Sleaford Town. Kevin Kilmore, Ian McInnes and Richard Cooper scored the goals, while new signing Steven Buckley made his first appearance in red and white.
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